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Posted
13 September 2007 @ 2am

Tagged
Internet Marketing

Does Color Makes A Difference To Your Website’s Profitability?

Yes. It’s true. 100% true.

How your website is presented and look can do a lot to determine if your visitors trust you and actually want to make a purchase from you.

Presentation wise, there is always an important aspect to consider – formatting.

Lots of white space, ample sub-headings, short sentences, bolding and bulleting go a long way in improving readability. This is covered in my previous formatting post.

Today, we want to focus on another aspect:

The Colors Of Your Site

Have you ever been to a site that gives you the bad vibes? It’s like the moment you enter the site and straight away you feel like leaving?

More often than not, it is usually a black color dominated site with white text. Think satanic sites.

Firstly, white text on black background is highly unreadable.

Secondly, black is associated with darkness, night, evil, witches and cats. Now you see the picture?

If you are selling something, and you are going to put the readers in an uncomfortable mode, do you think they are going to buy?

HELL NO!

Okay even if the product is indeed quality and some visitors do buy, do you think your conversion might increase if you change the background to a lighter and more neutral one?

One that will put the visitor in a more happy and relaxed mode?

Very likely.

 

The Point Is – The Colors Matter – A LOT!

Cos that determines the presentation of your site and the aura it exudes. As well as the first impression that forms in the mind of your visitors.

Make your visitors feel uncomfortable, and they will leave.

Personally, I will always stick to black text on white background, to give it a clean and professional look. As for colors, I usually pick among blue, red, orange, green and yellow.

Here is a low down of each colors and their effects which I took from a Larry Dotson’s book. Pay serious attention here, especially if you are going to create a new site or a sales page.

It could mean more money being made or lost.

Here goes…

  • Red – get them excited compel action, grabs attention, and ask people to order. Associated with love, romance, fire, war, blood,roses,
    danger, fire engine, sex, stop signs

  • Yellow – create good money. Buy quicker. Like sunny day
    Associated with brightness, cheerfulness, light, idea,
    sun, lightning, sun, gold, daises

*As you can see, yellow on white background makes a bad combination*

  • Pink – friendly color – may make people buy
    Good background color
    Associated with love, romance, pigs, sex, pink rose
  • Blue – powerful color. Relax and calm people down
    Think water and blue skies.
    Dark blue – Authority – business man/policeman
    Associated with water, rain, policeman, business suit
  • Orange – create warmth and comfort – like sun
    Associated with sunshine, sunset, oranges
  • Green - make people feel secure
    Can use with privacy policy, guarantee form, secure
    order page
    Associated with trees, luck, spring, love money
    life, spring
  • PurpleAssociated with royalty, grapes, wisdom
  • White – trust, honesty – help sell more products
    Associated with purity, dove, peace, innocence
  • Black – black text on a white background – professionalism and sophistication
    Associated with night, evil, cats and death
  • Brown – for credibility
    Associated with wood, earth, stability, leather
  • Gold/Silver – valuable, rare metals
    Associated with jewelry, wealth, rare items

[tags]website colors, profitability, website aura[/tags]

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59 Comments

Posted by
Donald T
14 September 2007 @ 11pm

well said, my friend. Most people don’t realize how important colours are. And yes…although black background and white text may look cool, it’s a pain to read. Furthermore if you stuff you site with loads of text…. oh man!


Posted by
Jag Foo
14 September 2007 @ 11pm

Hi Donald,

Thanks for your comments!

Actually I really dislike white text on black background. Like you said, it is a pain to read. Real pain…

Cheers,
Jag

P.S Coupon site for hostgator? Looks like you are doing well. Nice….


Posted by
Cory W
15 September 2007 @ 3pm

Colours are fundamental in making or breaking a website. Some websites are loaded with so many colours, they clash and look so cluttered. When i click on those sites, i won’t even bother trying to read them. Click, click! Close!


Posted by
Domdat
15 September 2007 @ 5pm

I dislike to put black color as a background too. It looks like old days people make a webpage of aboutMyself. I have read through other blog regarding background color. Based on the result, majority of the blogger likes blur color. Maybe your research are correct regarding the blue color aas it gives relax to people


Posted by
Jag Foo
15 September 2007 @ 8pm

Hi Cory,

You are absolutely right! Overload of colors makes me feel dizzy. Too dizzy till I close the page…and never come back. A pity.

Jag


Posted by
Jag Foo
15 September 2007 @ 8pm

Hi Domdai,

Actually have certain part of the background as black is fine as long as it doesn’t form the majority.

If it forms a good contrast with the majority white background, then it can actually enhance the appearance. This is because it gets the eye trained in on the content.

As for blue, it is an authority color. Blue is one of the most often used corporate colors.

And that is why I use blue as my main color choice for my other sites as well.

Cheers,
Jag


Posted by
Countdown
16 September 2007 @ 1am

I like my websites plain, with white background and black text, also with readable font sizes. I tend to keep my sites simple, minimalist, not having more than is needed.


Posted by
Alvin Huang
16 September 2007 @ 2am

Hey Jag,

I totally agree with you regarding colours and website presentation.

No offense dude but it does seem a bit ironic. You have to change your banner! It looks erm…like something drawn out from paint by a 5 year old.

If you need help lemme know. I ain’t a design whiz but can help do something up in 5 mins with photoshop. Or maybe when we meet for the mastermind session end of this month. =P

Regards,
Alvin Huang


Posted by
Jag Foo
16 September 2007 @ 11am

Hi Alvin,

Absolutely no offense taken.

You are right. I was fiddling with banner using SnagIt on an Adobe Stock photo.

Result ain’t great at all, but I decided I had to move on cos I got more pressing stuff.

And yep, design is not my forte.

Sure, we can talk about this over the session. I will pay for it.

Thanks a lot for your feedback!

Cheers,
Jag


Posted by
Jag Foo
16 September 2007 @ 11am

Hi Countdown,

Plain and minimalist design is the way to go.

It is elegant and classy. That’s how Google surged ahead pf Yahoo. They went the simple route.

Thanks for your comments!

Jag


Posted by
Alvin Huang
16 September 2007 @ 7pm

Hi Jag,

Don’t be silly. I ain’t no pro designer either. So it’d be free…=)

Regards,
Alvin Huang


Posted by
Jag Foo
16 September 2007 @ 7pm

Hey Alvin,

Thanks a great deal man! I’ll owe you one!

Jag


Posted by
Dave RH
18 September 2007 @ 11pm

Thanks for the reminder. With the age of the Internet, a lot of people tend to forget about tried and true methods of marketing like color theory. It’s always good to have a reminder from time to time.


Posted by
vince
19 September 2007 @ 3am

color is important in a website. but its how you market your site as well..but keeping people there is just as important


Posted by
Jag Foo
19 September 2007 @ 6am

Hi Dave and Vince,

Color plays a part in the overall marketability of the website.

One component, but still an important aspect nevertheless.

Cheers,
Jag


Posted by
dub
19 September 2007 @ 1pm

I’m not those website designer. In my opinion, keep the background color as simple as we can. Too fancy does make visitor not interested to view our site


Posted by
Jag Foo
19 September 2007 @ 3pm

Hi dub,

Yep, I absolutely agree with you. Simple works. Less is more…

Jag


Posted by
the subconscious mind
20 September 2007 @ 4pm

colours do matter and they have a big impact on how you feel and can even effect your mood and your level of hunger, but i agree keep the background as neutral as possible nothing too shocking and most people are used to seeing black text on white background so thats the best way to go imo


Posted by
Jag Foo
20 September 2007 @ 5pm

Hi Subconscious mind,

Neutral background is good, as it is easy on the prospects’ eyes.

And neutral background usually portray a simple yet classy setting.

Cheers mate!


Posted by
HarpersDad
22 September 2007 @ 9pm

There’s a lot of talk about the background – but don’t forget the other colors you use on your site. One or two complimentary colors to use in your headlines, logo, etc are essential to your blog’s overall look, feel, and branding. Look at the best blogs – usually 2, maybe 3 colors – too many can really look disjointed and hurt the readability of the blog.


Posted by
Jag Foo
22 September 2007 @ 9pm

Hi HarpersDad,

Well you are absolutely right. It’s more than just the background but the overall.

I never like many colors. Keep it simple. And nice.

At the end of the day, we must give the visitors a good reading experience.

Jag


Posted by
Tom
23 September 2007 @ 10am

Just wanted to say great post.

I agree with the color issue, if the website is hard to read, you’ll find that most people will just come and go in a snap.


Posted by
Killer
23 September 2007 @ 8pm

Yeah. Some websites really make me feel so hatred of. Those pop-up websites usually are very colorful. It is completely not professional for me. But anyway, I do like the black background with white color words website. I have to admit that I customize my own blog with black color background too. But for official websites, I will certainly say NO to this choice.


Posted by
Jag Foo
23 September 2007 @ 8pm

Killer:

Hmmm, I do use one exit pop up you described. Not exactly professional but it increases my conversion. Heh.

Well, I never like white words on blackground. But I’m sure your blog looks good.

Cheers!


Posted by
Malignition.com
25 September 2007 @ 12pm

Colors definitely have an effect on your website’s profitability. Your color choices could mean the difference between several sales or no sales.


Posted by
Jag Foo
25 September 2007 @ 1pm

Malignition,

After everyone’s input here, the consensus is out – you are right!

=)

Jag


Posted by
subconscious mind
26 September 2007 @ 2pm

i have started adding colour to my articles by adding in pictures, staring from my first article so it will take awhile, but its amazing how much different a few pictures can make to a post!

i also have recently installed the dofollow plugin!


Posted by
Jag Foo
26 September 2007 @ 2pm

Yo subconscious mind,

My mate. Good to see you have added in pictures.

A picture speaks a thousands words. It breaks the monotony of texts.

Ah,now that you have installed the dofollow plugin – even better!

Reward visitors with link juice back.

=)

Cheers,
Jag


Posted by
Bankruptcy
26 September 2007 @ 8pm

For the most part I agree with you, Jag Foo but I still have some reservations. Great post though!


Posted by
Jag Foo
26 September 2007 @ 11pm

Hi Bankruptcy,

Firstly, there are a lot of colorful nicknames here. Haha…

Ok back to the topic. You mention you have some reservations?

Good. I love to hear them. It’s only we disagree on something then we can all learn…

Jag


Posted by
Marketing Ease || Design, Develop, Deliver
27 September 2007 @ 3am

[...] pointer to help develop your writing style is to experiment with color. Jag Foo states that it can be both fun and productive to vary colors within your piece of copy. A [...]


Posted by
Valik Rudd
3 October 2007 @ 3pm

Too colorful words in the website are not professional and effective for me. I still think that the best website that will never harm our eyes are white background with black color text. :)


Posted by
Sharm
4 October 2007 @ 12am

I love colorful websites. But I dislike colorful texts. I think that background can be very colorful. But for text, I prefer black as the primary color.


Posted by
Miss Lingerie
12 October 2007 @ 6pm

i love those website which make people feel confortable. i love colorful website but not those with bright color, i prefer something soft…this make pepple feel confortable when reading the website


Posted by
Jag Foo
12 October 2007 @ 6pm

Miss Lingerie:

So do I. I love soothing and neutral colors.

When they put me in the mood, I will stay longer. Read more. And why knows – I’ll even buy.

Jag


Posted by
Wallace
13 October 2007 @ 6pm

i think it does. if a website with those unconfortable color then i will off it immediately, not even willing to spend more than one minute on that website so i think the color play a important roles.


Posted by
Jag Foo
13 October 2007 @ 7pm

Hi Wallace,

I know exactly what you mean.

I’ve been scared out of a site many times. Dominantly black sites give me the creeps.

Jag


Posted by
MakeupGirl
23 October 2007 @ 3am

It really makes you think.. As I read each color description, I couldn’t help but re-evaluate what color schemes I’ve chosen for some of my sites. I may just decide to add or change a color in a couple of my themes.


Posted by
Jag Foo
23 October 2007 @ 9am

Hey Makeupgirl,

Glad it had you thinking.

But from what I see from your site, it looks like you are on the right track.

Cheers,
Jag


Posted by
NsaneNoob
26 October 2007 @ 2pm

i love stylist site because it show how creative the author is. I personally dislike colors that hard to read like black and pink. sore my eye reading. Some sites i need to highlight all the world only could read it. troublesome.


Posted by
sharm
3 November 2007 @ 6pm

colorful websites do attract viewers, thus increase profitability. but too much color can make people dizzy, and colors too bright hurts eyes. it is important to choose coloring according to the type of webpage intended.


Posted by
Linda Morton
7 August 2008 @ 1am

I like your description of colors. I have also done some color research for my book: Strategic Publications: Designing For Target Markets.

We need to use what ever information we can find to make our sites and our businesses more profitable. I recently wrote a post on business profitability. The url for my website link will take you directly to that post.


Posted by
theimage
19 September 2008 @ 7pm

just found this posting, maybe not 100% true, but somewhat true I’d guess. Colors are indeed important.


Posted by
Jewelry Party Plans
19 November 2008 @ 1am

Yes, color makes a difference to website’s profitability. It gives a good look to the site, which is an important factor that attracts the surfers . It makes the person to visit it.


Posted by
mens earrings
29 January 2009 @ 7pm

The colour of a site is crucial for the look you are wanting to convey. A website is the first or sometimes the only port of call for your business.


Posted by
Free Banner Maker
27 May 2009 @ 7am

I agree. Color does make a difference when it comes to website profitability. Using different color that just don’t mixed with one another is a total mistake.

Free Banner Makers last blog post..Banner Ad Designers


Posted by
Mold removal service
10 June 2009 @ 10am

Color does have a effect on people and it does help make more sales. Just make sure any color you use is easy on the eyes and easy to read. Blue is best for links


Posted by
Herman
7 August 2009 @ 12pm

Colors are fundamental in creating a website or violate. Some sites are loaded with so many colors, and they look so cluttered clash. When click on the site, I will not even bother trying to read it. Click, click! Close!
Herman´s last blog ..Sell My Car My ComLuv Profile


Posted by
Wayne
11 August 2009 @ 2am

I never thought much about it. I just go for easy to read and what I like. I don’t think that conflicts with what you suggest…I like simple!!!

Wayne
Wayne´s last blog ..Practicing in the Forex Market My ComLuv Profile


Posted by
Wink
21 August 2009 @ 1am

Color…sure. But not too much. Don’t make it gaudy. Don’t let the “ART” take away from the message. K.I.S.S.
Wink´s last blog ..Real Estate Investing My ComLuv Profile


Posted by
adt
26 September 2009 @ 12am

Of course color plays a role on a website…the color of your Call To Actions will improve click-through if tested properly.

Ted Mills


Posted by
treatment center for anorexia
28 November 2009 @ 5am

Very interesting. I do believe that the color scheme of a website makes a good impression upon first glance. Thanks for the post ^_^

Gerry
treatment center for anorexia´s last blog ..Drug Rehab Requires Personal Effort My ComLuv Profile


Posted by
Planszowki
16 December 2009 @ 5am

I changed my Adsense colours to red and yellow and I see that I have more clicks in comparison to my old colour scheme which was made to suite the colour of the entire page. So this works ;)
Planszowki´s last blog ..Osadnicy z Catanu My ComLuv Profile


Posted by
Ethical search marketing
16 December 2009 @ 5pm

No color not effected on website. Data can change the website.


Posted by
car paint colors
30 December 2009 @ 12pm

I personally dislike colors that hard to read like black and pink. sore my eye reading. Some sites i need to highlight all the world only could read it.any some. thanks…
car paint colors´s last blog ..Paint your Wagon Yourself My ComLuv Profile


Posted by
Cynthia
16 March 2010 @ 11pm

I remember when I was studying marketing an the university I read a more detailed study on color marketing in Philip Kotler’s book “Marketing Insights from A to Z” which I recommend for you to read.
Cynthia´s last blog ..Happy CARD Day! My ComLuv Profile


Posted by
seminar projects
18 March 2010 @ 10pm

hey dude
Great stuff! i got a lot of inspiration from this post
i went through this page four times
it is very interesting ….
am learning for social work

Thanks


Posted by
Car parking management
23 March 2010 @ 10pm

I suppose if your site looks good, customers will want to contact you.
Car parking management´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at

Joe MontanMy ComLuv Profile


Posted by
James
24 March 2010 @ 9am

I’ve always been a firm believer in colour theory, it’s something not enough people take into consideration. For me it’s pretty much at the start of the design process


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