Colour is a strategic choice that affects how people view and recall your brand; it’s not merely a visual choice when it comes to branding. Colour actually boosts brand recognition by up to 80%, according to research.
So, how can you pick brand colours that represent your values and appeal to your target audience? Let’s explore the fundamentals of colour psychology in branding and how to design a successful colour scheme.
Colour psychology in branding: what is it?
The study of how colours affect human emotions and behaviour is known as colour psychology. It is employed in branding to intentionally and unconsciously influence your audience’s perception of your company.
The appropriate colour selections can:
- Increase involvement and trust
- Boost conversion rates
- Make emotional bonds
What Different Brand Colors Say
Here’s a quick guide to what some of the most commonly used brand colors mean:
| Color | Emotional Impact | Used By |
|---|---|---|
| 🔴 Red | Energy, urgency, passion, excitement | Coca-Cola, YouTube, Netflix |
| 🟠 Orange | Creativity, friendliness, enthusiasm | Fanta, SoundCloud, Mozilla |
| 🟡 Yellow | Optimism, clarity, warmth | McDonald’s, Snapchat, Ikea |
| 🟢 Green | Growth, health, stability, freshness | Starbucks, Whole Foods, Spotify |
| 🔵 Blue | Trust, reliability, calmness | Facebook, PayPal, Ford |
| 🟣 Purple | Luxury, imagination, wisdom | Cadbury, Hallmark, Twitch |
| ⚫ Black | Sophistication, power, elegance | Chanel, Nike, Apple |
| ⚪ White | Simplicity, purity, cleanliness | Apple, Adidas, Tesla |
How to Select the Colour Scheme for Your Brand
- Identify the Personality of Your Brand
Determine the essential characteristics of your brand before selecting colours. Inquire:
Is your brand conventional or modern?
Do you use a formal or informal tone?
Are you more concerned with dependability, innovation, affordability, or luxury?
🔎 For instance, a premium skincare firm would opt for gold and cream, while a daring tech startup might pick vivid blue and bright green.
2. Recognize Your Target Market
Colour perception can be influenced by the age, gender, culture, and values of your audience.
Bright, vibrant colours are favourably received by younger audiences.
Business and professional audiences may choose subdued and chilly tones.
Cultural differences: While red in certain Western cultures denotes “warning,” in China it means “luck.”
✅ Advice: Before making a final decision, always test your colours on actual users.
- Research the Contest
Find out what hues your rivals employ. You benefit from this either way:
Conform to industry standards for familiarity or make a statement for memorability.
Tool Tip: To create palettes and assess contrast, use programs like Coolors or Adobe Colour.
The 60-30-10 Rule for Equilibrium Brand Colour
Using your trademark colours intelligently is made easier by this timeless design principle:
60% is the primary colour (the predominant brand image).
30%: Secondary colour (provides depth and intrigue)
10%: Accent colour (for highlights and calls to action)
🎯 Use colours that have a strong emotional impact and are highly contrasted in your CTA buttons.
Advice for Using Your Colour Scheme
- Use HEX codes that are the same on all systems.
- Revise your packaging, social media visuals, logo, and website.
- Make a visual brand style guide that can be used in the future.
- Make sure your palette is readable by using contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Using too many colors
🚫 Choosing trendy shades without strategy
🚫 Ignoring cultural meanings or accessibility
🚫 Forgetting mobile optimization
One of the first things consumers notice and remember about your brand is its colour scheme. You may establish a powerful, identifiable identity, elicit strong feelings, and convey the correct message by utilizing colour psychology in branding.
🎨 Choose your colours with intention, not just taste, whether you’re starting a new brand or undergoing a makeover.
🚀 Let’s Build a Logo That Grows With You
Your startup deserves more than a quick-fix logo.
At NerdyNodes, we:
- Learn your brand inside-out
- Design bold, timeless logos
- Deliver full brand kits, icons, and style guides
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