How to Create an NFT Token for Free and Sell It on NFT Marketplaces: Complete Guide

Understanding the NFT Creation Process

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token, which represents unique digital assets that can be used to prove ownership of specific items. Minting an NFT token refers to the process of creating it on a blockchain network, making it permanently recorded and verifiable.

The versatility of NFTs is remarkable - essentially anything that exists in digital space can become an NFT. This includes tweets, digital artwork in JPG format, music albums, virtual real estate, and much more. However, the most significant success and widespread attention NFTs gained in 2021 came from art collections, which revolutionized how digital artists monetize their work.

Through blockchain technology, artists from anywhere in the world can now reach art collectors and sell their work securely without intermediaries. The democratization of art sales means that anyone can learn how to create and sell NFT art, regardless of their location or previous connections in the traditional art world.

However, the tokenization process of digital assets comes with associated costs, primarily gas fees. Most NFTs are created on the Ethereum network, which, despite its popularity and security, has one significant drawback: high gas fees that can sometimes exceed the value of the NFT itself, especially for new creators.

To create and mint NFTs, you'll need a cryptocurrency wallet such as MetaMask, along with some Ethereum to cover gas fees. However, this comprehensive guide will show you how to create and sell NFTs completely free of charge, utilizing both Ethereum and Polygon blockchains through innovative minting methods.

How to Create NFT Tokens for Free

To learn how to sell NFT art successfully, you must first select an NFT marketplace that allows you to mint your NFTs for free. You'll also need a cryptocurrency wallet to pay any necessary fees and receive payments when your NFTs sell. The wallet serves as your digital identity and secure storage for your digital assets.

You can create and sell NFTs on numerous specialized platforms, each with its own features and community. We'll focus on the two most popular NFT trading platforms: OpenSea and Rarible. These platforms have established themselves as industry leaders with millions of users and billions in trading volume.

Regarding cryptocurrency wallets, while many options are supported by these platforms, we'll use MetaMask because it's one of the most popular and user-friendly wallets among cryptocurrency users. MetaMask offers excellent security features, easy integration with NFT platforms, and supports multiple blockchain networks.

An important aspect of these popular NFT marketplaces is that they allow free NFT minting through lazy minting technology, but they still charge a service fee of 2.5% of the sale price for each NFT transaction. This fee covers platform maintenance, security, and ongoing development.

Creating Free NFT Tokens on OpenSea

Step 1: Install MetaMask Wallet

MetaMask is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets that functions as a browser extension on your device. It provides a secure way to interact with blockchain applications and manage your digital assets. If you haven't used it yet, visit the official MetaMask website and download the wallet extension for your browser.

Do you already have a MetaMask wallet? In that case, you can import it using your recovery phrase, which you should have saved when you first created the wallet. If not, create a new wallet by following the indicated steps carefully. Remember to write down your recovery phrase using pen and paper (never store it digitally), as it will be essential for wallet recovery if you lose access to your device. You'll also need to set a wallet password, which will be required every time you want to connect it to a new application or access your funds.

Step 2: Connect MetaMask to OpenSea

Navigate to the OpenSea marketplace website and click on the wallet icon in the upper right corner to connect your wallet. This establishes a secure connection between your wallet and the platform. Select MetaMask from the list of available wallets and confirm the connection in your wallet (a pop-up window will appear asking for your permission).

Once your wallet is connected to the NFT marketplace, you'll be able to see your profile, view your collection, and create your first NFT. The connection is secure and encrypted, ensuring your assets remain protected.

Step 3: Create and Mint NFT for Free on OpenSea

You can choose between creating a single token or an NFT collection. Considering the most popular and successful NFTs in the market, we recommend minting an NFT collection, as collections tend to perform better and attract more attention than individual pieces. Collections also allow for better storytelling and brand building.

To create a single NFT, click Create in the upper right menu. If you want to create an NFT collection, click on the account icon (upper right corner, next to the wallet icon), then navigate to My Collections and select Create Collection.

An NFT collection will require providing additional details such as collection name, description, banner image, and category. After creating the collection, you'll be able to add items to it and choose the exact number of NFTs to be created within that collection. This organizational structure helps buyers understand your artistic vision.

For each item or NFT you want to create, you'll need to provide several details, including:

• Digital artwork file (image, video, audio, or 3D model)
• Name that represents your creation
• External link to additional information
• Detailed description explaining the artwork
• Collection assignment (if you have multiple collections)
• Properties and traits that make your NFT unique
• Unlockable content for buyers
• Supply quantity
• Blockchain network selection

Since we're discussing how to create and sell your NFTs for free, it's crucial to select the Polygon blockchain instead of the default Ethereum option. This is the key to avoiding upfront minting costs.

Polygon is one of the best networks for NFT transactions and cryptocurrency operations because it offers significantly lower fees and higher transaction speeds compared to Ethereum mainnet. In this case, it allows OpenSea creators to mint NFTs completely free of charge, removing the barrier to entry for new artists.

Click Create, and your first NFT will be minted on the blockchain without any gas fees.

Step 4: List Your NFT for Sale

To list your NFT for sale, navigate to your created NFT and click Sell in the upper right corner. This opens the listing interface where you can set your selling parameters.

You can set your desired price for the NFT, choosing between fixed price listings or auction formats. Consider market trends and similar artwork when pricing your creation. You can also set the duration of the listing and choose whether to accept offers below your asking price.

After setting all the details including price, duration, and sale type, click Complete Listing, and your NFT will be available for purchase on the marketplace. Your listing will appear in search results and on your profile page for potential buyers to discover.

Note that OpenSea charges a 2.5% service fee, which will be deducted from the sale price when your NFT sells. This fee is automatically calculated and deducted during the transaction.

Understanding Lazy Minting Technology

Lazy minting is an innovative process that allows NFTs to be minted at the time of purchase rather than at creation, and was developed to eliminate any upfront costs for new creators. This revolutionary approach has made NFT creation accessible to artists worldwide, regardless of their financial resources.

This minting method is available on the most popular marketplaces, including OpenSea and Rarible, and has become an industry standard for creator-friendly platforms.

This NFT creation method was introduced in late 2021 because gas fees proved problematic for creators, especially newcomers who didn't want to spend significant amounts upfront before knowing whether their work would sell. The traditional minting process could cost hundreds of dollars in gas fees, creating a substantial barrier to entry.

Lazy minting makes it possible to defer the cost of minting an NFT using advanced techniques until it's sold to the first buyer. The NFT essentially remains off-chain until it's purchased for the first time. Its metadata is stored in IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), a decentralized file storage system that ensures the data remains accessible and permanent.

The transaction that assigns the NFT to the buyer is also responsible for the gas fees, meaning the creator doesn't have to bear any additional costs to the platform. This shifts the minting cost to the buyer, who is willing to pay it as part of their purchase.

Creating Free NFT Tokens on Rarible

Another popular marketplace for NFT art, game collectibles, and other NFT assets is Rarible, which offers unique features and a strong community focus.

Step 1: Install MetaMask Wallet

This step is identical to the OpenSea process. If you don't have a MetaMask wallet, install and create a wallet on your device following the same security practices. Remember to securely save your secret recovery phrase in case something happens to your device. Never share this phrase with anyone, as it provides complete access to your wallet.

Step 2: Connect MetaMask to Rarible

Visit Rarible.com and connect your MetaMask wallet by clicking Sign In, then select Sign In with MetaMask. The platform will request permission to connect to your wallet.

Step 3: Create and Sell NFT Tokens on Rarible

After confirming the connection to the marketplace from your wallet and accepting Rarible's Terms of Service, you can click Create in the upper right corner and create a new NFT on Rarible.

Select the Ethereum blockchain and choose between Single or Multiple NFTs. The blockchain selection determines which network your NFT will be minted on.

Choosing the Multiple option means you want to create an NFT collection, which is considered the more popular option among successful creators. Collections allow for better organization and storytelling.

Next, you'll need to enter all details about the new NFT, including:

• Digital file (image, video, audio, or other formats)
• Offer type (fixed price or timed auction)
• Price in cryptocurrency
• Unlockable content for purchasers
• Collection selection (choose Rarible for zero minting fee)
• Free minting option (you must activate this)
• Name of your NFT
• Detailed description
• Royalty percentage for future sales

It's important to select the Rarible collection if you want to use the free minting feature. This is the key to avoiding upfront costs on this platform.

You must also ensure that the free minting option is enabled. Checking this option means NFTs are only minted when they first sell on the platform, and the buyer pays the gas fees instead of the creator.

After entering all the information and ensuring everything is correct (as you cannot change these details later), scroll down and click Create Item to mint your first NFT token on Rarible.

Once created, the NFTs will be available for sale on Rarible's marketplace. However, until someone actually purchases the NFT on the Ethereum blockchain, it won't be recorded on that blockchain - it remains in a pending state using lazy minting technology.

How to Successfully Sell NFT Tokens

Now that you've learned how to sell your NFTs on OpenSea and Rarible, you must focus on two main aspects of NFT sales: building a community around your NFTs and effectively promoting them. Success in the NFT space requires more than just creating art.

Building a Strong Community

Creating a community around your NFTs is a crucial step that every new NFT artist must focus on. OpenSea and other popular NFT marketplaces use social proof to verify the authenticity of the artist behind the NFT art. This verification helps buyers trust that they're purchasing from legitimate creators.

OpenSea requires you to link at least one social media channel that you use to manage your NFT collection and share it with your audience. This connection provides transparency and allows potential buyers to learn more about you as an artist.

Set a goal to inform your audience that you're interested in NFTs and are creating digital art. Spread the word as soon as your first NFT collection appears. Experts recommend releasing a limited edition NFT collection to increase your potential profits and follower base. Scarcity creates demand and can drive up the value of your creations.

Engage with your community regularly, respond to questions, and share behind-the-scenes content about your creative process. Building genuine relationships with collectors can lead to long-term success.

Promoting Your NFT Collection Effectively

You must learn how to promote your NFTs to maximize your chances of selling your digital art. You can't simply list them and expect people to buy them - the NFT marketplace is highly competitive with thousands of new listings daily.

Your NFTs should be promoted to your followers across all available social media channels. Most successful NFT artists and creative studios use Twitter, Telegram, Discord, and Reddit to stay in touch with their fans and build anticipation for new releases.

Develop a marketing strategy that includes regular posts, sneak peeks of upcoming work, and engagement with the broader NFT community. Consider collaborating with other artists, participating in NFT spaces on social media, and joining relevant online communities.

Comparing NFT Marketplaces: OpenSea vs Rarible

Now that you know how to sell NFTs on both OpenSea and Rarible platforms, you might be wondering which NFT marketplace is better for your needs. The answer depends on your community, established fan base, different platform features, and personal preferences.

While there are several differences between OpenSea and Rarible, they tend to borrow features from each other when a particular characteristic is in demand in the market. This competitive dynamic benefits creators by continuously improving both platforms.

Ultimately, these are the two most popular NFT marketplaces and they're quite similar in many respects. Both offer user-friendly interfaces, large buyer bases, and robust features for creators.

However, one important difference is the ability to mint NFTs on different blockchains. OpenSea offers creators the option of Ethereum or Polygon, with Polygon being the preferred choice for free minting. Rarible offers creators the ability to mint NFTs on Ethereum, Flow, and Tezos, providing more blockchain diversity.

Another feature available on Rarible is the ability to apply for a verified badge, guaranteeing legitimacy and authenticity. Artists may prefer this feature, which can play a role in choosing the best platform for selling NFTs. The verification process helps distinguish serious creators from potential scammers.

Consider testing both platforms to see which one resonates better with your artistic style and target audience. Many successful creators maintain a presence on multiple marketplaces to maximize their reach and sales opportunities.

FAQ

What is an NFT token and how does it differ from other crypto assets?

NFT tokens are non-fungible digital assets, each uniquely different. Unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs represent specific items such as art or collectibles. NFTs are non-interchangeable, while cryptocurrencies are fungible and identical to each other.

What are the basic conditions and preparations needed to create an NFT token?

You need a cryptocurrency wallet, Web3 browser extension, sufficient cryptocurrency for gas fees, and an account on the target blockchain. Ensure your wallet supports the blockchain network where you plan to mint your NFT.

How to create and deploy NFT tokens for free without spending money?

Use OpenSea or Rarible's lazy minting feature to create NFTs for free. Upload your digital file, set a price, and blockchain fees are only charged when someone purchases. You'll need a compatible wallet like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet to get started.

What are the mainstream NFT trading markets and their characteristics?

Main NFT markets include Magic Eden（Solana-based，fast and low-fee），OpenSea（multi-chain，largest selection），Rarible（decentralized，community-driven），and Blur（professional traders，advanced analytics）. Each serves different user needs.

What are the key points to note for successfully selling NFTs on NFT markets?

Focus on strong product appeal and transparent roadmap. Offer cumulative purchase rewards and unlock milestones. Build community engagement, ensure quality artwork, set competitive pricing, and maintain active promotion to drive transaction volume.

What risks and legal issues are involved in creating and selling NFTs?

NFT creation and sales face trademark infringement risks, potential securities regulation issues under frameworks like the Howey Test, and unclear legal status across jurisdictions. Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying globally, requiring creators to ensure compliance to minimize litigation exposure.

How to price NFTs for higher sales success rate?

Price NFTs based on uniqueness, cultural significance, and market demand. Consider the artist's reputation and exclusivity. Embed royalty mechanisms for ongoing revenue. Focus on high-value, scarce items to attract serious collectors and maximize transaction volume.

How to market and promote NFTs after creation to attract buyers?

Leverage social media platforms, email marketing, and community engagement to promote your NFTs. Build hype through Discord and Twitter, collaborate with influencers, and consider starting with competitive pricing to generate initial momentum and attract buyers.