Indie authors have to do everything they can to break through in a crowded marketplace. Their stories are worth sharing, and the cover must be captivating enough to reflect that.
Fortunately, methods like A/B testing increase a writer’s chances of creating the ideal design that effectively represents the narrative while enticing buyers. Uncover what this marketing tactic involves and how independent authors can make the most of their early cover drafts.
What Is A/B Testing, and Why Do Indie Authors Need It?
A/B testing is a technique used to determine which of two options performs better for a target audience. It can be used to find out which book cover prototypes are more pleasing to readers, potentially leading to increased sales.
Many websites, including platforms like YouTube, offer A/B testing to help creators identify which thumbnails receive more clicks. Digital authors can use social media platforms to gauge which cover designs receive the most engagement.
For debut authors, A/B testing could be pivotal in setting readers’ expectations for future titles. Readers have come to associate aesthetic styles with certain genres and authors, making them more identifiable online. People can become attached to these identifiers, deepening their commitment to the author.
Some authors may become attached to a design due to their personal preferences or a limited perspective. However, data experts in the artificial intelligence space suggest that information can lead to better products.
For instance, PathAI CEO Andy Beck says, “A huge driver of innovation will be generating new insights from data that’s currently being ignored.” Therefore, leveraging these insights can significantly increase the likelihood of success for indie authors.
Tips for a Successful A/B Test
Here are the most practical ways to engage with A/B testing and how to make the most of the data you collect.
Experiment Widely to Start
A significant 60% of shoppers know if they are curious about a product based on simple aesthetic choices, like color. This fact highlights the importance of a first impression. When A/B testing early designs, make sure they are vastly different. Run the tests simultaneously to ensure the analytics accurately reflect reader preferences.
Try using unique colors, fonts and iconography. Once you find what components yield the best reactions, you can test the finer details, such as title spacing and color shades. You will never know if your readers would enjoy a red cover unless you give them the option.
Know the Trends
Romance books are a genre that is highly identifiable to readers, in large part due to the consistency in cover design.
Monique Aimee, a notable book cover designer who has designed for novelists like Casey McQuiston, says, “I love making my work pretty flat and seeing what I can get away with to still convey all the details I need to … When you’re reading a book, you are imagining the whole thing happening.
I want space for people to be able to do that.” She knows the key to romance readers’ sensibilities is not getting “in the reader’s way.”
A powerful A/B test leverages these types of insights to inform the first cover design drafts. It allows authors to gain a big-picture view of what reading niches want, and then, based on the results, they can narrow the scope for their specific audience.
This is also important because the data may reveal trend fatigue. If readers are not drawn to two covers that follow trends, then it presents an opportunity to pivot.
Test Cover Elements
You do not have to test the whole cover all at once. You can use a standard cover template in a solid color with one font or a title placeholder with different background textures.
Seeing how people react to specific components makes decision-making easier in the long run. This could reduce the time you waste on complete drafts by compiling the most-loved elements together in the end.
Involve Your Readers
Your audience will be the best gauge for the book’s cover. Thanks to social media, indie authors have more power than ever to interact with their audiences, so they must utilize this to enhance their long-term success.
When readers feel like they are part of the process, they build anticipation for the release. Plus, interaction with your readership deepens the community around your work, solidifying engagement for future A/B tests.
