Creating a professional, visually appealing author website is an essential step for direct sales. One of the most important aspects of your online presence is your product images. They’re the first thing your readers see, and consistent, high-quality images can boost sales and elevate your brand.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple process for designing image templates, focusing on author websites, specifically Shopify. You’ll learn how to create clean, uniform product images for eBooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, and bundles.
Why Consistency in Images Matters
Imagine walking into a store where the shelves are cluttered, and the packaging is all over the place. It’d feel unprofessional, right? The same applies to your website. Consistency in your product images gives your site a polished, trustworthy look. This uniformity improves the shopping experience and helps readers focus on your books instead of distracting design differences.
When creating your images, aim for a square format—1080 x 1080 pixels. This size works beautifully across most platforms and keeps everything looking balanced. Regardless of the tools you use, this foundational step ensures your images and site maintain a cohesive style.
Tools You Need
To create sharp, professional images, you don’t need a huge budget. Here are some tools that will help:
- Book Brush: This is one of my favorite tools for creating images. It’s versatile and works great for authors.
- Canva: The free version of Canva is perfect for 1080 x 1080 designs, especially if you’re just starting out.
- Photoshop or PickMonkey: Great for more advanced customization.
- CapCut: Even some video-editing tools like this can handle basic image formatting.
You can choose the tool that matches your tech skills and budget. In this guide, I’ll highlight how Book Brush makes the process quick and simple.
Setting Up Your Templates
Templates save time and ensure consistency across all your product images. Here’s how to create them:
- Start with the Right Size
Open your tool of choice and create a 1080 x 1080 pixel canvas. In Book Brush, this is as easy as selecting the “Facebook Ad” template, which is already square. - Add Your Book Covers
Upload your book cover. Book Brush lets you place the cover into different mockups—like paperback, audiobook, or eBook. I recommend choosing a design with a black background, as it makes the cover stand out. - Adjust and Stretch as Needed
Make sure the book mockup fits neatly into the canvas. Center the cover so everything looks balanced. - Save Your Templates
Once you’ve got your layout, save it as a reusable template. This way, whenever you have a new book, you can simply swap the cover without starting from scratch.
Exporting Files
When you’re ready to save your images, download them in two essential formats:
- PNG: Keeps the background transparent, making it ideal for future edits or adding layers in Canva.
- JPEG: Perfect for your website. This format loads faster and works well for product listings.
Having both formats means you’re covered no matter where the image is used. PNG files are great for collages and social media, while JPEGs make your Shopify pages load efficiently.
Adding Final Touches
If you’re creating bundle images (e.g., an audiobook and eBook combo), tools like Canva make it easy to add text overlays. You can label the image with what’s included in the bundle, such as “Paperback + Audiobook.”
For collection pages on your site, mix and match images you’ve already created. For example, show a book bundle image alongside individual product images for a sleek look.
Keep It Uniform
Here’s the golden rule: keep everything consistent. A website with mismatched images looks messy, even if your content is great. Always use the 1080 x 1080 format, align elements properly, and stick to the same layout for each product type.
Uniformity doesn’t just make your site look beautiful—it builds trust with your buyers. When everything matches, they’re more likely to feel confident in their purchase decision.
Wrapping It Up
By following these steps, you’ll be able to create polished, professional product images that make your Shopify author site stand out. Whether you use Book Brush, Canva, or another tool, the key is staying consistent with your designs.
Take the time to create reusable templates and always stick to a square format for your images. Your readers will appreciate the clean, organized look, and it’ll make it easier for them to shop.
Got questions or need additional tips? Let me know! Start experimenting with these techniques today and watch your site transform into a sales-boosting storefront.