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In website design, color can mean the difference between success and failure. Today we are going to look at different colors and how they can affect your visitors.

Rule 1, A bright, pure color washed over a large space can be irritating. Imagine a pure, bright yellow background with a lot of blank space. How would this be perceived? Bright colors can be used effectively in small doses.

Rule 2. By putting bright colors next to each other, you can create some nasty effects. If you use bright colors, separate them to maximize their effectiveness.

Rule 3. Background colors spread over large areas should be subtle so as not to detract from the message. It is important to experiment with different color combinations to determine how best to convey your message.

You can convey authority by using blues, grays, and other colors found in nature. Some photographs look good on a black background, but text usually looks best on lighter colors, especially white.

Reds and yellows tend to generate excitement if used in small does, but red can also trigger the anger emotion in people if used too much.

It is very important to have a wide contrast between foreground a background colors, otherwise your message will be lost.

Your color choices may also be influenced by your primary geographical market. People in North America respond to the following colors in the following ways

• Red excitement, strength, sex, passion, speed, danger.
• Blue (listed as the most popular color) trust, reliability, belonging, coolness.
• Yellow warmth, sunshine, cheer, happiness
• Orange playfulness, warmth, vibrant
• Green nature, fresh, cool, growth, abundance
• Purple royal, spirituality, dignity
• Pink soft, sweet, nurture, security
• White pure, virginal, clean, youthful, mild.
• Black sophistication, elegant, seductive, mystery
• Gold prestige, expensive
• Silver prestige, cold, scientific

People from tropical cultures respond well to warm colors, people from northern climates tend to enjoy cooler colors.

Color affects shoppers as well. Impulse shoppers respond to red-orange, black, and royal blue, while shoppers on budgets stick to pink, teal, light blue, and navy. Traditionalists respond to pastels- pink, rose, sky blue.

Related tool: Color Cube - learn the codes to create every possible color!

Note from Fluffy the Moose

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