So, how can you create an e-cover? 

If you have a copy of PhotoShop, you can buy a set of action scripts to automate the process.  These action scripts will allow you to focus on creating a nice flat design for your book or software cover.  You may then run the action script to have a box or book cover generated from the flat design.  The script will use Photoshop’s perspective tools to give the cover a 3D look, and it will also add a reflection and shading to make the image appear more realistic.

You may also purchase a software program specifically designed for creating eCovers.  I believe one of the best programs is The Web Graphics Creator.  It’s often difficult to find in stores, but you can purchase it on Amazon for under $30.  No, it isn’t a perfect solution.  You can certainly make better images yourself using PhotoShop.  But if you don’t want to spend $300+ for PhotoShop, or you’re not really comfortable with your artistic skills, this program may be just what you’re looking for.

So, if that’s true, why do we see so many pages with fancy headers, footers, “virtual” boxes and book covers, etc.?  You would think that everyone would go the “simpler” route of throwing up a sales letter with a link to their payment processor near the bottom of the page (before the ubiquitous PS).  It would stand to reason that if research indicates that graphics reduce sales conversions more people would choose to forego the time and expense of adding them.

But, most people fail to consider that there are other variables at work.  I would like to see a study that compares text-only sales conversions with sites that include nice graphics along with a few other variables thrown in. 

For example, do graphics help relatively new online businesses more than established firms?  In other words, once an individual or business establishes credibility with their market, do graphics then become a hindrance?  And would having the extra graphics actually work better to boost credibility for the newcomer?  Or does it even matter?

And I’m sure the actual content of the sales letter would make a huge difference.  You really get into elements like the heading, sub-head, use of bold and highlighted characters, testimonials, Johnson Boxes, etc.  Effective sales copy becomes much more critical when that’s all you’re relying on to get the sale.  I’m talking about copy using techniques like Joe Vitale’s famous “hypnotic” methods to send customers into “buying trances.”

I personally like to see nice web graphics, but I’m not sure they actually influence me to buy any more or less than a site without graphics.  The sales copy really has the most influence, but I haven’t really stopped to think about whether or not the graphics make me feel more or less like making a purchase.  Perhaps that’s something to consider when visiting a new site.

If you have any information on how the use of web graphics helps or hinders online sales, I’d like to hear about it.  Or, if you have a personal opinion on the subject, I’d like to hear that.  I think this is a subject worthy of a bit of discussion.  Our online sales are at stake.