---
title: The Meaning Behind Color - What Choice Evokes the Best Response
description: Color is one of the most fascinating things in the world. It attracts attention, evokes emotion and ...
image: https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/crayons-mini-Jan-23-2023-12-13-05-5813-AM-1-1-1.gif
---

[Log In](https://www.websitemagazine.com/_hcms/mem/login) [Subscribe](https://websitemagazine.tradepub.com/free/w_webk05/prgm.cgi)

[![Website Magazine Logo](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gradient-regular@3x-1.png?width=586&height=145&name=gradient-regular@3x-1.png "Website Magazine Logo")](http://Website%20Services,%20Inc.)

- [About](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about) 
    - [FAQs](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about/faq)
    - [Advertise](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about/advertise)
    - [Editorial Staff](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about/editorial-publishing-staff)
- [Resources](https://websitemagazine.tradepub.com)
- [Newsletter](https://www.websitemagazine.com/newsletter-sign-up)
- More 
    - [Contact Us](https://www.websitemagazine.com/contact)

[Log In](https://www.websitemagazine.com/_hcms/mem/login) [Subscribe](https://websitemagazine.tradepub.com/free/w_webk05/prgm.cgi)

Search

- [Latest](https://www.websitemagazine.com)
- [Design](https://www.websitemagazine.com/web-design)
- [Development](https://www.websitemagazine.com/web-development)
- [SEO](https://www.websitemagazine.com/seo)
- [Ecommerce](https://www.websitemagazine.com/ecommerce)
- [Content](https://www.websitemagazine.com/content)
- [Marketing](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing)
- [Advertising](https://www.websitemagazine.com/advertising)
- [Email](https://www.websitemagazine.com/email)
- [Infographics](https://www.websitemagazine.com/infographics)
- [View All Topics](https://www.websitemagazine.com/channels)

# The Meaning Behind Color - What Choice Evokes the Best Response

![Allison Howen](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Allison%20Howen.jpeg)

[by Allison Howen](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/author/allison-howen) 19 Jan, 2012

- <https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/the-meaning-behind-color>
- <https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/the-meaning-behind-color>
- [mailto:?Body=https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/the-meaning-behind-color](mailto:?Body=https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/the-meaning-behind-color)
- Link Copied!

![The Meaning Behind Color - What Choice Evokes the Best Response](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/crayons-mini-Jan-23-2023-12-13-05-5813-AM-1-1-1.gif)

---

## ![](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/crayons-mini-Jan-23-2023-12-13-04-9977-AM-1-1-1.gif?width=75&height=75&name=crayons-mini-Jan-23-2023-12-13-04-9977-AM-1-1-1.gif)Color is one of the most fascinating things in the world. *It attracts attention, evokes emotion and can trigger the memory.*

Something so powerful should not be taken lightly, especially when creating visual elements to a website, in an advertisement or for a brand. Colors can increase brand recognition, increase participation and provide brands with a competitive edge.

Of course everyone has a favorite color, ***but marketers should be aware of the meanings behind colors, as well as what colors yield the best response from consumers.***

**Red -** This color draws attention, and is often the color that eyes are drawn to first. It is also known to increase the heart rate and create a sense of urgency, and is often used for clearance sales. Its complimentary color is green, however, adding just a spot of red can be useful in some cases, because it can accent other colors or draw attention to a specific spot of an advertisement or webpage. Big brands that are associated with the color red include [Target](https://www.target.com/) and [Coca-Cola](https://www.coca-cola.com/en/index.html).

**Orange -** This is an ambitious color. It is associated with fun and energetic times or citrus fruit. It is recommended for kid's websites or call to action buttons, such as subscribe, buy or sell. The complimentary color to orange is blue. Brands associated with this color include [Nickelodeon](https://www.nick.com/) and the [Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/).

**Yellow -** The color of the sun is associated with laughter and happiness. It is said to make people feel optimistic and youthful. In its brightest form, this color is often used to grab consumers' attention. Its complimentary color is purple. Many brands are associated with this color, including [Best Buy](https://www.bestbuy.com/), [McDonalds](https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/home.html) and [Sprint](https://www.sprint.com/).

**Green -** Who doesn't love the color of money? This color is associated with growth, nature, wealth and can also be calming, depending on its shade. Its complimentary color is red. Brands that are associated with this color include [Starbucks](https://www.starbucks.com/) and [Android](https://www.android.com/).

**Blue -** This is probably the most popular color in the world, perhaps because it is the color of the sky and the sea. It is calming, and can be associated with dependability and security. It is used by many brands, especially banks. Its complimentary color is orange. Brand's associated with blue include [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/), [Chase](https://www.chase.com/) and, of course, [Website Magazine](https://www.websitemagazine.com).

**Purple -** This color is associated with royalty, and therefore represents sophistication and prosperity. It is often used with anti-aging and beauty products, and can be used to soothe or calm consumers. Its complimentary color is yellow. Brands associated with this color include [Taco Bell](https://www.tacobell.com/) and [Yahoo](https://www.yahoo.com/).

**Pink -** This feminine color is best associated with romance. However, depending on the shade it can also be seen as sentimental or youthful. Many times this color targets women and young girls. This color is associated with [Victoria Secret's Pink line](https://www.victoriassecret.com/pink) and [Barbie](https://www.barbie.com/).

**Black -** This is a powerful color (or absence of color). It represents authority, stability and strength, and is often seen used for expensive products. It is usually used in combination with other colors, especially white. Brands associated with this color include [Nike](https://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nike/en_US/?&ref=), [Adidas](https://www.adidas.com/us/homepage.asp) and [Smashbox Cosmetics](https://www.smashbox.com/).

White - Simple and purity are two words that describe this color. It is often seen used is conjunction with black, or with health related products. While most brands won't only use white, many use white in at least some aspect of their color scheme, including [Apple](https://www.apple.com/), [Volkswagen](https://www.vw.com/en.html) and [Tylenol](https://www.tylenol.com/).

![Allison Howen](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Allison%20Howen.jpeg)

[Allison Howen](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/author/allison-howen)

I'm a creative and adaptable journalist with experience in both print and digital media. Some of my best attributes include my social media management, writing and video editing skills. Skills: • Managing social media accounts with tools like HootSuite and Sprout Social • Creating and marketing content for print and digital media • Editing videos with software like Avid Media Composer • Composing articles with Adobe InCopy • Strong knowledge of AP Style • Skilled at interviewing and writing • Able to work on a deadline and produce quality results • Organized and detail oriented • Innovative problem solver

- <https://twitter.com/AllisonHowen>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhowen/>
- [mailto:ahowen@websitemagazine.com](mailto:ahowen@websitemagazine.com)

#### Popular Post

### [31 Back-to-School Keyword Targets ![31 Back-to-School Keyword Targets](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/schoolbus-1-1-1-1.jpg)](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/31-back-to-school-keyword-targets)

### [GoDaddy Goes .XXX ![GoDaddy Goes .XXX](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/gradient-regular-logo-mark-Jan-23-2023-12-15-39-1451-AM-Apr-10-2023-01-36-09-0977-PM-3-1.png)](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/godaddy-goes-xxx)

### [23 Cool Tech Facts ![23 Cool Tech Facts](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/fact_100x100-2-1-1-1.png)](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/23-cool-tech-facts)

#### Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

[![](https://a.impactradius-go.com/display-ad/13053-1438301)](https://semrush.sjv.io/c/3976891/1438301/13053)![](https://imp.pxf.io/i/3976891/1438301/13053)

#### Latest in Marketing

[![3 Tips to Make Your Website More User-Friendly in 2023](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/pexels-photo-2284350-1-1.jpg) 3 Tips to Make Your Website More User-Friendly in 2023](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/3-tips-to-make-your-website-more-user-friendly) [![Web.com Launches New Professional QuickStart Website Service](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/pexels-photo-4348404-1.jpg) Web.com Launches New Professional QuickStart Website Service](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/web-com-launches-new-professional-quickstart-website-service) [![6 Ways to Stretch Your Marketing Budget](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/gradient-regular-logo-mark-Feb-07-2023-03-32-33-0828-PM-Apr-25-2023-03-10-37-2214-AM-1.png) 6 Ways to Stretch Your Marketing Budget](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/6-ways-to-stretch-your-marketing-budget) [![5 Reasons Visitors Leave Your Website and Website Tracking Tools to Track Website Visitors](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/pexels-photo-1008155.jpg) 5 Reasons Visitors Leave Your Website and Website Tracking Tools to Track Website Visitors](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/5-reasons-visitors-leave-your-website) [![5 Lessons About Workplace Energy](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/distress-1-1-1-1.png) 5 Lessons About Workplace Energy](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/5-lessons-about-workplace-energy) [![Y Combinator Startups to #WebTechWatch](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/startup-funding-4-1-1-1.jpg) Y Combinator Startups to #WebTechWatch](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/y-combinator-startups-to-webtechwatch)

[![gradient-regular@3x](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gradient-regular@3x.png?width=128&height=128&name=gradient-regular@3x.png)](https://www.websitemagazine.com/)

999 E Touhy Ave,

Des Plaines, IL 60018

 

[info@websitemagazine.com](mailto:info@websitemagazine.com)

[(888) 7WEBMAG](tel:18887932624)

[(312) 313-6576](tel:13123136576)

About

- [Advertise](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about/advertise)
- [Editorial](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about/editorial-publishing-staff)
- [Contact Us](https://www.websitemagazine.com/contact)

Resources

Membership

- Login
- Subscribe

Signup for our newsletter

<https://www.linkedin.com/company/website-magazine/> <https://twitter.com/websitemagazine> <https://www.facebook.com/WebsiteMagazine> <https://www.instagram.com/websitemagazine/> <https://www.pinterest.com/websitemagazine/>

 © 2026 Website Magazine. All Rights Reserved

- [Privacy Policy](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about/privacy)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Allison Howen",
    "url" : "https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/author/allison-howen"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-05-01T21:26:06.107Z",
  "datePublished" : "2012-01-19T06:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "The Meaning Behind Color - What Choice Evokes the Best Response",
  "image" : [ "https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/crayons-mini-Jan-23-2023-12-13-05-5813-AM-1-1-1.gif" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing/the-meaning-behind-color",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/gradient-regular@3x-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Website Services, Inc."
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "NewsArticle",
  "author" : [ {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Allison Howen"
  } ],
  "headline" : "The Meaning Behind Color - What Choice Evokes the Best Response",
  "publisher" : {
    "name" : "Website Magazine",
    "url" : "https://www.websitemagazine.com/"
  }
}
```