How to show your product properly. 3D renderings that sell

Why creating 3D renderings

Poor content

Traditional product photography is expensive and time-consuming. By the time you’ve finished shooting your entire product line, new items may already be launching – and suddenly you’re back to finding a photographer, booking a studio, and figuring out how to transport everything there.

Another major issue: even the best photographer with the best lens can’t capture every tiny detail. Some things are just impossible to convey through static imagery. What you really need are cinematic videos that showcase your product in all its glory. But by the time you’ve hauled your entire product line to a studio and spent days on shooting, there’s no time, or energy, left to create them.

Rich content

3D requires far less time and logistics. You can easily showcase thousands of products in different settings, even place them right in the customer’s room using AR. And keep in mind that 3D models are easy to update. For example, if your product is released in a new color or size, you can easily upload its 3D visuals to all marketplaces in a matter of hours. 

Another advantage is precision. With cinematic videos or static close-ups you can show every tiny detail, from the holes in a faucet strainer to the stitching on a handbag. Capturing all that with a camera for thousands of items could take years.

And let’s not forget the numbers. High-quality content increases engagement, reduces bounce rates by up to 25% (because shoppers immediately see what they’re getting), and can boost sales by as much as 94%.

How to make 3D renderings a strong marketing tool

Experiment with formats

Yes, a static image of a product on a white background is a timeless classic. But it’s not what will set you apart from the competition. High-quality product visualization, by the way, can double your conversion rate. So don’t stop at the basics, try different formats to grab attention, be memorable, and answer the unspoken questions your customer might have.

Images with product dimensions, rotating spinners, and close-ups – all of these provide more context and help showcase the product from every angle.

Create animations

According to research, adding a video can boost conversions by up to 80%. You can use it to showcase your product in various environments or,  if your product is complex, to create a how-to animation that guides users through its features.

Just remember: every video needs a purpose. Maybe it’s grabbing attention with a bold background. Maybe it’s highlighting tiny design details that static images might miss. 

Add emotional appeal

Rational decisions are great, but we all know how often people buy based on emotions. So give them that feeling. Show your product in a setting that sparks imagination and leaves a mark. Selling a sofa? Put a cat on it and a fireplace nearby. Your customer should feel something, and that’s not going to happen with a plain, boring image. This is where your creativity (and your 3D artist) matters.

Make it interactive

We all love pushing buttons and pulling levers the moment we get the chance. So why not add a bit of interactivity to your product pages?

Consider configurators that let users choose colors and details, or sliders that allow them to change the interior where the product is shown. It doesn’t just keep people engaged for a few extra minutes; it also boosts conversion.

Adapt your visuals for every platform

Your customers should be able to see your product wherever it’s convenient for them. If you’re creating configurators, make sure they work on mobile. If you’re producing a cool video for your website, don’t forget to resize it for social media.

No need to go overboard (you don’t have to post every render on Instagram), but remember that 3D visualization is a powerful content machine for all your platforms.

Common Mistakes in 3D Product Renderings

Sometimes, brands using 3D renderings are just one step away from turning their visuals into powerful selling tools. But there are a few common mistakes that hold them back.

Boring scenes

As we’ve said before, a white background is a safe option that everyone’s tired of. One of the biggest missed opportunities in 3D rendering is failing to use the creative freedom it offers. Some brands stop at simple close-ups. Others place their sofas, chairs, or lamps into flat, lifeless interiors that don’t spark any emotion. If you’re worried that a bright setting might be “too much” for your audience, test it. That’s the beauty of 3D visualization: mistakes are easy to fix, and they won’t cost you thousands of dollars.

Ignoring the user scenario

Sometimes brands swing in the opposite direction, they get super creative and generate tons of bright, visually impressive renders… that don’t show the product. The images look great, but they fail to answer the basic questions a potential buyer might have.

Here’s the rule to remember: balance is key. Your visuals should both catch the eye and demonstrate the product: from all angles, with every small detail highlighted. That’s how you turn beautiful pictures into content that sells.

Incomplete product presentation

You’re selling a sofa in fifteen colors, each available with ten different print options. Show them all. Yes, photographing that many variations would be a logistical nightmare, but with 3D visualization, it’s doable. Don’t assume your customers will be overwhelmed. The more options you display, the higher the chances someone finds the one that’s just right for them.

Let’s sum it all up

What types of 3D visuals can boost sales?

Product close-Ups, lifestyle images, interactive 360° product views, dimensional pictures, animations, VR and AR, interactive product configurators – you can create a lot of visuals using 3D models. Here we explained which works best on marketplaces.

How do 3D renders affect sales?

Brands that invest in high-quality 3D product visualization report higher ROI and 40% reduction in product returns due to better customer experiences. They can also boost conversions up to 94%. 

How long does it take to create a 3d visual? 

It depends on the complexity of your product and its setting. Lunas can produce thousands of SKUs in just a week. 

Where can I use 3D visuals?

Wherever you want. Your website, social media platforms, and marketplaces – 3D renderings are great for its convenience and possibility to easily change sizing and formats.

What about real estate?

High-quality 3D visuals are essential when you want to sell property. For example, if you want to sell a modern house, why not create a full VR tour? Lunas also provides interior and exterior rendering services and turns them into selling visuals.