With what can only be described as a crazy year drawing to a close now, many businesses and organisations are taking the opportunity to review their marketing and ensure it is in the best shape possible for 2021. The common thread that runs through all the visual elements of your marketing activity is your brand and your business’ or organisation’s brand colours are arguably the most prominent element of this.

Every colour has a meaning and is designed to elicit a unique emotional response, which is why selecting the right palette is crucial when building your brand. Along with your typography, tone of voice, company values and unique positioning, your brand colours will help to build a stronger identity.

If you’re in the process of building a new brand, or are simply giving your existing identity a refresh, here’s everything you need to know behind the psychology of some of the most popular colour choices.

Blue

Arguably the most popular choice in corporate design, blue is commonly associated with calmness and security; which makes it a great choice if you’re looking to evoke trust with customers. Be mindful that some shades of blue can be perceived as depressing or cold, so be sure to test a few different options.

Popular industries:

• Tech
• Finance
• Health
• Consultancy

Brand examples:

• Dell
• Facebook
• Intel
• IBM

 

 

 

 

Red

Fiery hues capture attention and instil a sense of energy, making them a popular choice for brands that want to create excitement or a warning. Red is often best used cautiously and will commonly be found on call to actions.

Popular industries:

• Transport
• Food Service
• Tech
• News

Brand examples:

• Netflix
• YouTube
• KFC
• CNN

 

 

 

 

 

Green

Green is a fresh and versatile colour that is used across a variety of industries. It typically represents the environment or growth, so you’ll generally see it used amongst brands who are connected to nature and wealth. Dark greens are associated with affluence, light greens with peace.

Popular industries:

• Agriculture
• Finance
• Education
• Food & Drink

Brand examples:

• Holiday Inn
• John Deere
• Starbucks
• Spotify

 

 

 

 

Yellow

Projecting feelings of fun and positivity, yellow is particularly useful for stimulating energy and catching a customer’s eye. The colour is now synonymous with brands like McDonalds and IKEA, and is popular choice amongst those who want to influence and boost sales.

Popular industries:

• Retail
• Travel
• Logistics
• Toys

Brand examples:

• Hertz
• Nikon
• Ikea
• Mcdonalds

Black

Encompassing power and sophistication, black has been harnessed by many luxury brands. If you want customers to feel like they’re investing in a premium product or service, it’s a great choice when used sparingly. It can even be used as a basis for imagery themes, with some brands choosing to use black and white photos across their identity to set a specific tone.

Popular industries:

• Automotive
• Fashion
• Finance
• Tech

Brand examples:

• Apple
• Nike
• Uber
• Chanel

 

 

 

 

Orange

Combining the cheer of yellow with the boldness of red, orange is a colour that is commonly associated with life and excitement. Many brands use orange for call to actions or areas of a website they want to draw attention to.

Popular industries:

• DIY
• Entertainment
• Food & Drink
• Construction

Brand examples:

• Fanta
• Mastercard
• Nickelodeon
• Soundcloud

 

 

 

 

 

Purple

Long associated with royalty, mystery and indulgence, purple is becoming increasingly popular to create a high-end appeal. Many companies use it as an accent colour in graphics or to attract attention to call to actions.

Popular industries:

• Beauty
• Food & Drink
• Property
• Tech

Brand examples:

• Cadbury
• Yahoo!
• Twitch
• Claire’s

 

 

 

 

Making a choice

While it costs next to nothing to choose a colour, making the wrong decision can cost you in the long run. Ultimately, the best brand colours for you are the ones that fit with your target audience and business values. It’s a difficult task – and one not to take lightly. But that’s where we can help!

At TLC, we deliver creative solutions that have a big impact. Get in touch today to find out how we can ensure your brand colours become one of your biggest assets. Call us on 01962 600147 or email info@tlc-business.co.uk for a chat and some fresh ideas.