Tips for Creating High-Impact eBook Covers...and more

[kdwells]

From Corey Rudl's Marketing Tips Newsletter


TIPS FOR CREATING HIGH-IMPACT EBOOK "COVERS" AND DIGITAL
PRODUCT "BOXES" THAT GENERATE MORE SALES

Of course, a digital eBook doesn't have a physical cover,
and software that customers can download doesn't come in a
box!

But a product image -- even a digitally created one -- that's
placed within the product salescopy and next to the "call to
action" makes people feel like they're buying a "real"
product... and this gives it a lot more value in the eyes of
consumers.

The bottom line is that a good "cover" WILL help you
maximize sales. And a professional-looking "box" image for
other digital products does the same.

So what makes a great eBook cover or digital product box?

- It must look professional. A quick trip through web sites
selling digital products will reveal tons of different
designs, and you'll quickly see which ones work and which
don't.

- It must be eye-catching. Make it something people would
pick up in an offline store. This helps if you want to use
the image to promote your product on other web sites.

- The cover or box must be suitable for the product's
contents. For example, if your product is an eBook on
gardening tips, use a gardening image. Check out the covers
of books on your topic, or the boxes of software, sold in
offline stores to get some ideas.

- Keep the writing on the cover or box to a minimum. Ideally,
you'll want to include just the product's name or title,
sub-title if applicable, and author if applicable (and
only if they are well known in their field). And remember
that the final image will be small, so only include written
content that's absolutely essential.

- Don't go overboard with the colors. No -- bright green and
pink DON'T go together! Try this handy free tool for seeing
which web colors go well together: http://www.colormatch.dk

- Stick to clear, legible fonts. Use fonts like Arial or
Verdana. Avoid "script" or unusual fonts that are hard to
read. And only use one font!

- Give it a 3D appearance with the title repeated on the
spine, and a shadow. This makes it more tangible in the
eyes of the customer.

If you have some design experience, you can take a shot at
creating your cover or package yourself using imaging software
like Photoshop or PhotoImpact.

A word of caution, though... if your design skills are not good,
go to a professional or use custom software. Bad design and
poor-quality images are worse than no images at all, and you
could actually end up losing sales!

Try finding a designer through Elance, or use one of the many
eBook cover design services or software providers available
on the Internet.

[Lynn Terry]

Great tips - thank you!

A terrific resource that I can recommend is Kidino's video tutorials. I've seen some of his 'students' put out incredible graphics (pro all the way). Kidino actually did a graphic for me recently as well. This is a great video tutorial for anyone that plans to do their own covers, but Kidino takes jobs on ocassionally, too - so you'll have to check with him for availability if you want to have him design it for you.

[WAHumor]

You DO all know the news about Kidino...don't you??

Don't worry, it's good!

[Hock Ng]

Ebook covers and software box covers are an interest of mine. The best covers always have a way of "sticking" in your memory. I always take note of good covers whenever I spot one.

People keep a swipe file for copywriting... I keep a swipe file for covers as well. I have designed covers for others and for my own use () and I'm always on the lookout for design ideas.

Hock

[webturtle]

[Hock Ng]

[kidino]

[kidino]

[Lynn Terry]