How Much Do Colours Matter in Web Design?

Thousands of firms across Bedfordshire will have their own website, but anyone checking them out will be aware at just how big the gap is between those with the best and worst designs.

Whether it is basic spelling errors, too much text, low quality pictures or broken links, there are many elements that let a website down. Equally, a user-friendly layout, easy navigation, clear images and clear information will help a site stand out.

However, the best web designers in Bedfordshire will also be aware of the importance of having the right colours in a website. The correct combination can significantly enhance the user experience, just as the wrong one can diminish it.

US-based design industry directory Top Design Firms has produced research to show just how much impact colour has for website users. It found that 39 per cent of site visitors found colour to be the most important visual impact.

Particular colours proved to be more popular than others. For instance, 46 per cent said businesses should use blue on their websites.

Also, there were some gender-based differences, with 26 per cent of women saying firms should avoid using yellow on their sites and 23 per cent of men suggesting they should steer clear of orange. This may be an important consideration for firms whose markets are skewed towards one gender or another.

Similarly, the age of the target market may be a factor, as purple is a favourite for 43 per cent of those aged 18-24, but just 17 per cent of those aged 44-54. (It may be noted that even the Purple Bricks estate agency website uses the colour sparingly, given few millennials can afford to buy a house these days.)

Of course, company colours are a key factor. Having a corporate colour scheme that is maintained consistently on all your logos, your site and your stationary will help maintain customer recognition.

The significance of colours highlighted in the research may even be an understatement. Other research has suggested it may account for as much as 90 per cent of the initial impression of a website. 

All this means you need to think very carefully about using the right colours in a clear, bold format that is visually compelling and keeps visitors on the page.