What Makes Book Cover Design Truly Effective Today?

[benbaker]

I've been thinking about how important book cover design is in grabbing reader attention, especially in crowded online marketplaces. With so many books competing for visibility, it's not always clear what makes a cover stand out or connect with the right audience. In your experience, what elements matter most in book cover design? Should authors focus more on color psychology, typography, or genre-based visuals when trying to create a cover that truly attracts readers?