The Psychology of Color in Marketing and Branding

The psychology of color and how it relates to persuasion is one of the most interesting and controversial aspects of marketing. This is because color has been known to have a powerful psychological impact on people’s behavior and decisions, and this knowledge has been harnessed all too well by designers and marketers alike.

Color is universal and is a source of information. People make up their minds within 90 seconds of their initial interactions with either people or products. Research shows that about 62‐90 percent of the assessment is based on colors alone.

Here are some ways in which the psychology of color impacts branding and marketing as a whole.

  • Purchasing intent is greatly affected by colors due to the impact they have on how a brand is perceived.
  • Color helps to create brand identity. Research has shown that there is a substantial connection between the use of colors and customers' perceptions of a brand's personality.
  • Environmental and cultural perceptions play a strong role in dictating color appropriateness for different genders.

Keep this information in mind when choosing your brand's primary color palette. Given the utterly different taste preferences shown, it pays to appeal more to men or women depending on whom makes up a larger percentage of your ideal buyers.

Small business growth engine illustration with icons surrounded by Vermont mountains.
October 16, 2026
Learn how websites, SEO, content, advertising, CRM, and lead follow-up work together to create a stronger small business growth engine.
Vermont Roots, Digital Results: How Local Businesses Can Grow Online over a street scene background
September 17, 2026
Learn how Vermont businesses can use websites, SEO, content, reviews, and digital marketing to grow online while staying true to their local roots.
Wooden trail sign and laptop on a hillside overlooking a river valley at sunset
September 9, 2026
Learn how local businesses can use websites, SEO, content, and social media to reach more customers without losing what makes their brand unique.
Tablet displaying the Google search homepage on a desk beside a coffee cup.
August 27, 2026
Learn how an optimized Google Business Profile improves local visibility, builds customer trust, supports SEO, and helps turn searches into calls and visits.
Person using a laptop with a “Back to School” note while planning a seasonal marketing campaign.
August 20, 2026
Explore practical back-to-school marketing ideas that help local businesses attract families, promote seasonal services, and build momentum for fall.
Foliage season website icon featuring a website window, checklist, fall leaves, and Vermont imagery.
August 13, 2026
Prepare your Vermont business website for foliage season with practical updates that improve visibility, mobile usability, bookings, calls, and sales.
Local SEO checklist icon featuring a Vermont map, location pin, and three checked boxes.
August 6, 2026
Use this 2026 local SEO checklist to strengthen your Vermont business’s Google visibility, listings, reviews, website content, and lead generation.
Digital marketing checklist with website, search, social media, review, email, and follow-up icons.
July 23, 2026
Use this small business digital marketing checklist to review your website, search visibility, social media, reviews, lead tracking, and follow-up system from NEKO.
Magnifying glass, question mark, and map pin representing local search questions.
July 9, 2026
Learn what AEO is, why it matters for Vermont businesses, and how FAQs, clear service pages, and helpful answers support local search visibility.
Visual customer journey from search visibility to content, reviews, lead tracking, and conversation.
July 7, 2026
Learn how small businesses can turn online visibility into real leads with a clear website, helpful content, reviews, lead tracking, and follow-up.
Show More