by Greg Balondo
So you’re a designer with promising talent and a strong portfolio to back you up. Why not take advantage of these? Dust off your archived designs, let them get to work, and earn those extra bucks — the world of NFTs is here. It’s new. It’s booming. And you’re going to fit right in.
Now, all this may seem unfamiliar to you. But you’ve probably heard others talking about being an artist or designer, a buyer, even a collector. If you’re a designer yourself, you’ve likely heard fellow designers talking about their works and shilling them. So what is it, really, and how can you do it yourself?
Here, we’ve sifted through the vast and convoluted information out there about NFTs, and rounded up some tips for you to successfully sell your first NFT.
Concept
Like any design project, a good NFT architecture project comes from a concrete concept. Do you have a theme? What style do you use? What is the logic behind your work? Discussing the concept of your work reveals its depth and meaning. It’s what buyers look at when they’re considering buying.
If you’re unsure where to start, check the Principles of Design again and make sure yours is competitive.
Story
According to Harvard Business School professor Gerald Zaltman, 95% of our purchase decisions come through our subconscious mind. This means that consumers’ thoughts, beliefs, and feelings play a crucial role in successfully selling any product. In other words, a great narrative will work wonders for you when you’re targeting the buyer’s mind and emotions. A good story sells.
Here’s how you can come up with a good story about your work:
What is your purpose as a designer?
What is the purpose of doing such a project?
How did you come up with the concept?
What are your expectations in selling your work?
What do you think are the buyers’ expectations from you and your work?
Create a narrative that speaks about your work and speaks to your prospective buyers.
Utility
Why is it worth it? People who spend money want to see the value in what they’re buying. That’s why your offer has to be compelling. Here are some ideas to make yours enticing:
- Offer the buyers some digital and physical perks that come with the NFT. Partner with real-world brands to offer freebies and gift cards to your potential buyers.
- You can also cut across into the physical world and partner with causes and organizations to translate your project’s purpose into real-life action.
- Build on your community and collaborate with other NFT projects in the ecosystem.
- Another thing you can do is offer free customization and design consultations for those who purchase your work.
Your design work should also be somehow buildable in the physical world. This would give more weight to the NFT’s value. Describe the details of your design and highlight how it is different and rare compared to most designs out there. Keep in mind that many buyers collect because of the perceived rarity of an item.
Here’s a comprehensive ‘Shopify’ article to give you insights on why free sampling and giveaways are good for your business.
Future
Like physical real estate, design NFTs are an investment. You want to ensure the longevity of the project and avoid rug pull. Think about how your NFT can live on, and then create a detailed plan on how to achieve it. Staying relevant is the goal here.
Selling at Arkayv is a business endeavor. It is, after all, a marketplace. And just like in any business, knowing your niche, marketing your product, and strategizing will make it successful. Here is another great read by Forbes to help you and your project standout in the market.
