As rational as some of us might try to be, we respond – positively and negatively – to almost every choice presented to us on both an emotional and intellectual level. As a business owner, you know that no matter how amazing a product or service you have to offer, feelings – something owners have no control over – will have an impact on what consumers decide to buy. That’s why you need to think critically about every aspect of your web design for your Calgary business, right down to the choices your make for fonts and colours.
You want your brand to be memorable, so your logo needs to generate a response. Psychologists have been studying the effect of colour for years and have found a distinct connection between colours and emotional response. Choosing the colour for your logo is an important decision that you can’t just leave to chance.
What the Experts Believe
Use what others have learned before you when planning your web design. Calgary business owners should make the most of every technique possible to stimulate a positive response, and colour is one of the most powerful. Think about some of the most memorable brands you know and chances are good that a colour will stand out in your mind.
Colours influence emotional response and hold significance for cultures around the world. Those feelings and responses might vary from region to region, but they are a part of nearly every aspect of our lives. In western society, red is considered a “power” colour. It evokes energy and aggression. Similarly, bright colours like yellow and orange represent warmth. Darker shades like blue, green and black are considered cooling. Scientists have found blues and greens to be calming and even lower blood pressure and incite calm breathing while red may actually stimulate higher blood pressure. These responses are reflected in the language we use. When we’re really angry, we “see red”. When a person is sad, they “have the blues”. We associate specific colours with seasons, holidays, and patriotism, and they all cause an emotional response.
What Do You Want Your Logo to Say?
When choosing the colours for your logo and web design in Calgary, you must think carefully about what you hope to convey. Many businesses are satisfied with just existing on the web, but the Internet can also be your most powerful tool to help you generate more business.
Here’s a quick guide to colours and some common connections. Take an honest look at the colours you’ve used in the past and ask yourself if they truly represent your company.
- Black = formality, mystery, boldness
- Gray = balance, neutrality, tranquil
- Green = peace, health, growth, nature
- Blue = trustworthy, strong, reliable, comfort
- Purple = creativity, wisdom, imagination and luxury
- Red = youth, boldness, energy, excitement, passion
- Pink = love, warmth, femininity
- Yellow = optimism, warmth, freshness
- Orange = enthusiasm, friendship, confidence, cheerfulness
- Brown = solid, dependable, nurturing
Logos are memorable because they create a response. Amanda Sibley, writing for the HubSpot blog, says the colours you choose for your logo should make people “recall your brand later on. Maybe it’s something unique in your logo, or something awesome your brand has done. Either way, your logo should be front of mind for your audience, and associated with your brand and product.”
So, what do you want people to feel when they see your logo?
When designing your company logo, you can’t afford to take chances on what looks good to you. The choices you make for every aspect of your web design for your Calgary business will define your business. Even a decision as seemingly simple as the choice of colour needs to be carefully considered, so you can make sure you’re sending the message you want. Why risk making a costly mistake when you can trust the professionals at Emphasize Design to guide you? It’s just one of the many services we offer. We’ll be happy to sit down and discuss what works best and help you build a website that most effectively presents your business to the online world.
