MakerWorld Model Advice

Hello everyone!

Ever since I began my 3D designing journey about one year ago, I started posting my 3D models on MakerWorld. And I’m really happy that some of my models helped people out there.

However, only a few of my models are actually “popular,” with around 100 likes, while most of them have around 10 likes.

I want to improve and learn, so that’s why I came here to ask for advice about my models on MakerWorld. I mainly think that the photos are what’s lacking the most, which is something I’ve tried to fix by using clearer backgrounds and better lighting. Another issue might be that I design simpler models? Although I still spend a lot of time revising them and improving my skills overall.

What do you think? Please share constructive criticism, as I truly want to improve.

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I can’t say I’m popular, but I still want to give some advice.
Before doubting your modeling skills (I just checked them, better than mine), you need to know how to check your models’ statuses.

Basically, go to Creator Center.
Impression tells you how many times your model has been displayed in search results or on the home page. A lower impression might mean that your model might be niche.
Views tell you how many times a person has clicked into your model page. Divide that by the impression. The value tells you how attractive your thumbnail/title is.
Alternatively, just check “conversion rates” after clicking into one model.

Try using this to help improve.

On the other hand, you’re not doing bad! >1k downloads by my opinion is really great. Just know that there is nothing about this to stress over XD

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I also asked a similar question a year or so ago. There’s good advice in that post :thought_balloon:

Thank you for the great insight, I just checked some of my models that I feel like “flopped”.

It seems like I am getting impressions, but there’s a huge disproportion between them and the views. Photos could be the reason? I do have some niche models like my retro ones, however they seem to do better than more generalist options like the parametric nameplate or the watch stand.

I’m not sure why this is the case tho. Photos and title seem to be a pretty big reason why but I am not sure.

Your models are mainly aimed at engineers or technical people, for example aluminium extrusion, flopy disk box, printer repair tool, and those people are generally able to make such “simple” items themselves (or for something like extrusion, would just download a DXF from a specialist engineers’ site like GrabCAD).

To get more downloads I would either make a more complex engineering model, i.e. a machine, for example I have need of a compressed air duster. I know it is a fan, battery pack with integrated charger, and nozzle but it’s time consuming to draw the shells and source the parts. If there was a downloadable one with a link to the hardware, I would just download it.

Or make things more generally appealing, like a (clothing) belt, hair grip etc.

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Generally speaking, I’d say things are going very well for you. You’ve achieved a lot so far. You’ve overcome the initial hurdle of getting things going.

Overall: Bear in mind that this can vary significantly depending on the season and current holidays. In summer, for example, printing is usually done less frequently. Let’s take a look at your 3D models.


Let’s take a look at some successful models. You solve everyday problems that are always in demand, and it’s easy to see how it works just by looking at the cover. You also seem to be solving problems that haven’t already been solved by thousands of others. Very good.


Let’s take a look at your latest designs, which now clearly prioritise decoration over problem-solving. So, your focus has shifted. In some cases, you are also attempting to solve everyday problems that have already been solved far more effectively by others. Your focus has clearly shifted.


So you’ve switched from solving specialized everyday problems to a shark tank that’s already completely overcrowded. Of course, people can give you tips on how to take better photos and improve other aspects.

Your main problem, though, is this switch. When I search for ‘CD/DVD spindle case’, only a few results come up, and yours is the first one. Well done - you’ve solved a problem that others haven’t yet managed to solve.

However, when I search for ‘nameplate’ or ‘watch stand’ now, I find thousands of results, many of which are clearly superior to your design.


That’s why it’s not much use giving you general tips, since you decided to switch to a field where you can’t keep up - and neither can I, by the way. Decorative items are a highly competitive market. For example, your watch stand is boring in comparison - you’re competing with those, and you chose it yourself:


I think you just need to refocus on your strengths, stick to your areas of expertise, and avoid areas where competition is tough.

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I will try and focus on more complex machines as I get better at CAD in general, Thanks!

Wow, you’re right, I didn’t even realized the “switch”. I thought that since decorative models are much popular I could try and dabble my feet in. I agree that most of them have better counterparts than mine, but for example for the nameplate I haven’t seen any parametric one that is as extensive in customizability. Overall you’re right I should focus on my strengths and settle my expectations for such though markets like decorative items.

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The Makerworld signmaker can make this sign.

https://makerworld.com/en/makerlab/makeMySign

I just had a look at a few of my conversion rates and man, it’s depressing.

I’m hoping it’s because I’m a niche creator in an already niche category. At least I hope that’s the reason :persevering_face:

Niche creators will always be less popular than generalists, however, breaking through is easier for niche communities.

I think part of it too is there’s a lack of consistency and brand in how you’re displaying everything. Not something people typically think about, but it is part of what helps draw people back, when they start to recognize your work, your releases.

I don’t get too crazy with it, but I do have a certain style to my photos and have been told that people know it’s my work when they see it, based on those photos. It’s been part of my “brand”, and I do believe it’s part of what helps me. There’s certainly a lot of factors going on, of course. This is just one of the factors I think about, and haven’t seen anyone mention here yet.

Yeah, niche stuff tends to find it’s audience. When you’re chasing trends, it’s a lot more hit or miss, and if you miss, there’s little chance of recovery.

I think the people do that do well in that space (trendy, decor stuff) consistently have a very strong style in their models that people tend to flock towards.

For my own sanity, I try and avoid getting into the weeds of things like that. :sweat_smile: I’d rather be happy

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You still have sanity?

In this economy!?!?!

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I have sanity like a bald man has a toupee

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Yeah. I was like “ooh what’s this bit of data I never knew about until now?” Opened it, looked at a few models, got depressed with each one, and then decided never to open it again :melting_face:

Reminds me of the first time I looked at my Instagram recap

My teen laughed at me so much. I don’t blame them lol :sweat_smile:

I think its also important to consider where you came from. Progress no matter how small, is still progress. That keeps me happy.

hey you…

i believe i can understand what you are feeling about this…
it is some kind of an empty feeling in here… no reactions and no responses…
and yes… it feels strange… at least to me… for my logic…
and i know the world is big and full of humans…
and i also know that time is short and getting rarer very fast…

but i can clearly see the work and effort that you put into here!

it is the dead internet… and this could be realy real here..!

anyway…

maybe your work is not something im directly realy interested in, but i know how much time and effort it must take you, to make everything that you do, to that what it is…

so…
my respect to you!!

greets
ImU

Or is it just like real life?

A thousand people walk past a store. One hundred stop to look at the window display. Ten of them go inside and touch everything. Ultimately, only one person actually buys something.

With so many options available, you really have to think carefully about what you want to buy - and, in the case of MakerWorld, what you want to print.

I wouldn’t call it “dead internet,” but simply an oversupply.

For example, my sister wanted a decorative unicorn; there were thousands of results, but in the end, only one was printed out. 999 did not receive the “print” count.


However, what I would say is: The gold rush is simply over. Back in the day, you might have been able to score points with just average ideas, but the bar has simply shot up to astronomical heights.

of corse sharky…

but this feeling you can not only get here… you can get it everywere in the internet!
also in philosophical chatrooms or forums…
many people online… but nobody writes something… till you write something…
but no reactions an no responses… no interactions… and the time goes on…

i know what you mean…
but in my view… in my logic… how i think and feel… for me..? unreal! unrealistic and it makes no reale sense somehow…
and that we are all at some point different personalities… its clear to me…

but it is strange out of my eyes and mind…

mmh…
i will go and get some sleep…

greets

Oh, I’m doing fine all things considered. My actual stats would be enviable to anyone trying to break into the biz. I’d say on a scale from “fish egg” to “whale,” I’m a flounder. I was going to say “turbot” because that sounded funnier, but it turns out they’re actually quite large. Yes I was googling fish sizes to make a metaphor. It’s a wonder I get anything done in a day :zany_face:

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