Maximizing Your Brand Colours: A Practical Handbook for Small Business Owners
When it comes to branding your small business, leveraging your brand colours effectively is vital for establishing a strong visual identity. But let's be real—you're not here for a lecture on colour psychology and the intricate feelings colours can evoke. You just want to know how to make your colours work across your marketing materials without overthinking it. Totally understandable! Let's jump into some straightforward advice on how to use your brand colours efficiently and swiftly.
The 60-30-10 Rule
Okay, bear with me for a second—it's the only slightly technical part. The 60-30-10 rule is your ticket to a balanced look: 60 percent of your material should rock your main colour (think the entire background of your business card), 30 percent for your accent colour (great for subheadings), and the remaining 10 percent for your secondary accent colour (perfect for buttons or contact details). Let's break this down further.
Main Brand Color - 60%: First things first, identify your main brand colour—the one that screams your business identity. This colour should dominate your marketing materials, whether it's your website's header or the backdrop of your business card. Consistency is key here. Think about Coke and its signature red—it's everywhere they are. You don’t have to go that intense, but you get the gist.
Accent Color - 30%: Next up, choose a supporting colour that plays nicely with your main brand colour. This colour should complement without stealing the spotlight. Use it for headings, subheadings, or smaller design elements. Finding the right supporting colour is easy: locate your main colour on the colour wheel, then look at the colours on either side of its opposite. For instance, if your main colour is red, its opposite is green. Instead of green, pick the colours next to it, like Yellow-Green and Blue-Green, for your accent colour and secondary accent colour, respectively.
Secondary Accent Color: While secondary accent colours may not be the star of the show, they can certainly add flair when used sparingly. Think of buttons, calls-to-action, or highlights on your materials. Remember, less is more—these colours should complement, not overshadow, your brand identity.
Consistency is Key
No matter what, keep your brand colours consistent across all your materials, from your website to your business cards. Consistency reinforces your brand identity and makes it easier for customers to recognize your business.
Effectively using your brand colours doesn't have to be rocket science or about stirring specific emotions. Focus on consistency and strategic placement across your marketing materials. By following these simple tips, you'll create a cohesive visual identity that speaks to your audience and sets your business apart, regardless of the reasons behind your colour choices.
