The impact of color psychology in marketing

Shane Henrik Allen
3 min readJan 23, 2023

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Each color will invoke a different response in people

When it comes to marketing, the use of color is often underestimated in its ability to influence consumer behavior. But why is it that certain colors evoke certain emotions and responses in individuals? And how can businesses use this understanding of color psychology to their advantage in marketing efforts?

First, it’s important to understand that color is not just a visual aspect of our environment, but it also carries symbolic and cultural meanings. It has the power to evoke emotions and influence our subconscious, making it a crucial element in any marketing campaign.

For example, the color red is often associated with passion, energy, and excitement. It’s no coincidence that many fast food chains use red in their logos and branding — it evokes a sense of urgency and encourage impulse buying. On the other hand, the color blue is often associated with trust, security, and reliability. This is why many banks and financial institutions use blue in their branding.

But how do businesses know which colors to use in their branding and marketing efforts? The answer lies in understanding the target audience and the message that the business wants to convey. For example, a baby product company would want to use soft and calming colors such as pastel pink and blue, while a fitness company would want to use bold and energizing colors such as yellow and orange.

It’s not just about the choice of color, but also the combination of colors used in a campaign. The use of contrasting colors can create a sense of balance, while the use of analogous colors can create a sense of harmony. Businesses should also keep in mind the cultural meanings and symbolism of colors as it may vary from country to country.

But what about the use of black and white in marketing? Black is often associated with power and luxury, while white is associated with purity and innocence. These colors can be used effectively in creating a sense of exclusivity and elegance.

In conclusion, the impact of color psychology in marketing should not be overlooked. It’s a powerful tool that businesses can use to evoke emotions and influence consumer behavior. By understanding the symbolic and cultural meanings of colors, businesses can create effective campaigns that resonate with their target audience. As a business owner or marketer, next time you are planning a campaign, take a step back and ask yourself: What emotions do we want to evoke? And what colors can we use to achieve that?

About the author: Shane Allen is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketer currently serving as the Director of Marketing at PickNik, a company that specializes in developing software for robotics both on Earth and in space. With a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design and a background in mechanical engineering and business, Shane brings a unique perspective to his role as a marketer.

He has successfully raised six large rounds of investment for his inventions as a CEO, has multiple patents to his name, and won multiple pitching events worldwide. His expertise in both marketing and product design has helped him to create innovative campaigns that drive growth and results for the teams he’s involved with.

When he’s not working, Shane can either be found exploring the beautiful trails and mountains of Boulder, CO with his golden retriever Bandit or at home messing up his floors painting weird things on canvas. He is also an active member of the local startup community and is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs achieve success.

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Shane Henrik Allen
Shane Henrik Allen

Written by Shane Henrik Allen

All around entrepreneur, designer, & marketer. Artist & photographer. 🇫🇮/🇺🇸 in CO. Follow my journey as I navigate the world of marketing & creativity.

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