Colours are very important and might not be chosen purely for aesthetic reasons. They can have real psychological affects – they can affect how we feel, our mood, energy level and ultimately if we are more likely to part with our money. So the overall colour scheme you use for your website can make a huge difference.
As with all branding, you must use consistent images and colours across all forms of marketing – this includes your website. The colours used should complement your logo, if you already have one, so any prospective customers start to associate colours with your brand. It will give them a professional feel about your website and they will feel comfortable with any other marketing material received from your company.
In this next section, we will go through the basic colours, their general meaning and how they can affect your image :
Red
Red is a very vivid and intense colour. Being the colour of fire and blood, it is associated with strong feelings and stands out amongst all the colours. How often do you see this on stop signs, traffic lights, fire engines?
Associated with Energy, Strength, Power, Love, Passion, Desire, Leadership, Ambition, Determination, Movement, Life, Bravery, Danger, Anger, Blood, War
Using red in your website can be Attention-Grabbing, Energising, Powerful, Romantic and Exciting
It can encourage Spontaneous Action, Increase Appetite and Stimulate More Passion.
Orange
Why do people love beautiful orange sunsets – probably because it’s the colour associated with warmth and happiness. A mix of energising red and cheerfulness of yellow.
Associated with Optimism, Rejuvenation, Emotional Strength, Spontaneity, Positivity, Motivation, Enthusiasm, Creativity, Happiness, Adventure, Risk Taking.
Using orange in your website can be Uplifting, Adventurous, Flamboyant, Confident.
It can encourage Mental Activity, Independence, Creativity, Happiness
Yellow
Yellow is most associated with sunshine. It is more uplifting and cheerful than orange. It is best used in contrast with darker colours as it is the lightest of the basic colours.
Associated with Enthusiasm, Confidence, Optimism, Cheerfulness, Intellect, Happiness, Laughter, Cowardice
Using yellow in your website can be Cheerful, Happy, but sometimes Childish.
It can encourage Fun Behaviour, Joy, New Ideas, Clear Thinking, Impulsiveness
Green
Green is mostly associated with growth, renewal and rebirth. It is the colour of balance between our heart and our head. The mix of yellow and blue brings us the optimism of yellow and the calmness of blue.
Associated with Nature, Reliability, Growth, Renewal, Compassion, Generosity, Stability, Fertility, Safety, Peace, Money, Greed, Jealousy
Using green in your website can be Revitalising, Reliable, Relaxing, Balanced
Blue
The colour of the sky and the sea, blue brings us trust, honesty and stability. It gives a calming effect, and is often used to promote cleanliness and high-tech products. Not often used to promote food as it suppresses appetite.
Associated with Trust, Reliability, Perseverance, Authority, Peace, Calm, Tranquility, Honour, Wisdom
Using blue in your website can be Calming, Clean, Honest, Trustworthy, Safe
Purple
The colour purple stimulates imagination and spirituality. It is the colour of balance between body and mind. It encourages creativity, inspiration and originality.
Associated with Creativity, Invention, Spirituality, Daydreaming, Prosperity, Power, Wealth, Mystery
Using Purple in your website can be Creative, Magical, Spiritual
Gold
Gold is the colour of success, wealth and achievement. Linked to the warmth and power of sunshine, but with more confidence, passion and affluence.
Associated with Charisma, Optimism, Achievement, Wealth, Success, Positivity
Using Gold in your website will give the feel of Luxury, Success, Value, Happiness
Black
The colour of the shadows, black brings us the hidden, secretive, unknown and mysterious world. It is the colour that absorbs everything, and shares little. It is the colour of power and control and can be intimidating because of this.
Associated with Strength, Mystery, Sophistication, Power and Control, Death
Used more to provide a contrast for the other colours to shine, it can be used to give your site a mysterious, dark feel
White
White is the colour of purity, innocence and new beginnings. It allows us to start from a clean page and create anything.
Associated with Innocence, Cleanliness, Purity, Goodness, Perfection, Spirituality, Safety, Sterility, Wholeness, Equality
Can be used to promote New Beginnings, Simplicity of high-tech or the Safety and Cleanliness of the medical industry.