The Effect of Colours in Marketing: How Brands Use Colours to Influence You !
Have you ever wondered why most fast-food brands use red and yellow? Or why high-end brands prefer ebony and gold? Colours are not just about aesthetics; they have a deep psychological impact on our minds. In marketing, colours play a huge role in influencing emotions, decisions, and even how we perceive a brand.
Let’s break down the power of colours in marketing with examples that we see around us every day.
1. Red – Energy, Urgency, and Appetite
Red is a colour that grabs attention. It symbolizes energy, passion, and urgency. This is why sale banners are almost always in red. In India, red also signifies prosperity and celebration, making it an ideal choice for wedding-related brands.
Examples: McDonald’s, Zomato, Domino’s, Coca-Cola – all use red to trigger appetite and excitement.
2. Yellow – Optimism and Happiness
Yellow is bright, warm, and associated with positivity. It catches the eye quickly and creates a sense of friendliness and joy. However, too much yellow can be overwhelming, so brands usually pair it with other colours.
Examples: Swiggy, Snapchat, and Subway use yellow to appear cheerful and welcoming.
3. Blue – Trust, Reliability, and Professionalism
Blue is the colour of calmness and trust. That’s why financial institutions, corporate businesses, and tech brands love using it. Blue makes a brand look professional and credible.
Examples: Facebook, HDFC Bank, LinkedIn, and Paytm use blue to instill trust.
4. Green – Growth, Health, and Nature
Green is associated with freshness, nature, and health. It is widely used by eco-friendly brands and health-related companies. It also represents wealth and prosperity in many cultures, including India.
Examples: Starbucks, Nature’s Basket, Amul (green in its logo suggests purity and farm freshness).
5. Black – Luxury, Power, and Sophistication
Black is the colour of elegance and exclusivity. High-end brands often use black to give their products a premium feel. It’s also a common colour in the fashion industry.
Examples: Titan, BMW, Apple, and Raymond use black for a touch of sophistication.
6. Orange – Playfulness and Energy
Orange is fun, energetic, and full of enthusiasm. It’s a great choice for brands that want to look youthful and vibrant.
Examples: Fanta, Amazon (smile arrow), and Byju’s use orange to create excitement.
7. White – Simplicity and Purity
White represents simplicity, minimalism, and purity. Many tech companies and healthcare brands use white to create a sense of cleanliness and efficiency.
Examples: Apple (clean, minimalist branding), Himalaya (health and wellness products), and hospitals.
8. Purple – Royalty, Creativity, and Wisdom
Purple is frequently linked to opulence, innovation, and intelligence. It’s used by brands that want to stand out as premium or unique.
Examples: Cadbury, Yahoo, and Tanishq use purple for a royal and luxurious feel.
How Brands Combine Colours for Maximum Impact
Examples: Cadbury, Yahoo, and Tanishq use purple for a royal and luxurious feel.
How Brands Combine Colours for Maximum Impact.
Many brands mix colours strategically to evoke multiple emotions. For example, McDonald’s uses red and yellow – red to stimulate appetite and yellow for happiness. Swiggy also uses orange and yellow, making it energetic and welcoming.
Final Thought as a Digital Marketing Specialist in Calicut !
Colours are a powerful marketing tool that influence our buying decisions, sometimes without us even realizing it. As a digital marketing specialist in Calicut, I have seen how brands leverage colour psychology to connect with their audience effectively.
Next time you’re shopping or ordering food online, take a moment to notice how brands use colours to communicate their identity and make you feel a certain way.
So, which brand’s colour scheme do you love the most? Let us know in the comments!