How to Choose a Business Colour That Feels Like You

Nicole
Oct 22, 2019
3 min read

Updated: Oct 16

Your brand colour has a massive impact on how people feel about your business; no pressure, right? But here’s the good news; choosing your colour can actually be one of the most creative and enjoyable parts of building your brand.

Think of your colour as your business’s first impression - the silent messenger that tells the world who you are before you even say a word.

Why Colour Matters So Much

The easiest way to create a memorable brand is through consistent, intentional use of colour. Ideally, one signature colour. Think of the timeless powerhouses: Coca-Cola red, Tiffany blue, Qantas red, Facebook blue. None of these shades were picked at random - they were chosen on purpose to evoke emotion and recognition.

“A single colour, used well, becomes your brand’s visual heartbeat - instantly recognisable, even without the logo.”

The Magic of Colour Psychology

Colour psychology is fascinating! Every colour tells a story and stirs emotion. Ask yourself: What do I want people to feel when they see my brand? Do I want to ignite excitement and energy - or calm and trust?

Below is a quick guide to how colours can shape your brand’s personality. (You might even surprise yourself with which one you’re drawn to!)

❤️ RED — Passion, Energy, Power

Red is bold, dynamic and impossible to ignore. It creates urgency, which is why it’s used for sales and safety signs alike. It’s the colour of “stop,” attention, and determination.

Think Target, K-Mart, YouTube, Netflix, Westpac, Coca-Cola, Qantas, Virgin - all confident, energetic, action-oriented brands.

🧡 ORANGE — Joy, Creativity, Confidence

Vibrant and uplifting, orange radiates enthusiasm and fun. It’s the friendliest of all colours, often seen in sports, entertainment and kids’ brands. (And yes, that orange traffic light is your friendly reminder to try to stop - or to live on the edge.)

Think Fanta, Harley Davidson, Nickelodeon - bold, adventurous, a little rebellious.

💛 YELLOW — Happiness, Positivity, Optimism

The colour of sunshine, laughter and joy. Yellow brings warmth, confidence and a little sparkle to any brand. It’s proven to boost happiness and encourage communication - the “hello” of colours!

Think CommBank, Nikon, McDonald’s, DHL, IKEA, Snapchat, Post-it - brands that feel bright, cheerful and approachable.

💚 GREEN — Growth, Health, Balance

Green evokes calm, renewal and connection to nature. It represents growth - both literal and financial - and is often chosen by eco-conscious or wellness brands.

Think BP, Land Rover, Spotify, Starbucks - brands that suggest vitality, adventure and balance.

💙 BLUE — Trust, Stability, Calm

The most universally loved colour. Blue conveys dependability, safety and professionalism. It’s the go-to for banks, tech and corporate brands - but also feels fresh and tranquil when used softly.

Think Facebook, Twitter, American Express, ANZ, IBM, VW - solid, steady, confident.

💜 PURPLE — Creativity, Luxury, Wisdom

Purple combines the power of red and the calm of blue, creating a sense of mystery, imagination and sophistication. Historically linked to royalty, it’s perfect for brands that want to feel a little magical or high-end.

Think Cadbury, Hallmark, Yahoo - distinct, imaginative, timeless.

⚫️⚪️ BLACK, WHITE, GREY, SILVER — Sophistication, Simplicity, Strength

At the ends of the colour spectrum are the timeless neutrals. White conveys purity and simplicity; black is confidence, strength and class. Used together, monochrome branding feels sleek, effortless and expensive - ideal for luxury brands that don’t need to shout to be heard.

Think Audi, Jaguar, Gucci, Apple, Nike, Adidas - powerful, minimalist, iconic.

A Quick Trick: Test Before You Commit

One of the perks of living in a digital world? You can experiment for free. Try changing your brand colour on your website or socials for a few weeks. Notice how your audience reacts. Does engagement shift? Do sales increase? How do you feel about it after a while?

Colour is emotional, both for your audience and for you. The right hue should make your brand feel alive and authentic.

A Personal Example

When I created Wild Daisy, I wanted to blend trust (blue) with growth (green). The result? Teal — calm yet vibrant, confident yet grounded. That’s the beauty of colour, it’s both art and psychology.