Color and Your Website Part 2

©2001, Judi Singleton

I wrote an article a couple of weeks ago about color

and your website. If you didn't get a chance to read it

then email mailto:color_article@sendfree.com for a copy.

Today I am trying to get you to pay attention to your

color schemes on your website. With so much going on in

the world wide web this may not be your priority, but it

may determine the fate of your website in the future.

White is a good choice. It makes for easy readability and

its symbolism is purity. Uprightness this is the main

aesthetic value of using white on your website.

Red is often used to symbolize intense energy and

excitement, and to move people from one spot to another

quickly. However, as I noted in the last article it can be

associated with anger and passion and is best used for

warnings or important updates.

Pink is a virgin color. The color of teenagers, it can denote

young ideas, and enthusiasm.

Studies show that peach is the most soothing color for

consumers. It denotes openness and a friendly atmosphere.

Brown is a stable color, even though perhaps too stable for

the business site as it may bring feelings of earthiness or

not being flexible. But then again it can signify endurance

and simplicity.

Black is most often associated with death and mourning.

However, black can also be used to convey a secretive or

mysterious atmosphere.

Purple is another choice for mystery and royalty.

These are only some guidelines to color. Considering your

target audience is always a must. For example, if you are

selling astrology readings the use of black, purple, or

gold, would be very appropriate. Or if your targeted base

is feminine then you might want to use soft pinks, lavenders,

or peach. If you are in a global market colors and their

meaning vary a great deal between cultures so you might want

to study up on the different meanings of color in other

countries. You may be offending someone from Japan, for

instance, with your use of color.

Since color and emotion are so closely tied, you have about

45 seconds after your page downloads to impress your visitor

with your color scheme. If it appeals emotionally to them

they will stay and look around. If it does not appeal to

them you have made a lasting statement about you and your

site. Choose wisely when designing a business website if you

want your visitors to stay and buy your great products.

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Judi Singleton is the webmistress of Jassmine.com

http://www.jassmine.com

and the editor of Jassmine's Journal

http://www.gotojassminesitenow.com/journal/

This article may be reprinted for your website,

newsletter, or ebook as long as the resource box

stays intact.

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