The Psychology Of Using Color In Website Design

As a writer, the written content of your author website will get a lot of your attention. You’ll want to be sure it’s intriguing and typo-free. But there’s an important website design element that some writers overlook: The colors you use will have a big impact on how visitors perceive your website. Color engages the brain in multiple ways and can affect the entire mood of your author website. Knowing the right colors to use will help you effectively tempt visitors to explore your site, interact with your information, and maybe even buy a book! Here’s how to successfully use the psychology of color in your website design.

The Psychology Of Using Color In Your Author Website Design

Use A Color Wheel

Knowing how to use a color wheel is a necessary step in the web design process. For example, when you understand contrasting colors (like purple and yellow) or complementary colors (like red and orange), you can use that information to plan your color palette. Contrasting colors will draw your visitor’s eye to your key points, while complementary colors can influence the overall cohesion of your design.

Know Your Audience

Colors mean different things to different people. A prime example is the color yellow. For adults, yellow is an unappealing color associated with warning labels and caution signs — yet it’s a favorite among children. Purple is often more appealing to women and less appealing to men, and vice versa with gray. Colors also fade in and out of popularity, so take a look at current trends in home décor and fashion when choosing your website’s color scheme.

Break It Down By Genre

Certain genres are associated with specific colors. Bright colors are more likely to catch the attention of a younger audience and work well on children’s books’ websites. On the opposite end of the spectrum, dark colors like black, navy, maroon, and indigo can be used to establish an ominous, foreboding mood — perfect for horror, mystery, or thriller writers. If romance is your genre, consider using soft, floral colors like lilac and rose pink. Check out more examples of smart color use here:

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