Colour is more than just a visual treat—it’s a powerful tool that shapes how people feel and behave online.

Think about how you feel when surrounded by cool blues or vibrant reds. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about emotion.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to choose colours for your online brand—clearly and simply—so your website feels just right from the first glance

Colour is more than just a visual treat—it’s a powerful tool that shapes how people feel and behave online.

Think about how you feel when surrounded by cool blues or vibrant reds. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about emotion.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to choose colours for your online brand—clearly and simply—so your website feels just right from the first glance.

The first step in picking your brand colours is to understand what your brand stands for.

What’s its mission?

What vibes do you want to send out into the world?

Are you all about innovation and energy? If so, vibrant and bold colours might be a good match for you.

If you’re aiming for trust and tranquility, you might want to lean toward soft blues and greens.

Knowing your audience is equally important. You wouldn’t sell to teens the same way you’d sell to older adults. Their preferences and expectations are very different, and colour plays a huge part in that.

Consider the cultural backgrounds, genders, and ages of your target demographic. For example, purple might be seen as luxurious in one culture but carry an entirely different meaning elsewhere. Researching and understanding your audience’s preferences can help you avoid any cultural missteps.

You don’t have to guess when it comes to colour choices. Getting feedback directly from your audience through surveys or focus groups can point you in the right direction. Not only does it show that you care about what they think, but it’s also a great way to get insight into the colours that truly resonate with them.

Creating a colour palette might sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. So, how to choose colours for your online brand is more than just a cosmetic decision; it’s an essential part of how you connect with your audience. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Primary Colours: These are your brand’s main colours, the ones that represent its essence. Think of these as your brand’s “outfit.” They’ll shine the brightest and be the most noticeable.
2. Secondary Colours: These colours support the primary ones. They’re great for highlighting elements or sections without overshadowing the main colours. You can think of them as your brand’s “accessories”—they add personality but don’t steal the spotlight.
3. Accent Colours: These are small, bold choices that add zest. They’re used sparingly but can make a big impact. Think of accent colors as the “statement shoes” that make an outfit pop.

There are tons of free tools available to help you test and experiment with your color palette, like The Adobe Color Wheel and Coolors. These platforms allow you to try out different combinations and see what works best before you commit.

 Balance your aesthetic with accessibility. It’s important to make sure your colours are easy to read for everyone, including those with colour blindness. Ensuring that there’s enough contrast between your background and text will give all users a great experience.

1. Your Website: The website is often the first place people meet your brand, so getting the colours right is essential. Combined with good design—like clean layout, clear fonts, and accessible structure—your colours can create a welcoming, trustworthy first impression. Read more about improving your website’s design.
2. Social Media: Your social media profiles are your brand’s social space. Use your colours for profile images, post designs, and stories. But don’t get too repetitive—keep things fresh by mixing things up while sticking to your core palette. Variety adds interest without breaking the harmony.
3. Emails and Newsletters: Colours play a big role here too. Calls to action can pop with your accent colours, and your primary hues should shine in the headers and footers. These small touches create a seamless experience that reinforces your brand identity.

It’s important to test your colour scheme across different devices. Your website colours might look great on a desktop, but how do they appear on mobile? Testing ensures your brand looks vibrant and consistent, no matter how it’s viewed.

Choosing the right colours for your online brand is about much more than picking a pretty palette. It’s a strategic decision that can influence how people feel about your brand and whether they choose to engage with you.

Colour is a tool you can use to shape emotions, build recognition, and guide actions. Take the time to choose wisely, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect fit.

Have you already chosen your brand’s colours?
What challenges did you face during the process? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your experience and offer any help you might need!

I’d love to know—what colours are you leaning toward for your brand? Have you tried using a tool like Adobe Color or Coolors? Let me know in the comments, and if you’re building your brand from scratch, consider checking out Wealthy Affiliate—it’s where I started learning all this myself.

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