Millions of users access the internet daily to check their email, browse social media feeds, and even research information. Because of the rife competition online, you only have one opportunity to make a positive impression on your website visitors. When you are building a website, choosing the right color scheme can ultimately mean the difference between failure and success when it comes to building an online following.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Color Scheme
Color plays a powerful role in marketing products and the messages companies want to convey. Choosing the right color scheme for your website is a way to instantly connect with visitors while establishing the overall presence you intend to make with your business and brand. Depending on your target audience, your color scheme may include only one vibrant color or multiple colors that are most trendy and popular among the demographics you want to reach.
Tips When Choosing a Color Scheme for Your Website
There are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing a color scheme for your website, such as:
Define and Research Your Target Audience
The first step to take when building a website for any purpose is to research and get to know more about your target audience. Define the age range, gender, location, and even specific interests of users you want to reach with your website. Research keywords and phrases that are most relevant to your website to discover potential competition as well as topics and subjects that are most popular within your market.
The more familiar you become with your target audience and the industry you are entering, the easier it will be to settle on a color scheme that is just right for your website.
Learn the Basics of Color Psychology
Understanding the basics of color psychology is extremely helpful when choosing a color scheme for your website. Take time to research how colors are interpreted and used in marketing and design to find a scheme that is optimal for your site and its purpose. Some of the basic color meanings include:
- Blue: Calming, friendly, welcoming. Used on corporate websites and websites representing major businesses. Can also indicate community and socialization. Used on websites such as Facebook and Twitter.
- Red: The use of red may indicate a warning, promotion, or another eye-catching offer. Red is considered a symbol of lust, sex, appeal, and luxury.
- Yellow and Orange: Both yellow and orange are inviting, non-threatening, friendly, and represent hope.
- Green: Green may indicate wealth, shopping, or even nature. Banks, eco-friendly companies, and even loan services may use green in their color scheme. Green may also be used in online shopping promotions to motivate sales.
- Purple: Purple is considered a color of royalty and luxury. It is elegant and can also indicate high-end brands and high-ticket luxury products or services when used with brands and websites.
Choose a Color Scheme Relevant to Your Niche
Consider the niche you are in and the market you represent when choosing a color scheme. If you are targeting teenage girls, bright pinks, light blues, and neon colors may attract more visitors. However, if you are launching an eco-friendly company, consider hues of green, brown, beige, and other neutral colors. Research and compare the color schemes used by your competitors to gain valuable insight into what your target customers respond to most.
Use a Color Palette Generator
Another way to brainstorm new color scheme ideas for your website is to use an online color palette generator. Using color palette generators is a great way to discover new potential color schemes that are fitting for your brand and the aesthetic you intend to create. Color palette generators are also a great way to create unique color schemes for promotional events, marketing campaigns, and email templates for your website as you expand.
Understanding the importance of choosing the right color scheme for your website is essential, regardless of the purpose of your site. Whether you are launching an eCommerce store or if you are creating a professional portfolio, using the right color scheme for your audience can greatly improve your online success.
