How to build a successful brand website using color

In today's environment, where consumers have a plethora of ecommerce websites to choose from, a website must be engaging, neat, organized and designed very well. Creating a webpage is similar to establishing a showroom: the visualizer has to create a room that prompts the customer to purchase whatever the store is selling.

Think of it this way: you wouldn't be interested in buying a gray sofa that is crowded by pink walls, baby blue carpets and red throwovers. This is why every website has to take into account colors.

One of the most important aspects of a website is the color aspect. The web designer has to select the right color and match with the company's logo and branding. If a logo is red then there should be complementary colors and shades that will make the website compelling to browse and peruse.

Some of the most common errors that a lot of web owners make are selecting colors that are inconsistent, overusing colors on the web portal and inserting colors in the wrong places. It's crucial to keep in mind that there is limited real estate on a website, especially on mobile devices, so the website should be elegant.

What colors should my website use?

A brand's logo must always be considered when building the tone of the website's colors. In other words, a website should be designed based upon the logo. For instance, if a potential customer visits your company website, the color should be inviting and answer the important question: am I even on the right website?

Of course, it does depend on the logo's color. Best Buy is known for its bright yellow, but it somewhat suppresses it on the website by matching it with blue and white.

 

Where should my website apply colors?

As an entrepreneur, you should definitely feel proud of your brand's color. With that being said, you should certainly refrain from applying the color in every blank space on the website. Here is an old adage: less is more. Your brand colors can be placed in interface controls (menus, buttons and search fields), but not anywhere else (black text on a white background will suffice).

A good example of this is the Wal-Mart website. It's logo is blue and the color is found on its menu, links and in the background of images.

 

How many colors should my website use?

Again, less is more. A website that uses fewer colors is a lot easier to remember and revisit than a website that incorporates several colors at once. The rule of thumb is that your brand color should be complemented by a secondary color.

A good example of this is UK Models, which has only three colors on the website, including white, dark gray and burgundy.

 

What are some good examples of branded websites?

If you're in the beginning stages of launching your corporate brand or you're looking for ideas to revamp your website then there are quite a few websites that you should mimic if you want customers to be enticed by your product: WestJet, H&R Block and BestBuy.

 

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• Design
• Inspiration