How Important Are Bright Colors for an E-cover?

[kentheriot]

Quick question that may seem silly (hey, I'm still a wet-behind-the-ears, snot-nosed, newbie): How important is the use of bright colors in the design of the cover for an e-book?

I have always been taken with black as a motif, and think it can look really cool if combined correctly with other colors. So I used it as the cover of my report. But my partner (who has more internet marketing experience than I do) said it needed to be changed to reds and whites and yellows and oranges and maybe some blue. He says it will sell better that way.

Is there any prevailing wisdom on this matter?

Thanks!

Ken

[kentheriot]

Thanks Matthew. That was along the lines of what I was thinking. I'm just seeking confirmation.

Thanks!

Ken

[wendywood]

Hi Ken,

A visual representation for a digital product does have an impact on CTR's, how about making the design with the black as you mentioned and another one with what your partner would like to use and split test to see which one performs better?

I've recently been using dark grays and blacks in some of my own designs (http://plrcontentscoop.com) and have been getting good results, but of course different markets like different things, so it always comes down to testing to see what performs the best. :)

Good luck!

[CindyBrock]

I somewhat agree with Wendy: I think it just depends on what appears to work best.

I actually selected a template for my blog (http://AffordableWords.com) of mauve (from very dark to very light) and my "expert" business friend/partner hated it and the site was doing zip. So, I changed the background to a temporary WP template (for right now) and have been getting more click throughs.

Who knew?

http://www.cindybrock.com/smileys/painter.gif

[David Jackson]

How about making the design with the black as you mentioned and another one with what your partner would like to use and split test to see which one performs better?

It always comes down to testing to see what performs the best. :)

Wendy is absolutely correct. The only way to know for sure which color produces optimum results is to split-test. Google's Website Optimizer (https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=websiteoptimizer&continue=http://www.google.com/analytics/siteopt/%3Fet%3Dreset%26hl%3Den-US&hl=en-US)is an excellent program with which to conduct your tests.

David Jackson

[gailjrichardson]

I like the bright colors but I am sure that all markets would not support those. I think the black and white look very professional.

[stevetorres]

In an eBook the cover shoul attract the reader’s attention through its simplicity and color. But in the end, it is the content that decides the popularity of the book.

[David Jackson]

In the end, it is the content that decides the popularity of the book.

Not true. Studies and surveys (http://www.helium.com/items/1426366-does-product-packaging-significantly-influence-consumer-buying-behavior)have shown that packaging (http://www.marketresearchworld.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2355&Itemid=74) has a significant impact on sales.

David Jackson

[Sandy2089]

Of course it is important, but they shouldn't be so bright as they can distract readers and they can look not so formal.

[David Jackson]

How important is the use of bright colors in the design of the cover for an e-book?

Very important. Bright colors attract attention. Always have. Especially when it comes to products for kids. But bright colors also get the attention of adults. And the most important step in any marketing campaign is getting the prospects attention.

After all, the content won't matter much, if no one ever sees it. So yeah, bright colors are pretty important. That's why you have to test different colors to see which one gets the best response. Otherwise, you're leaving money on the table.

Google's Website Optimizer (https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=websiteoptimizer&continue=http://www.google.com/analytics/siteopt/%3Fhl%3Den&hl=en)is an excellent program with which to conduct your tests.

David Jackson