The Impact of Colour Psychology on Brand Identity: How Your Favorite Brands Influence You

Avishek Mazumder
2 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Have you ever noticed how Zomato uses bold red, while Swiggy sticks to vibrant orange and white? Or why nearly every major bank—HDFC, ICICI, SBI—leans on shades of blue? This isn’t a coincidence. It’s a carefully crafted strategy.

Color psychology plays a silent yet powerful role in shaping brand perception. In a market where first impressions drive decisions—whether it’s choosing a service or trusting a product—the right color can be the difference between success and obscurity.

Why Colour Matters More Than You Think

Studies show that up to 90% of instant judgments about a product are based on colour alone. And it’s not just about aesthetics—different hues trigger subconscious emotional responses.

Red – The colour of urgency, appetite, and excitement. Food delivery apps and sale banners use it because it screams "Act now!"

Blue – The ultimate trust signal. Banks and tech companies rely on it to convey security and dependability.

Green – Represents freshness, health, and nature. It makes products feel pure and wholesome.

Orange – Energetic, friendly, and impossible to ignore. Ideal for brands that want to stand out.

Gold/Yellow – Symbolizes premium quality, happiness, and warmth. It’s a colour that feels both luxurious and inviting.

Brands That Nailed Their Colour Choices (And Some That Didn’t)

Some Indian brands have made their colours iconic. Amul’s red and blue feel as familiar as comfort food. Cadbury’s purple is so recognizable that even an imitation feels off. And Airtel’s bold red ensures you never forget who’s charging your mobile plan.

Then there are the missteps. Remember when Pepsi tweaked its logo and people thought it was a cheap knockoff? Or when Vodafone’s rebrand to Vi left customers confused? The lesson? If your brand colour works, don’t change it just for the sake of change.

Cultural Nuances in Colour Perception

Colours carry different meanings across cultures, and India is no exception.

White symbolizes peace but is also tied to mourning.

Red isn’t just bold—it’s tied to celebrations and tradition.

Green isn’t only about nature—it also carries cultural and religious significance.

A global brand’s perfect colour might fail here if it clashes with local associations.

What Does Your Brand’s Colour Say About You?

If your brand is red, you’re likely selling something impulsive or exciting. If it’s blue, you’re banking on trust and reliability. If it’s gold, you’re either high-end or tapping into a sense of heritage.

Ultimately, branding isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making people feel something before they even engage with your product. So the next time you see Zomato’s red or Swiggy’s orange, ask yourself: Are you making a choice, or has a clever designer already made it for you?