Colour theory for your website (Part 2)
One of the greatest assets in your marketing toolbox is colour. The right choice of colour in marketing, and more specifically web design, has the power to directly influence people’s mood and decisions.
In this, our three part series on web design and colour theory, we explore how colour can be one of your most effective marketing tactics. In Part 1, we looked at the basics behind colour theory, while in Part 2 (this article) we examine three of the most popular colours. In Part 3, we look at the less popular colours and provide some really useful colour selection tools.
So, let’s get started with the three most popular website colours. It’s important to keep in mind that these colours have very different meanings in different cultures. For this blog series, we’ve focused on the meaning in Western cultures.
Most popular colours: 1# Blue
The colour blue tops the list of most popular colours in web design. When you think of sites that use blue – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Dell, IBM, HP – what do you think they all have in common? Blue is calming, relaxing, reassuring, trustworthy and safe. It symbolises the sky, water, sleep, the mind, but above all blue seems to stand for communication – hence the colour of choice for many social media platforms.
Also, blue adds to the global appeal of these brands due to its general neutrality. From Part 1 you might remember that research showed that blue is favoured across both sexes. Examples of iFactory web designs that incorporate the colour blue include Aveo, C&K and Parmalat.
2# Red
Have you ever considered how red websites make you feel? Red is a powerful colour that evokes feelings across the spectrum, from hate and danger to love and desire. Light reds may be for affection and daintiness, while darker reds are for war and elegance.
Used in the right way, the colour red also spells excitement, boldness and youthfulness. In all forms, red in web design says categorically, “Take me seriously. I am strong. I can solve your problem.” From a marketing perspective, the dominance of red stimulates users into making a decision quickly. From Part 1, you might remember that bright colours like red help to draw the eye and guide the user through the site.
Examples of iFactory web designs that incorporate the colour red include HIV Foundation, National Plant and Equipment, National Heavy Haulage and Magna Glulam.
3# Orange
Orange is said to merge the energy of red with the happiness of yellow. It portrays sunshine and the autumn season, while at the same time conveys a deeper symbolism of success, rebirth, creativity and encouragement.
It is contemporary, eye-catching and welcoming; three clear reasons why it’s so popular in web design. While the exuberance and success of orange politely demands attention, it’s important to choose the right shades. Dark orange can convey deceit, distrust even aggression, so choose carefully. Examples of iFactory web designs that incorporate the colour orange include Vale and Bulk Fuels Australia.
Making your life easier
In Part 3, the end our series on Web Design and Colour Theory by looking at the less popular colours. We also make life easy for you by providing several really useful colour selection tools.
For creative and website design in Brisbane, iFactory is your best bet. We’ve been in business for more than 10 years and have designed hundreds of website designs, internet marketing, eCommerce and app solutions for businesses large and small.
Contact iFactory today and start growing your business through digital.
