Why Brand Colours Matter In Business

Amidst the excitement of starting a new business, one crucial element that can significantly impact your brand's success is often overlooked: your brand colours. These do more than just make your logo look pretty; they communicate your essence, evoke emotions and influence perceptions. But how do you to chose the perfect palette to ensure you stand out?

The Power of Colour in Branding

Colour is a powerful communication tool. It has the ability to convey feelings and drive decisions. According to a study by the Institute for Colour Research, people make a subconscious judgment about a product within 90 seconds of initial viewing, and up to 90% of that assessment is based on colour alone.

First Impressions Count: Your brand colours are often the first thing potential customers notice. They create an instant impression, setting the tone for what your brand represents.

Emotional Connection: They evoke emotions and can influence mood. For instance, blue often evokes feelings of trust and professionalism, while yellow can elicit happiness and energy.

Brand Recognition: Consistent use of specific colours can enhance brand recognition. Think about brands like Coca-Cola, Starbucks, or McDonald’s, which are instantly recognisable.

Competitive Differentiation: Choosing a distinct palette can help your brand stand out in a crowded market, making it easier for customers to remember and choose your product over others.

Real-Life Examples of Strong Brand Color Schemes

Coca-Cola (Red and White): The bold red of Coca-Cola is synonymous with energy and excitement; while the white provides a clean contrast, making the logo pop and enhancing readability.

Starbucks (Green and White): Green symbolises growth, freshness and relaxation, perfectly aligning with Starbucks’ brand values of sustainability.

IKEA (Blue and Yellow): Blue conveys trust and reliability, and yellow evokes cheerfulness and optimism. Together, they create a friendly and dependable image.

How to Choose the Right Colours

Selecting the right colors involves more than picking your favorites. Here are some steps to guide you:

1. Understand Colour Psychology: Learn what different colours represent and how they can align with your brand values and message. For example, purple and gold symbolises luxury; black can convey sophistication and elegance.

2. Analyse Your Target Audience: Consider the demographics and preferences of your target audience. Younger audiences might prefer vibrant, energetic colours and a more mature audience might favour subdued, classic tones.

3. Evaluate Competitors: Look at your competitors’ colour schemes. Choose ones that differentiate you from them, making your business memorable and unique.

Test and Iterate: Don’t be afraid to test different colour combinations to see how they resonate with your audience. Gather feedback and make adjustments as necessary.

Using Your Brand Colours in Social Media

Consistently using your brand colours across your social media profiles helps in reinforcing your brand identity. When your audience sees your posts, stories or ads, they should immediately recognise your brand through its colour scheme. Use the same colours in profile pictures, cover photos, graphics and even text overlays. This not only makes your online presence cohesive but also strengthens brand recall. Engaging visuals that align with your chosen palette makes your content more appealing and professional, encouraging more interaction and shares.

Remember, your brand colours are a key to your business identity. They do more than just make it visually appealing - they help tell your story, connect emotionally with your audience and make you stand out. At She Connects, we believe in empowering businesses to thrive. You can find out more about our design services here.