Blue is considered one of the most popular and effective colors to use on websites. There are several important reasons why blue tends to work well:
Trustworthiness
Blue conveys a sense of stability and professionalism. Studies have found blue to be the most trusted color, which is why banks and technology companies like IBM tend to use different shades of blue. Using blue on a website design can help establish credibility and reliability.
Calming Effect
Blue has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind. It slows down heart rate and lowers blood pressure. This is why many social networks like Facebook and Twitter use blue – it puts users at ease while browsing feeds and interacting with content. Using blue as part of a website’s color scheme promotes a soothing experience.
Loyalty
Research has found that people are more likely to be loyal to and recommending brands that use blue in their branding and marketing. For ecommerce sites that want repeat customers, having blue design elements can help build customer loyalty over time.
Different Shades of Blue and Their Effects
Not all shades of blue are created equal when it comes to web design. Some shades evoke certain emotions and reactions in users. Here is an overview of some popular blue hues used on websites and their unique traits:
| Blue Shade | Effect and Meaning |
|---|---|
| Light Blue | Peaceful, calm, and refreshing |
| Sky Blue | Openness, clarity, transcendence |
| Royal Blue | Confidence, power, ambition |
| Navy Blue | Stability, professionalism, wisdom |
| Aqua Blue | Creativity, sophistication, energy |
As you can see, the different tints and hues of blue tap into distinct emotions and perceptions. Lighter blues like sky blue are more peaceful and airy, while darker blues like navy evoke professionalism and dependability. Finding the right shade of blue for your brand identity and website design is key.
Using Blue for Key Website Elements
Now that we’ve looked at why blue works and the unique traits of different blues, let’s examine some of the most effective ways to utilize blue on your website:
1. Website Header
Having a blue header, top bar, or banner at the top of your pages is an excellent way to take advantage of blue’s benefits. This is what many users see first, so blue can make a strong visual impact. Navy and royal blue work well for headers.
2. Headings and Subheadings
Don’t be afraid to make your H1, H2 tags and other headings blue! Having key sections and titles in a blue font is an easy way to add appealing visual contrast on your site. Aim for an easy-to-ready blue like sky or aqua for headings.
3. Calls-to-Action
Calls-to-action urge site visitors to take some desired action, like signing up for a free trial or making a purchase. Since blue inspires loyalty and commitment, using a bold blue for your CTAs can boost conversion rates. Opt for a brighter blue here.
4. Backgrounds and Accents
Consider using a pale or powder blue as a background color behind page content or sections. This can add a calming effect. Also, try blue for borders, logos, icons, or other supporting design elements.
Examples of Blue Website Designs
Let’s look at some real-world examples of highly effective blue website designs:
LinkedIn relies heavily on blue, especially shades of navy and royal blue, to cement their brand identity as the #1 professional networking platform. The blue conveys professionalism and trust to users.
Microsoft
As a leader in tech, Microsoft uses blue to promote feelings of stability, dependability, and loyalty with customers. Different blues are used for headers, ads, and more.
American Express
AmEx also leverages a range of blues to build trust and preference. The blue background establishes credibility, while the bright blue calls-to-action attract clicks.
Samsung
Samsung may be known for their technology, but blue plays a major role on their site. Blue conveys the stability and security users want from electronics.
Walmart
Even Walmart uses different blues to cater to a wide range of shoppers. Their blue palette establishes the value and reliability people expect from the retail giant.
Key Takeaways on Blue and Website Design
To recap the key points on effectively using blue as part of your website design and online brand identity:
– Blue conveys trust, professionalism, and dependability to website visitors. Use it to establish credibility.
– Lighter blues like sky blue create a calming, peaceful experience. Navy blue promotes loyalty and wisdom. Pick the right shade of blue for your brand.
– Use blue for headers, calls-to-action, backgrounds, logos, and supporting design elements. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
– Aim for blues that complement your brand personality and identity. There are many shades to choose from.
– Study how leading brands like Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Samsung leverage different blues. Let real-world examples guide you.
The bottom line is that blue is an exceptionally versatile and effective color for website design. Use it strategically to maximize trust, relaxation, and loyalty with your audience. With the right blue hues and applications, your website can stand out and achieve its goals.
Conclusion
Blue is broadly considered one of the best-performing colors for websites and online brands. The wise use of blues helps convey stability, professionalism, wisdom, and loyalty with audiences. Appropriately using different shades of blue for key elements like headers, calls-to-action, and backgrounds has been proven to boost conversions and build brand preference.
With a thoughtful blue palette and strategy, your website design can tap into blue’s ability to relax users while also building credibility and trust. Just be sure to pick the right tones and applications of blue that align with your brand identity and goals. Use the examples and tips in this article to craft an effective, appealing blue website experience.