The Psychology of Color and Internet Marketing

The Psychology of Color and Internet Marketing
By Pam Renovato

As Internet marketers it is imperative that we
constantly look for ways to make a good impression on
our viewers. Your business depends on it. We only have
a short amount of time, before a decision on whether
or not we are professionals will be made. We must make
good use of this time.

The first instant we have at presenting ourselves to
viewers is our web page. Which brings us to the
importance of good design and proper color choices.
First impressions are very important. We must make the
best of them because we are only allowed one.

Remember this is your store front, and you must treat
it respectfully. While content, customer service, a
niche in your market, and a high subscriber list, are
crucial to your life on the internet. Good web page
design and proper color choices, are crucial as well.
It is a good part of the reason why viewers bother to
look over your content at all. Regardless of how
incredible your content may be, you need to welcome
them and make them feel at home, while they are there.
Or, they will leave.

Did you know you can control the mood of your visitors
by using certain color choices? This is a simple
concept that is very often ignored. Why?

Human emotions are very often triggered by color. You
need to know which colors trigger which emotions.

Color can make the difference between buying and
selling, if used correctly. You need to choose the
right color combinations for your site and product.

Everything we, buy, eat, wear, and all of the things
that take up space where we live, work or play, all
have colors. These colors provide a psychological and
emotional response in everyone. These responses
reflect who we are and the things that we think and
feel.

Color is the first thing we notice and the last thing
we forget. If used properly it can be a powerful tool.
It is the doorway to our deepest thoughts and
feelings, and desires. This is an issue worth
discussing.

Which colors should you use?

Well, it is always best to keep your main content on a
white background. This is easier on the eyes and will
provide a sense of professionalism. The color white
triggers emotions such as: purity, peace, and
perfection.

While white is an important color, you will probably
want to complement your site with other colors as
well. After all, there is creativity in each and every
one of us. There is a huge color spectrum for us to
choose from. Which colors are best!

Here are a few ideas to help you.

Red colors can stimulate warmth, hunger, and
excitement. Cooler colors such as green and blues,
enhance calm and content feelings. Dark colors make
objects seem heavier, while light colors make them
seem lighter.

Yellow may reflect a lack of worry, while black a
troubled state. Of course not all colors mean the same
things to all people. Yellow may sometimes mean cheap,
green may mean money or greed, black may mean elegance
or death.

Color has become a science and it is a much needed
weapon as part of your marketing arsenal. You will
need to take great thought in choosing color as it
will identify you, because once a color is "owned" it
is associated with you and your company. I am sure you
have noticed this with examples such as Coca Cola red,
Tide orange, and John Deere Green. It is just as
important to your identity as your logo. If a shape
provides a symbol, be aware that color does the same.

Think carefully when choosing colors! Applying a
certain color to your product is just plain logic.

For example: In stores, colors identify flavors,
brands, and products: Green in a cleaner says pine- in
a mouthwash says mint, blue very often means strong
mint - icy cool. Clear means additive free. Red found
in strawberries, cherries, and apples is very
appealing. You would never choose gray for laundry
detergent because you don't want gray clothes, you
want brightly colored clothes. Blue, very unappetizing
on a dinner plate, is much more successful as a dinner
plate.

Because they strongly affect mood, grays and browns
seem somber and often depressing. But they can take on
a more cheerful attitude with complements of red. No
matter how you use them they suggest weight, or
something heavy. This would provide your visitors with
a feeling of stableness and strength. Emotions like
this will help your visitors to associate your site
with solidity and confidence. Other colors such as
burgundy, oyster, beige, and blues will also provide a
feeling of solidity.

The list goes on and on.

Don't over look the issue of color with your business.
Believe me it matters!

You see, once we lived in a black and white world. TV
was black, printed publications were predominantly
black. All of that changed in the 60's and has created
a chain reaction that holds true today. Color is the
most important attention getter. As humans, we bring
our own tastes to the world. How do we choose which
color to be identified with? What is the right color?
Sometimes there is no right answer, you just have to
take your best shot. But the number one choice of
Corporate America is still blue.

About The Author
Pam Renovato is the web master of a newly renovated:
The Free Advertising Network. What will you do when
you discover all of those other marketing packages
don't work? Try using your use your teeth! 4 great
memberships one low monthly price!