3D Laminate Components: What Story Is Your Picture Telling?

At the risk of bogging you down with a blog about a blog about blogging, Rick Hill’s blog from last week is not only right on target, it is extremely relevant for the 3D laminating industry. For the most part, our newsletters, blogs and websites…well…they really do suck.

As I mentioned last week, I have been monitoring internet activity for several industry key words for quite some time. In an effort to find interesting material to tweet about, I have also gone as deep as 20 pages into Google searches using the same words. I know, the SEO guys all say people rarely go past page one and nobody gets to page three. This should tell you how desperate I’ve been for good material. My disappointment in what I’ve found is why Rick’s words resonated so strongly with me. I wanted to rush out and get my “Rick Is Right” bumper sticker.

Courtesy of Smartech InternationalThese sculptured wall panels, produced by Century Fixtures, demonstrate the amazing creative flexibility afforded by 3D laminates. Although developing interesting content that delivers a compelling message is rule one, your graphics can work to either confirm or deny the credibility of that message. A picture truly is worth a thousand words, but I fear most web product photos elicit adjectives that nobody should ever want associated with their work. I’ve been discouraged by the amount of product photos that are dark, blurry or just look like they’ve been sitting in the sun for five years. In the case of 3D laminated components, I’ve often thought to myself, “Are they trying to scare people away from thermofoil?” Without a doubt, no photo is often better than a bad photo.

Courtesy of Smartech InternationalLet the critters live and have your snakeskin architectural wall panels too. Or imagine this as a desktop (but we won't mention kitchens.) My blog from last week seems to have been very well read and generated a high volume of “shares” via sites like Twitter and Facebook. I’m convinced the primary reason for this is the quality of the photos that were included. I spoke with a gentleman that represents some of the 3D laminates that were shown. He explained that when meeting designers, before ever starting his presentation he pulls out one of those five-piece thermofoil doors and just sets it on the table. He has their attention, their interest and they are emotionally engaged. Yet, not a word has been spoken. If you hope to get in the door, your web and print photos should do the same thing. If you want those “thousand words” to help you grow your business, it might just cost you a few bucks.

By the way, if you are interested in seeing more of what can be done with 3D laminating, follow me on Twitter @FormellaCSI.

Watch the video of Century Fixtures manufacturing architectural panels using 3D laminates.