Tips for sharing 3D files
Have you just published one or more of your 3D models on Cults? Congratulations!! It's super cool to share your ideas with our makers community and 3D printing enthusiasts.
In order to allow you to take full advantage of our platform, we have listed a small series of tips. It is about things you can do to maximize your profit.
By following these tips you will be sure to reach out the maximum of people who would likely to be interested by your creations.
1. Share your creations on social networks
Tell your community and invite them to see and download the 3D files you published on Cults. You can use the share buttons on your pages. Think about classic social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, but don't forget emerging networks like TikTok for example! Don't hesitate to include your Cults profile in your bios (or Linktree pages) on your social networks. For example, you can use a short link to your Cults profile like this: https://cults3d.com/@Username
2. Use specialized groups, forums and blogs
Many 3D printers owners are looking for new STLs to print, post your work in these specialized groups or on your blog (if you have one). Here is a list of the best forums, Facebook groups and communities that are 3D printing related, the Cults members Facebook group and the subreddit for Cults users.
3. Make a video to show your talent
If you can show the entire making process to your customers it's great! Post your video on YouTube or Vimeo. Do not forget to quote the 3D file with a link in the description of the video. To inspire you here is a list of the best YouTube channels in the 3D printing world
By adding a link to your Youtube video in the description of your creation, the video will automatically appear at the end of your images, so your customers can watch it directly from your product page.
4. Upload a gif on your product page
Cults accepts the Gif and it is a super friendly, dynamic and educational format that explains a working process! You can for example use ezgif service to create or optimize your gifs.
5. Set pictures of the object when printed
The makers are more reassured and convinced if they see that the 3D model has already been 3D printed. Do not hesitate taking pictures of your achievements. You can even share photos of your makes in our dedicated section.
6. Adjust the price according to the results
If you see that your creation has trouble selling, do not hesitate to try another price. Look at the price of similar creations to yours and look at their number of downloads to see if it should be inspiring. Also check out the profiles of other designers to see the amount of their sales. Can be inspiring!
7. Make sure you describe your 3D model well
Do not skimp on descriptive texts, give as many details as possible and think of putting your keywords in the title. The majority of your customers used search engines like Google or specialized 3D models search engines like Yeggi or Mito3D to find you. The keywords and your text content are really important.
8. Make sure your description is well translated
On Cults pages are available in French, English and Spanish; the translations are automatic so do not hesitate to edit your creation by changing the language (buttons in the top right of the site) and translating more precisely. In this case you just have to press the Translate button.
9. Make yourself known in the Cults network
Follow community members, interact with other designers by commenting on their creations and send messages to the makers by visiting their profiles. For example, you can be inspired and follow the work of Cults top 100 designers.
10. Make sure your creations are as exclusive as possible on Cults
We regularly highlight on the home page, in our selection, on social networks or in our monthly newsletter our favorite 3D files. The more exclusive they are (only available on Cults), the more likely they are to be featured.
11. Get inspired by trending topics to create
For inspiration, you can check out our monthly summary of the 50 most searched keywords on our search engine. This will give you an idea of what people are looking for and what they need. At the bottom of our home page, you will find a list of "Trending Topics", which can give you ideas to create new designs that fit into these themes that are highly sought after by Cults members.
12. Make sure your description is well formatted
It is possible to format your product sheets to make them more attractive and easier to consult. We have made a list of available formats here, feel free to use what you think is appropriate!
13. Customize your Cults profile
It's important to present yourself well in order to sell well, so don't forget to add a profile picture and a description to your Cults account. You can also add links to your social networks so that your customers and fans can follow you and discover the steps to create your 3D models.
14. Group your designs in collections
For more readability and a better display of your creations on your profile, it is important to create collections grouping your designs by theme. You will also be able to add a description in text format to each collection, which will optimize the referencing of this collection in search engines and therefore its visibility. Don't forget to click on "share" to viralize your collections!
15. Select the right category and add sub-categories
When uploading your 3D model it is very important to put it in the right category. You can also add up to 3 sub-categories. This will allow your design to be more visible to site visitors. Indeed, once well categorized, it will go up in the main pages of the subcategories and will gain in visibility. It is also possible to edit your old designs to integrate them in subcategories.
16. Optimize your design for possible selection on the slide at the top of the home page.
Every week we select a design to be featured at the very top of the site. In order to optimize your creations for this super visibility, here are a few criteria we take into account. Of course, the design has to look great, have download potential and be of interest to the community. If the model is shared exclusively on Cults, that's a big plus. We try to vary the designers we put forward, so never having been selected is quite an advantage. Finally, when uploading, adding a photo in horizontal format (ratio 2:1) is a plus that allows us to use this photo.
We recommend that you follow these good practices to boost the popularity of your STL files. You will be able to increase the number of downloads and likes, whether on paid or free 3D files. If you see other ideas or questions do not hesitate to write to us.
If you are still hesitating to share your models on Cults, feel free to read this article Why publish my designs on Cults? List of advantages and benefits to get an idea.
