2 Apr 2025

How to Write a Winning 3D Model Listing

Insight
Featured post

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:

  1. What is this model?
  2. Why is it worth buying it?
  3. How can it be used?
  4. 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.

  • Refresh underperforming listings with better images.
  • Use multiple angles and perspectives to showcase your model.
  • If selling 3D print files, include photos or videos of the printed model.

  • Videos can be particularly effective for demonstrating functionality and animation.

    How to Write a Winning 3D Model Listing 1

    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

  • Keep it clear, concise, and descriptive.
  • Include relevant keywords that buyers would use for search.

  • 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

  • Use a mix of broad and specific tags to maximize reach.
  • Think like a buyer—what words would they use?

  • 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.

    How to Write a Winning 3D Model Listing 2

    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:

  • Model Name: Sci-Fi Spaceship
  • Format: OBJ, FBX, Blender
  • Polygon Count: 45,000
  • Textures: 4K PBR (Base Color, Normal, Roughness, Metallic)
  • UV Mapping: Yes, non-overlapping
  • Rigged: No
  • Animated: No
  • Usage: Ideal for games, animations, and VR
  • Tags: Sci-fi, spaceship, PBR, low-poly, VR-compatible
  • Please revise and rewrite this information into a concise, clear, and compelling description that highlights the model’s best features and makes it appealing to potential buyers.”

    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:

  • Model Name: Modern Two-Story House
  • Formats Available: .OBJ, .FBX, .SKP
  • Poly Count: 150,000
  • Textures: 4K PBR materials
  • UV Mapping: Yes
  • Interior Included: Yes, fully furnished
  • Lighting Setup: No
  • Intended Use: Architectural visualization, real estate presentations, VR
  • Tags: Modern house, architecture, real estate, 3D visualization, high-poly
  • Please refine and rewrite the description to be more professional, clear, and engaging while maintaining all the important technical 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.

  • Model Name: Medieval Wooden Crate
  • Formats: FBX, OBJ, GLTF
  • Polygon Count: 2,500 (Low-poly)
  • Textures: 2K PBR (Base Color, Normal, Roughness, AO)
  • Rigged: No
  • Animated: No
  • Usage: Game asset, VR, AR, low-poly game design
  • Tags: Medieval, wooden crate, game-ready, low-poly, PBR
  • Please rewrite this into a concise, clear, and well-structured description that makes the model appealing for game developers while ensuring it is understandable by a broad audience.”

    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.

  • Model Name: CNC Lathe Machine
  • Formats Available: .STEP, .IGES, .FBX
  • Polygon Count: 350,000 (High-poly)
  • Textures: No
  • Materials: Procedural
  • Rigged: No
  • Animated: No
  • Usage: Industrial simulation, manufacturing visualization, CAD, prototyping
  • Tags: CNC, lathe, industrial, CAD model, high-poly
  • Please refine and rewrite this into a concise, professional, and easy-to-understand description while keeping all the technical details intact.”

    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.

  • Model Name: Cyber Ninja
  • Formats: .FBX, .OBJ, .Blend
  • Polygon Count: 75,000
  • Textures: 4K PBR (Base Color, Normal, Roughness, Metallic)
  • Rigged: Yes
  • Animated: No
  • Usage: Game development, animation, VR
  • Tags: Cyberpunk, ninja, character, game-ready, PBR
  • Please improve and rewrite this into a concise, structured, and appealing description that highlights the best features of this model.”

    How to Write a Winning 3D Model Listing 3

    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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