Color meaning in digital advertising can help convey a brand message. In this article, we will explore the various meanings behind commonly used colors in logos and branding in different companies.
First, you should understand the difference between warm and cool colors. Red, orange, and yellow are warm colors, while green, blue, and purple are cool colors. White is the absence of color, while black is all colors combined.
Red
Red is seen as a fiery, bright color. In marketing, it can encourage hunger, which is why many fast-food restaurants choose red in their color schemes. It’s often used in clearance and sales signs since the color creates a sense of urgency. In China and other countries, red is a symbol of good luck.
Some examples of brands that use red include:
- McDonald’s
- YouTube
- Coca-Cola
- Target
Orange
Orange is an energetic color that isn’t as harsh as red and symbolizes creativity, playfulness, and adventure. This color can also be used as a call-to-action color or add a bit of fun to your color scheme because it’s an optimistic color.
Some examples of brands that use orange are:
- Etsy
- Home Depot
- Nickelodeon
- Amazon
Yellow
Yellow is a color associated with positivity and warmth since it is closely tied to sunshine. It’s vibrant and cheerful, which means it will complement a variety of brand colors! Yellow can also mean caution and warning, so if you need to alert customers about something, yellow can be your go-to color.
Some companies that utilize yellow are:
- Ikea
- Snapchat
- Best Buy
- National Geographic
Green
Green is a natural, fresh color. It can symbolize peace, health, and growth and is a great choice if your brand deals a lot with nature or fitness or promotes sustainability. It’s also the color of the recycling icon.
Some companies that utilize green include:
- John Deere
- Spotify
- Whole Foods
- Starbucks
Blue
Blue is a calm color that reminds many of the sky, sea, and water. It’s a refreshing color that can symbolize peace and trust because it’s one of the most liked colors out of the rainbow.
Some companies that utilize blue are:
- Walmart
- Lowe’s
- AT&T
Purple
Purple is a color of royalty and nobility. It was one of the most expensive dyes to get during ancient times, so it’s seen as a wealthy and sophisticated color. A business can use purple in its branding to show sophistication. It’s also another color that symbolizes creativity and imagination!
Some companies that utilize purple are:
- Cadbury
- Hallmark
- Yahoo
- Taco Bell
Black & White
Black is a color that usually represents power, elegance, and some mystery. It’s another go-to color similar to white when creating websites or branding because it is a neutral color. Many luxury companies use black in their branding to show minimalism and elegance. Black should be carefully used in some instances because it can be associated with mourning and death.
White is a clean, pure, and minimalistic color. It’s one of the most used colors on many websites since a white background with black lettering is one of the easiest things to read. Brands that use white in their branding usually want to convey cleanliness, such as hospitals and doctor’s offices, or minimalism and style, such as many fashion brands. The only downside to white is that it can seem cold or boring if used too much.
Many companies that use white or black in their branding usually use the two colors interchangeably since the logo needs to show up easily on different backgrounds. Some companies that use black or white are:
- Apple
- Adidas
- Nike
- Chanel
Pink
Pink is a color associated with femininity. It is a popular color for toys, such as Barbie, makeup, and a range of products. It can represent creativity, playfulness, and care.
Companies that utilize pink are:
- Barbie
- Victoria’s Secret
- T-Mobile
In conclusion, the use of colors in digital advertising and branding plays a crucial role in conveying meaning to customers. Each color has its unique vibe and can influence customers subconsciously. From fiery red to cool blue, understanding the color meaning in digital advertising will help your company make effective marketing and branding decisions!
