The beginner’s guide to NFT marketplaces

NFTs have exploded in popularity, introducing a new era of digital ownership and value. 

But with so many options available, navigating the different types of NFT marketplaces can be overwhelming. So if you're a user considering your first purchase, or a business or creator starting to sell NFTs, it's essential to understand the different types of marketplaces available. 

Let’s start with the basics. 

There are two main categories: primary marketplaces and secondary marketplaces.

Primary marketplaces

Primary marketplaces are where creators first mint and sell NFTs. Think of them like a farmer's market where growers bring their freshly grown produce to sell directly to consumers. It’s a direct transaction between the farmer and an individual. No intermediary is required. 

For example, when Nickelodeon first entered the NFT space, they created their own marketplace where their NFTs could be minted directly to a user’s wallet. As a result, they were in complete control of the experience. That’s not exactly the case with secondary marketplaces. 

Secondary marketplaces

On the other hand, secondary NFT marketplaces are where buyers and sellers can trade previously minted tokens. These marketplaces are like flea markets or thrift stores where collectors bring their previously purchased goods to sell or trade at their own set prices. 

Examples of secondary marketplaces include OpenSea, Rarible, and NFTX. Secondary marketplaces offer greater liquidity and a wider variety of NFTs but also come with potential risks, such as market volatility and the possibility of fake or counterfeit NFTs. It's important to exercise caution and do exhaustive research on the authenticity of any NFTs you're interested in buying.

Now that we’ve defined each marketplace type, let’s explore the potential benefits.

Benefits of primary marketplaces for businesses and creators:

For businesses and creators entering web3, launching a primary NFT marketplace can offer several benefits. 

1. It provides a direct channel to showcase and sell digital goods and collectibles to a targeted audience of collectors and enthusiasts. However, this can also be a valuable opportunity to reach a new market and generate revenue by selling unique digital assets with utility.
2. Primary NFT marketplaces can help brands build recognition and establish themselves as pioneers in web3. By minting and selling their own NFTs, companies and creators can demonstrate their commitment to innovation and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
3. Participating in primary NFT marketplaces can offer opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with other creators and brands. By engaging with the NFT community, businesses and creators can form valuable relationships and leverage the network effects of this emerging market.

There are numerous benefits of participating in a primary NFT marketplace when entering web3. By leveraging this new digital ownership and value medium, companies and creators can establish new revenue streams, build brand recognition, and tap into a community of early adopters and innovators.

Of course, participating in a primary NFT marketplace also comes with potential risks and challenges. For example, businesses must invest time and resources to create high-quality, unique digital assets that resonate with the NFT community. They must also navigate the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding NFTs, including intellectual property rights and tax implications.

For businesses looking to quickly and easily build their own NFT experiences, RECUR Builder eliminates the complexities of entering the space while saving time and money on implementation.  

Benefits of secondary marketplaces for businesses and creators

On the other end, utilizing the capabilities of a secondary NFT marketplace also has many lasting results. 

1. Looking to optimize your NFT business strategy? Creating a secondary NFT marketplace can offer valuable market insights and analytics. By monitoring sales data and trends, companies and creators can gain information about pricing, demand, and audience preferences to help inform future NFT creations and sales strategies.
2. Secondary markets can provide an opportunity to gain exposure for existing NFT creations or digital assets that may have been overlooked in primary marketplaces. By leveraging the liquidity and demand of secondary markets, businesses and creators can reach a wider audience of NFT collectors and investors.
3. A key advantage of secondary NFT marketplaces is the ability for creators to earn ongoing royalties every time their NFT is sold. That means that, unlike traditional sales, where the creator only receives payment once, NFT creators can benefit from their digital goods in perpetuity. 

There are always risks associated with participating in secondary NFT markets, including market volatility and standing out in a crowded and competitive webpage. As a result, it’s important to carefully evaluate strategies before entering these markets. 

In the end, when businesses and creators take full advantage of what both primary and secondary marketplaces have to offer, they’ll be able to reap the unique benefits of web3 to its full extent.