How to Choose The Right Color Scheme for Your Website
The Internet is an almost inexhaustible source of applications and sites and given the current trend the future will bring a steady growth both in numbers but also in importance. The winner of this avalanche of possibilities is definitely the Internet user who will decide who will thrive and who will require a rethinking or changing of strategy.
One of the most important factors in attracting customers is the color; its eye-catching power can convert visitors into regular users or customers. Choosing a color scheme for a site is not easy, this being emphasized by the importance of color in the whole ensemble.
Another advantage in choosing the right color layout is the power of suggestion, vision is color dominated, and in the absence of writing it will take certain meanings. This has applications not only in web design but also in everyday life, depending on the culture and tradition, for example white represents purity for Europeans whilst for some areas of China and Africa mourning.
In conclusion, choosing the right color can have significant effects and, in web design, it can mean the difference between amateurism and professionalism. In this article I will submit a list of the most important ideas to be considered when choosing the color combination of a site; I look forward to any additions or opinions so please use the comment form!
1. The color scheme has to bear in mind the target audience
The selection of colors used in a site should not be influenced by ones’ own preferences, although subjectivity has its role. The main purpose of used tones is to help attract potential visitors, the success of any online presence being dependent on the traffic received. So, before sketching the first possibilities of color combinations it’s good to establish the target audience, the segment of population for which the website is designed .Amongst the most important factors in determining the appropriate colors are the visitors’ gender, the major age category, trade or geographic location.
For example, a site featuring the latest news from the auto industry is usually aimed at men aged over 18 (so determined by the legal possibility of obtaining a driving license and the genders’ preferences for speed and adrenaline). In this case we can use powerful colors, sharp contrast emphasizing the idea of dynamism, power and innovation. Definitely, other visitors are welcome to visit the site but as most visitors are from the formerly mentioned segment we can neglect their preferences. Any web designer knows that he cannot please all Internet users with a single color scheme.
A more complicated problem is faced by designers who have as target audience a population that is spread across different geographical areas. The meaning of colors can vary around the world, and sometimes may even have opposite positions. In this case the designer’s first concern is to make a statistic of his potential visitors and if that cannot be precisely determined it’s advisable to use a smaller number of colors which should be as characteristic of that area as possible.
2. Any color scheme should be attractive but mostly accessible
It may be that a designer will choose a gorgeous color scheme, but the end result will not please the public. Although apparently the number of people with visual problems is small in reality there are many people who have eyesight related problems. Even if these persons do not manifest problems in everyday life, certain color combinations are not appealing and cause discomfort, the most common case is a stark contrast which leads to the difficulty of distinguishing writing from its background. Accessibility standards are clearly defined and any designer must take them into account; Internet belong to everyone, you know. For example in the U.S. this issue was regulated by binding state institutions sites to comply with accessibility standards.
In conclusion a mark of professionalism is avoiding such problems and implementing accessible designs and color schemes.
3. The colors you chose must facilitate the site’s success
A layout should not be thought of as a bundle of elements: header, content, footer, logo each with his shades, a layout is a whole aimed at satisfying the visitor. Each site is unique and to meet its declared goal, color can play an important role. For example, for a blog the number of subscribers is very important so the “subscribe” button will require a position as obvious as possible and a color that will highlight it even more.
Experts recommend using a different or attractive color for any more important idea, but excessive use can be harmful and will result in transforming the site into a rainbow.
4. Prepare multiple variants of color schemes
A project is well made if the customer is satisfied, but most times the customer is not an expert or connoisseur of web design and chromatics. To avoid any problems and especially to meet the deadline it is very wise for a designer to prepare several alternatives of color schemes. It is likely that the web designer will choose the appropriate solution, but if the customer does not like it you need another approach. So it is always advisable to have a backup option.
5. Choose colors professionally
Internet seems like the realm where everything is possible, therefore chromatic resources are plentiful, highly detailed and of quality. There are blogs and posts that deal with the problem of coloring but there are also very good applications that help designers in choosing the best colors schemes. As a bonus here are some of the most common.
Kuler is one of the most widely used applications in particular because of its many possible uses. Using this application different color palettes used by other designers can be studied, you can give feedback and create your own mix of shades.
This application impresses through graphics: it gives a 3d rendering of nuances that is very attractive. It basically offers the same solutions as the majority of applications presented herein.
3. http://www.aviary.com/tools/toucan
This application is very complex, the possibility of selecting colors are carefully channeled from the menu that offers options for any project. Definitely worth a visit!
4. http://jrm.cc/color-palette-generator/
Here it is necessary to upload an image and the application will present the colors used. The design of the application is not one of the most modern but the idea and solutions used are brilliant.
Color Explorer is a complex application that can provide an invaluable aid to any designer. It is to be appreciated the presentation of the “Help and Guides” menu.
There are many other interesting applications that help designers chose their colors professionally but experience is the main aid, so exercise is irreplaceable!
Leave a comment
Latest Posts
Make an Adequate Search Online for SEO Services in Miami
November 21, 2012What is my Search Engine Ranking
July 16, 2011SEO: Dash vs Underscore in URLs
July 16, 2011How to Choose The Right Color Scheme for Your Website
July 14, 2011How to Create a Simple Login Form Design
July 14, 2011Make an Adequate Search Online for SEO Services in Miami
November 21, 2012What is my Search Engine Ranking
July 16, 2011SEO: Dash vs Underscore in URLs
July 16, 2011SEO: Dash vs Underscore in URLs
July 16, 2011How to Choose The Right Color Scheme for Your Website
July 14, 2011What is my Search Engine Ranking
July 16, 2011SEO: Dash vs Underscore in URLs
July 16, 2011How to Create a Simple Login Form Design
July 14, 2011Make an Adequate Search Online for SEO Services in Miami
November 21, 2012FEATURED WORK
The Internet is an almost inexhaustible source of applications and sites and given the current trend the future will bring a steady growth both in numbers but also in importance. The winner of this avalanche of possibilities is definitely the Internet user who will decide who will thrive and who will require a rethinking or [...] Read more
Responses (29)
best standby generators
July 18, 2011 12:31 pm
Hi, Would just like to mention that your blog is excellent and have enjoyed reading your posts.I will be joining your RSS feed for further updates and information.Thank you
corona wedding photographers
July 18, 2011 9:31 pm
Deference to op, some excellent selective information.
great site
July 19, 2011 5:35 am
best luck with this project
蘆洲買屋
July 20, 2011 8:59 am
Keep the faith, my Internet friend; You are a first-class writer and deserve to be heard.
Edmund Liptak
July 22, 2011 1:56 pm
This would have been good for me five years ago. Great Post
Ryan Maffey
July 23, 2011 7:52 pm
Clever
Ben Dotson
July 24, 2011 7:27 pm
Hi, i enjoy reading your article, can you write one for me? if yes contact me please.
Dept of Motor Vehicles
July 25, 2011 7:51 am
This is great. Hope I could learn more of your posts.
free iphone firmware
July 25, 2011 9:53 pm
Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any methods to stop hackers?
internet marketing companies
July 27, 2011 10:09 am
Thanks for the tips you have contributed here. One more thing I would like to say is that laptop or computer memory requirements generally go up along with other improvements in the know-how. For instance, if new generations of cpus are brought to the market, there’s usually a corresponding increase in the dimensions demands of both personal computer memory and hard drive space. This is because software program operated simply by these processor chips will inevitably boost in power to take advantage of the new technological know-how.
Frederica Alegar
July 27, 2011 5:29 pm
Make a another post about this soon
MakeItYourRing Diamond Engagement Rings
July 27, 2011 7:59 pm
where can I learn more about this? thanks!
Ora Hooton
July 27, 2011 11:18 pm
You might hear this a lot, but I just wanted to say that the webdesign of ur blog looks excellent!
western il escorts
July 28, 2011 8:18 pm
Would love to perpetually get updated great web blog ! .
massachusetts escorts
July 28, 2011 9:52 pm
I always was concerned in this subject and still am, regards for posting .
Andrew Erlich
July 29, 2011 7:56 am
Are you going to make a follow-up post to this?
Custom T shirts
July 29, 2011 1:27 pm
Just about all of the things you articulate happens to be astonishingly appropriate and that makes me ponder the reason why I hadn’t looked at this with this light before. This particular piece truly did switch the light on for me as far as this particular subject goes. Nevertheless there is just one issue I am not necessarily too cozy with so whilst I attempt to reconcile that with the central idea of the point, permit me observe just what all the rest of your visitors have to point out.Nicely done.
Shiloh Tauzin
July 30, 2011 10:36 pm
Internet Marketing for small business owners is a necessary function if you want to flourish in today’s marketplace. Actually, In my opinion that internet marketing should be one of the many marketing methods that, when they work together, create a sustainable, lead generating machine for small businesses.
Tyson F. Gautreaux
July 31, 2011 1:16 pm
Hey, this is an excellent post you made, i totally agree lol thumbs up
Gilberte Quintana
August 2, 2011 1:43 pm
I simply want to say I am just beginner to weblog and absolutely loved you’re web site. Probably I’m going to bookmark your blog . You certainly come with excellent well written articles. With thanks for revealing your web-site.
Curt Kozan
August 2, 2011 7:00 pm
I’d have to analyze with you right here. Which just isn’t 1 thing I usually do! I just take enjoyment in reading a submit that could make folks feel. Additionally, thank you for permitting me to comment!
html color
September 14, 2011 11:37 am
Color is very important part of the website. It affects human’s psychology. It could make a website visitor click stay longer on the web site, click on an add or run away and never come back. I believe warm colors are a good choice. White is also a good choice for informative web site.
SERGE BERNARDIN
October 4, 2011 6:11 pm
Hey !
Thanks for this information, and I really appreciate the subject line.
I really look forward to connecting with you and learning more about marketing.
Take care
Serge
Yukiko
August 17, 2012 8:09 am
Thanks foг the good wгiteup. Ιt in truth
was once а enjoyment аccount it. Looκ cοmpleх to faг dеliveгed
agrеeable fгom you! Bу the way,
how could wе κeep uр а correspondenсе?
buy cheap newport cigarettes online
September 6, 2012 4:19 am
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS.
I don’t understand the reason why I cannot join it. Is there anyone else getting identical RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Dorie
September 7, 2012 6:14 am
What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness
of valuable knowledge on the topic of unexpected feelings.
Invest in Diamonds - For Essentially The Most Discerning Private Collectors & Investors
September 11, 2012 11:57 pm
Someone essentially help to make seriously articles
I would state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point?
I amazed with the research you made to make this particular publish extraordinary.
Wonderful process!
Tanja
September 15, 2012 10:57 pm
Your style is unique compared to other people I have read stuff from.
I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book
mark this blog.
lucky strikes cigarettes where to buy
October 7, 2012 3:51 pm
excellent submit, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this.
You should proceed your writing. I am confident, you have a great
readers’ base already!