TL;DR:
To improve your 3D model sales and gain more customers, optimize your listings to appeal to buyers and search engines. Our data analysis shows highlighting these areas:
- Clear, concise descriptions: Buyers value clarity.
- 15-25 quality images: This is the optimal range for engagement and conversion.
- SEO-optimal tags and titles: Get your model noticed in search results.
- Updating old listings: The selling potential of a model increases with longer availability.
By using these strategies, you can increase your sales and be more successful on the marketplace. Do you like such content on how to increase your chances of selling faster? Please let us know in the comments!
Long read:
In order to increase your 3D model sales and attract more customers, you should optimize your listings for buyers and search algorithms. This includes writing good descriptions, posting high-quality images, using relevant tags, and frequent updates. Our data research has uncovered areas of optimization that can lead to quicker and more sales.
Write a Clear and Persuasive Description
Keep your description between 100 and 150 words, in plain and simple language that any consumer can understand. Highlight the model’s major features, explain its purpose, and stress its value. Avoid unnecessary technical jargon and focus on what matters most to consumers. If you are selling 3D print models, make sure to mention that straight away. A good description will reply to:
- What is this model?
- Why is it worth buying it?
- How can it be used?
- For 3D print models - What to do after I print all the parts?
Be confident and persuasive—your model deserves every penny! Some great examples from the CGTrader marketplace:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Medallion Set 3D print model
Riyadh - 3D City Model VR / AR / low-poly 3d model
Moss 7 Species and Stones - PBR Asset Kit VR / AR / low-poly 3d model
Use High Quality Visuals
Images play a critical role in attracting buyers. The ideal number per listing is 15-25. High-quality visuals boost click-through rates and trust.
Videos can be particularly effective for demonstrating functionality and animation.
Some great examples of models with high quality visuals from the CGTrader marketplace:
Honey bee Animated VFX Grace 3D model
Zebra Animation - VFX Grace 3D model
Moss 7 Species and Stones - PBR Asset Kit VR / AR / low-poly 3d model
Optimize for Search
Remember, that each model is listed individually, meaning it must stand out and be clear on its own. Use a strong title and relevant tags to increase discoverability.
Title Optimization
Below are a few suggestions for good and bad 3D model titles. Please read them carefully and adjust your own titles if needed. When crafting a good title, clarifty and descriptive detail are key - mentioning features (e.g., "Low-poly", "Rigged", "PBR"), usage or theme (e.g., "Game Ready", "Print Ready", "Medieval", "Sci-fi"), and software or file format if relevant.
Good:
Victorian Mansion Interior – Game-Ready Low-Poly 3D Model --> Why it works: “Victorian Mansion” conveys the style; “Interior” clarifies scope; “Game-Ready Low-Poly” describes key features.
Steampunk Airship – Rigged 3D Model for Animation --> Why it works: “Steampunk” describes the aesthetic; “Rigged” helps buyers interested in animation.
Gothic Cathedral Exterior – Detailed Architectural 3D Model --> Why it works: “Gothic Cathedral Exterior” is clearly defined; “Detailed Architectural” suggests level of detail and intended audience.
Bad:
Cool SciFi --> Why it’s bad: Very generic; minimal detail about whether it’s a building, character, or vehicle.
Artistic Exploration of Abstract Ideas in Polygon Form --> Why it’s bad: Overly vague and poetic. It doesn’t tell you what the model actually is—an environment, character, shape? Buyers can’t quickly see if it suits their needs.
Dragon or Dinosaur Model or Something Like That in 3D --> Why it’s bad: Unclear whether it’s a dragon, dinosaur, or something else. The uncertain tone doesn’t inspire confidence in its quality or authenticity.
Tags Optimization
Short advice from our team regarding tags: "Avoid adding completely unrelated tags to your item—for example, if you’re listing a dress, don’t include tags like “ring” or “astronaut” just to attract more attention. Keep your tags genuinely relevant to the product you’re listing to maintain clarity and accuracy."
Boost SEO Through Social Media
Optimizing your listing alone is not enough - promotion is key. Make sure to:
- Share your store and models on all your social media profiles.
- Share frequently on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms to increase reach.
- Use SEO back-linking by sharing your listings frequently to increase search rankings.
Most social media algorithms prefer consistency, so sharing your models frequently increases your following and your sales. Nowadays, social media does not require to be aesthetically perfect, although it should be thought through. Please leave a comment below, if you'd like to learn more on self promotion in social media.
Review and Update Old Listings
A model’s sales potential increases over time, so don't restrict yourself to new models alone - scroll through older ones and update them as well:
- Update descriptions to make them concise and engaging.
- Replace low-quality images with improved versions.
- Renew tags and titles to be search engine-friendly.
Even small improvements can boost visibility and sales. Please read this article about how the 3D print categories evolved over time and be sure to make adjustments.
Use AI to Refine Your Listings
Use AI tools like ChatGPT to fine-tune your descriptions to ensure clarity and engagement. Here are some example prompts you can use:
Case 1: General 3D Model Description Enhancement
Input: “I am uploading a 3D model to CGTrader and need a well-structured, clear, and simple description. The description should be 100-150 words, easy to understand for non-native English speakers, and include all relevant technical and usage details. Here is the information about my model:
Case 2: Architectural 3D Model Optimization
Input: “I need to write a compelling description for my architectural 3D model on CGTrader. The description should be clear, simple, and 100-150 words long, making it understandable for a global audience. It should include the model’s technical details and intended use cases. Here are the details:
Case 3: Game Asset Optimization
Input: “I need a clean and effective description for my game-ready 3D model. The description should be 100-150 words, clear for all users, and optimized for CGTrader.
Case 4: Industrial/Mechanical Model Refinement
Input: “I am uploading an industrial 3D model and need a precise, clear, and 100-150 word description optimized for CGTrader. The description should highlight the technical specifications and applications of the model.
Case 5: Character Model Optimization
Input: “I need a clear and engaging 100-150 word description for my 3D character model. The description should be accessible for all users, including those who are not native English speakers.
By targeting these sweet spots, optimizing your listings, updating old models, and promoting them using social media, you'll increase visibility, interaction, and sales - allowing you to sell faster and more. Good luck!
Do you like such content on how to increase your chances of selling faster? Please let us know in the comments!
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