Color is probably one of the most important factors involved in a website. Very few people looking for a design for their site understand how particular color choices affect visitors. Sure, your wife might like purple, but is the perception of what purple represents to various individuals really a part of your company image?
Try this test: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the color purple?
I picture a young girl’s room, unicorns, and faeries. For me, purple is not a very serious color or one I suggest to portray a corporate image. Think about it: How many purple offices have you been in?
Consider other colors. Black and red together suggest aggression, darkness, or violence; bright orange and yellow can smack you in the face with sun if you’re not prepared for that; greens, blues, and subtle earth tones can give you a sense of peace; the various shades of gray instill an overall feeling of stability.
When dealing with colors, think of your site image. If you want a fun, friendly site, don’t be glaring or obnoxious with your choices. If your business is geared towards professionals, choose serious colors without being stark and boring or too dark. The primary function of color is to grab the visitor’s attention and hold it long enough for that individual to want to plunge deeper into your site. Make the wrong color choices, and visitors will run away screaming, “My eyes! My eyes!”
Choose colors that enhance your product and convey your company’s message clearly. Keep the number of colors you use to a minimum. Pick three that go together well, and then use various shades of those colors throughout your site. Too many colors can confuse visitors.
Color isn’t the pretty icing on the cake,. It’s the flour, eggs, and water, too. Color serves as the foundation for the rest of your site and provides the base from which all other ideas come.
