The immense benefits of running an online storefront are well-known. However, one often overlooked challenge is the inherent limitation of the digital platform. The two-dimensional, flat surface of a computer monitor must stand in for the tangible, three-dimensional colors and textures of a physical store. This can lead to unexpected issues, such as a specific shade of blue that looks perfect on your PC appearing drastically different on a visitor's Mac. Fortunately, there are free resources available to help you create visually appealing, web-safe color combinations.
The color scheme you choose for your website can significantly impact your bottom line. However, achieving color consistency across different devices can be a challenge. For instance, a shade of blue that looks great on your PC might look very different on a visitor's Mac. This is due to the way different devices interpret and display colors.
There are several free online tools that can help you create visually appealing, web-safe color combinations.
Visibone Color Lab is a free tool that allows you to see how colors work together. It's very visual and simple. Click on the color wheel and different color choices are presented to the right of the wheel. Keep choosing colors until you find something that looks good to you.
Really Big Color Lab is similar to Visibone, but with a random button. Click "random" until you find an interesting combination of colors. Then begin to remove the colors you don't like by clicking on the tiny "X"s.
Palette Man allows you to experiment using up to four color combinations. It gives you HEX or RGB values and will even email the combinations to you.
The colors you choose for your website can significantly impact your bottom line. According to Pantone, the global authority on color, different colors can evoke different emotions and perceptions in consumers.
Blue is the most popular color in the country. Brands like Ford, IBM (also known as "Big Blue"), and Benz all use blue. When Exxon and Mobile merged, their color also became blue.
Green is associated with ecology and nature. Consumers describe it as fresh, clean, and revitalizing. However, yellow-green is generally disliked by adults, but is popular among the youth market.
Red is seen as the most exciting color and creates a high arousal threshold. Compare Chrysler (red) with Ford (blue). Which company do you view as the most cutting-edge and exciting?
Purple is particularly popular among 18 to 29 year olds, who consider it sexy. Influential individuals see it as powerful and sophisticated.
Black is seen as the most mysterious, powerful, and sophisticated shade, especially among wealthy, achievement-oriented women. However, middle-aged men and women often associate black with mourning.
Pink and red are seen as the warmest and most cheerful colors, with pink being the more popular of the two.
Bright orange is the least favorite color.
Better use of color can enhance your website's appeal to your visitors and even make your site appear better than it is. By matching the color scheme of your site with your target audience, you can increase your revenue. It's as simple, and as challenging, as that.
