Did you ever wonder why some web sites and landing pages and the colors that they do? Just like web sites, the same can be said about brands and logos. Pepsi and CocaCola both use “red” in their logos and are two of the most recognized logos in the world. Is it a coincidence? Probably not. The colors we see can play with our minds and let us immediately think and see things differently. A color like “RED” might make you angry or fired up, while a “LIGHT BLUE” is usually more soothing and friendly on the eyes.
I previously wrote an article called “The Emotions of Color in Marketing” and it goes into detail on what colors are used to try and influence site visitors, or to get them thinking differently. You can also refer to the infographic post, “The Anatomy of a Perfect Landing Page“, which also shows why different colors are used on landing pages, and how differently it can effect your overall conversions.
Primary Colors:
Red |
One of the world’s most favored and used colors, red is a very emotional charged color. When someone sees the color red, it tends to increase the respiration rate and can even raise your blood pressure! Red also creates excitement and is a color that is associated with danger, war, power, strength passion, desire and love. The color red has even been known to increase your appetite.
Yellow |
Looking for a happy color, then yellow is the one you are looking for. The color of sunshine, it also creates a sense of cheerfulness and helps to stimulate mental activity. Yellow is often used in a very bright form when it’s being used to attract attention. Yellow can have the appearance of being brighter than white if over used and can be disturbing if used too much.
Blue |
Blue is the color of trust. When someone sees the color blue, they are given a sense of tranquility and security. The colors also tends to symbolize loyalty, wisdom, trust, faith, confidence, and intelligence. Just like the color red can help increase your appetite, the color blue can help lower your appetite.
Secondary Colors:
Orange |
Orange is combination of the happiness of yellow and the energy and strength of red. It symbolizes creativity, determination, enthusiasm and success. In addition orange indicates affordability. Because of its similarity to red, it is great to promote food.
Green |
Green tends to suggest endurance and stability. It represents harmony, growth and freshness. Green indicates safety. Obviously, it is associated with money and wealth. With the interest in “green” products, it is the only color that can promote organic foods and products effectively.
Violet |
Violet or purple combines the energy and strength of red with the stability of blue. It represents nobility, ambition, power and luxury. It symbolizes extravagance and wealth and is often associated with dignity, independence, wisdom and magic.
Others:
White |
White is purity, goodness, light and innocence. It is considered perfection. White is generally positive and simple. Often it is the color of charitable organizations, low-fat foods and dairy products.
Black |
Black is elegant, powerful and formal, but can also be associated with death. In marketing, it is dignified. In certain contexts, black is very negative (blacklist, black humor, etc). It can also denote prestige.
