Key things that make a good cover design

• Exaggeration is always useful but you should know what to exaggerate in every issue and it should remain within your concept and style.
• Each cover needs one headline that will pop out. In size, in color, in attitude.
• Cover page should always have a focus point. Something that can draw the eye of the reader.
• Rule of thirds
• Masthead should be clear and main focus point usually. Needs to stand out.
• Photography and images sell the magazine so they must be good quality and of people that the public can relate to.
• Give an answer to all your questions.
• The biggest cover line should appeal to the biggest section of your target readers.
• Use numbers when possible because this shows there is a lot in the magazine. For example, "22 top tips for..."
• For smaller cover lines, preferably go with black text or white if the background is dark. For bigger ones use colours.
• Main colour has to be different than the one in the previous issue. Buyers may mistakenly replace the new issue with the old one and not buy it.