When it comes to building a website that not only looks good but also connects with your audience, colour isn’t just decoration – it’s psychology in action.
As a solo web designer in Peterborough, I’ve worked with all types of businesses, and one thing I always stress to my clients is this: your colour choices can influence how people feel, think, and behave on your site. Whether you’re aiming to build trust, spark excitement, or guide people to take action, understanding the psychology of colour in web design can make all the difference.
Let’s break it down.
Why Colour Matters in Web Design
Colour shapes first impressions. It can:
Influence buying decisions
Improve brand recognition
Guide users through your site
Trigger emotional responses
In fact, research shows that up to 90% of a first impression is based on colour alone.
If you’re a business owner in Peterborough investing in a new website, these decisions aren’t just aesthetic – they’re strategic.
A Quick Guide to Colour Psychology
Here’s what different colours often communicate:
Red – Energy, urgency, passion (great for calls-to-action, but use sparingly)
Blue – Trust, professionalism, calm (popular with banks, healthcare, and tech)
Green – Nature, growth, balance (ideal for eco-friendly brands or wellness)
Yellow – Optimism, creativity, attention-grabbing (good for youthful brands)
Orange – Friendliness, enthusiasm, confidence (perfect for fun, energetic sites)
Purple – Luxury, creativity, wisdom (often used in beauty, education or arts)
Black – Sophistication, elegance, boldness (great for high-end or minimalist designs)
White/Grey – Simplicity, cleanliness, neutrality (key for clean, modern layouts)
Choosing the Right Colour Palette for Your Brand
At Dog and Pig Design, I help businesses across Peterborough align their website’s colours with their identity, audience, and goals. Here’s how we approach it:
Understand Your Audience
Who are you speaking to? A financial advisor might want to build trust (think blues and greys), while a children’s entertainer might need bright, playful colours.Match with Your Brand Personality
Is your business formal and professional, or creative and casual? Your colour scheme should reflect that tone instantly.Consider Accessibility
Colours need to contrast well for readability. I make sure your site meets accessibility standards so everyone can navigate with ease.Balance Primary and Accent Colours
Too much of one colour can overwhelm. I use colour strategically to guide users to key areas like contact forms, service pages, or your portfolio.
Colour in Action: Helping Users Navigate
Beyond mood, colour plays a practical role in web design:
Buttons and CTAs: Bold colours like red, orange, or green are often used to grab attention and encourage clicks.
Navigation: Subtle background colours can separate menus from main content.
Visual Hierarchy: Colour helps highlight the most important parts of a page.
When used properly, colour makes your website easier to use, more attractive, and more likely to convert visitors into customers.
Want a Website That Works and Looks the Part?
If you’re a business owner in Peterborough looking for a clean, professional website that reflects your brand and gets results, I can help.
At Dog and Pig Design, I create custom websites with thoughtful design, strong SEO, and a focus on real results – not just pretty pixels. From colour psychology to performance optimisation, I take care of every detail. Let’s chat about your business and find the perfect web solution. Contact Dog and Pig Design today! Don’t forget, you can also message me directly on Facebook!