Studies show that people react almost instantly to color. Bright reds and oranges inspire energy. Green rooms spark creativity, while blue and white have a calming effect. Did you choose your color scheme with emotion in mind? Are your direct mail marketing materials, logo, website, emails and other marketing materials making the emotional impact you want them to make? Or are you turning your customers off instead of turning them on to your business?
Check the chart below to find out!
The Emotion of Color
Blue is associated with the sea, the sky and longevity. It communicates trust and loyalty, as well as stability. It also symbolizes intellect and faith and is primarily associated with masculine endeavors. (Hence the reason people buy blue instead of pink when a baby boy is born!) Blue is perfect when you’re advertising expertise and professional service; however, as it’s been shown to suppress appetite restaurant owners might want to think twice before making it a major player in their advertising campaign!
Red is associated with energy and power and, because it’s the color of blood, with life itself. It has high visibility and is a strong symbol of leadership; however, when used excessively it can convey the mental image of a child bouncing around his room who has had one too many candy bars that day! Red is a fabulous backdrop, making it the perfect choice when you want your text to stand out and make an impact.
Black is the color of death, of elegance, and of mystery. Black conveys sophistication and prestige (i.e. a black tie affair, a black
limousine) and is often brought forth as a show of power, as with a black suit. When blended with red, black can make quite an impact; however, if you’re not careful a black background can draw attention away from your text and make your message difficult to read.
Yellow is sunny, bright and cheerful, and is usually associated with happiness, good cheer and comfort. It’s also used to invoke energy and intellect, and when used excessively can be quite over stimulating. Yellow is great for promoting children’s products, leisure products and highlighting key points of other products on the market one wants associated with a bright, cheerful appeal.
Purple fluidly combines the energy of red and the stability of blue, hence the reason it’s often associated with royalty. Purple conveys an aura of wealth, extravagance and luxury, as well as creativity, and in studies was preferred by 75% of all teenage consumers. It’s also popular to promote products for women and children, as a light lavender is considered to be an extremely feminine shade.
Green is strongly associated with both nature and safety, and it’s often considered to be a symbol of growth. It’s restful and healing, making it a great choice for the medical industry, but in various shades can also be associated with ecology, money and prosperity.
What do your colors say about you? Tell us below!