How can you share and sell your 3D designs online?

1 Choose a platform

There are many online platforms where you can upload, share, and sell your 3D designs. Some of them are specialized in 3D printing, such as Thingiverse, Shapeways, or Pinshape, while others are more general, such as Etsy, Gumroad, or Sketchfab. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your goals, audience, and preferences. For example, some platforms offer 3D printing services, while others require you to print and ship the products yourself. Some platforms have a large and active community, while others are more niche and focused. Some platforms charge fees or commissions, while others are free or have optional features. You should research and compare the different platforms before choosing one that suits your needs.

2 Optimize your files

Before you upload your 3D designs online, you should make sure that they are optimized for the best quality and performance. This means that you should check and fix any errors or issues in your files, such as holes, gaps, inverted normals, or overlapping faces. You should also reduce the file size and complexity of your models, by removing unnecessary details, simplifying the geometry, or using compression tools. You should also choose the right file format for your platform and purpose, such as STL, OBJ, or 3MF. Optimizing your files will ensure that your designs look good, load fast, and print well.

3 Add metadata

Metadata is the information that describes your 3D designs, such as title, description, tags, category, license, and price. Metadata is important for helping your designs to be found and understood by potential viewers and buyers. You should use clear and relevant metadata that showcases the features and benefits of your designs, as well as the keywords that your target audience might use to search for them. You should also use consistent and accurate metadata across different platforms, to avoid confusion and duplication.

4 Showcase your work

Once you have uploaded your 3D designs online, you should also showcase them in an attractive and engaging way. This means that you should use high-quality images, videos, or 3D previews to display your designs from different angles and perspectives. You should also use lighting, color, texture, and background to enhance the appearance and mood of your designs. You should also include testimonials, reviews, or ratings from previous customers or users, to build trust and credibility. Showcasing your work will help you to attract attention and interest from potential viewers and buyers.

5 Promote your work

To increase the visibility and reach of your 3D designs online, you should also promote them on various channels and platforms. This means that you should use social media, blogs, forums, newsletters, or podcasts to share your work with your existing and potential followers and fans. You should also use hashtags, mentions, or links to connect with relevant communities, groups, or influencers. You should also participate in contests, challenges, or events to showcase your work and network with other 3D printing enthusiasts. Promoting your work will help you to grow your audience and reputation, as well as generate traffic and sales.

6 Update your work

Finally, you should also update your work regularly, to keep it fresh and relevant. This means that you should add new designs, improve existing ones, or offer variations or customizations. You should also respond to feedback, comments, or requests from your viewers or buyers, and address any issues or problems. You should also monitor your performance, analytics, or trends, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Updating your work will help you to maintain your quality and satisfaction, as well as retain and expand your customer base.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?