Colour is one of the most powerful tools in marketing. It influences emotions, perceptions, and even decision-making. When designing a leaflet, choosing the right colours can mean the difference between grabbing attention or being ignored. But how do you decide which colours to use?
In this article, we’ll explore the psychology behind leaflet colour choices and how to use them strategically to boost engagement and conversions.
Why Colour Matters in Leaflet Design
Studies show that colour increases brand recognition by 80% and affects purchasing decisions by up to 85%. Colours can:
✔ Evoke emotions (e.g., red = urgency, blue = trust)
✔ Influence perception (e.g., green = eco-friendly, black = luxury)
✔ Improve readability (e.g., high contrast for easy reading)
✔ Drive action (e.g., bold colours for CTA buttons)
By understanding colour psychology, you can design leaflets that capture attention, build trust, and encourage action.
The Meaning of Colours in Marketing
🔴 Red: Energy, Urgency & Excitement
Red is bold, powerful, and attention-grabbing. It creates a sense of urgency and is commonly used in sales, promotions, and call-to-action buttons.
✅ Best for: Discounts, fast food, clearance sales, impulse purchases
❌ Avoid for: Calming, luxury, or eco-friendly brands
🛑 Example: A leaflet with "LIMITED TIME OFFER – 50% OFF!" in red encourages quick action.
🔵 Blue: Trust, Stability & Professionalism
Blue is associated with trust, security, and calmness. It’s widely used by banks, healthcare companies, and corporate brands.
✅ Best for: Financial services, healthcare, technology, corporate businesses
❌ Avoid for: Food brands (blue can suppress appetite)
💳 Example: A financial services leaflet in blue reassures customers that their money is safe and secure.
🟢 Green: Nature, Health & Growth
Green symbolizes nature, freshness, and sustainability. It’s commonly used by organic brands, health products, and eco-friendly businesses.
✅ Best for: Health & wellness, environmental brands, organic products
❌ Avoid for: Urgent or high-energy promotions
🌱 Example: A leaflet for an organic food store in shades of green reinforces an image of natural, healthy choices.
🟡 Yellow: Optimism, Happiness & Attention
Yellow is warm, cheerful, and energetic. It catches the eye quickly but should be used in moderation as too much can feel overwhelming.
✅ Best for: Kids' products, casual brands, sales, food industries
❌ Avoid for: Luxury brands, serious or formal businesses
☀️ Example: A leaflet for a children’s event using bright yellow feels fun and inviting.
🟠 Orange: Creativity, Fun & Call-to-Action
Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It’s a great colour for CTA buttons, discounts, and engaging promotions.
✅ Best for: E-commerce, fitness, food brands, entertainment
❌ Avoid for: Formal or luxury brands
⚡ Example: A fitness leaflet with “JOIN TODAY – FIRST MONTH FREE” in orange encourages immediate action.
⚫ Black: Luxury, Sophistication & Power
Black represents elegance, exclusivity, and premium quality. It’s often used in luxury brands, fashion, and high-end services.
✅ Best for: Luxury brands, fashion, high-end services
❌ Avoid for: Casual, fun, or family-friendly brands
🖤 Example: A leaflet for an exclusive event in black with gold text exudes sophistication and exclusivity.
⚪ White: Simplicity, Cleanliness & Minimalism
White conveys purity, clarity, and simplicity. It’s often used for modern designs, healthcare, and premium brands.
✅ Best for: Healthcare, minimalist brands, luxury, technology
❌ Avoid for: Brands that need high-energy or bold statements
🏥 Example: A medical clinic leaflet with a white background and blue accents creates a calm and trustworthy feel.
Choosing the Right Colour Combinations
While a single colour can create a specific mood, combining colours strategically can enhance your leaflet’s impact.
1. High-Contrast Colours for Readability
Using dark text on a light background (or vice versa) improves readability.
✅ Best Combinations:
- Black & White (Classic & Elegant)
- Dark Blue & White (Professional & Trustworthy)
- Red & Yellow (Bold & Attention-Grabbing)
2. Complementary Colours for Balance
Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel create contrast and harmony.
✅ Examples:
- Blue & Orange (Energetic & Trustworthy)
- Purple & Yellow (Creative & Cheerful)
- Green & Red (Nature & Urgency)
3. Monochromatic Colours for a Sleek Look
Using different shades of the same colour creates a modern, sophisticated design.
✅ Examples:
- Light & Dark Blue (Corporate & Reliable)
- Soft & Bold Green (Natural & Calming)
- Black & Grey (Minimalist & Luxurious)
Final Tips for Choosing Leaflet Colours
✅ Know Your Audience: Different colours appeal to different age groups, cultures, and emotions.
✅ Align with Your Brand: Choose colours that match your brand identity and messaging.
✅ Test Before Printing: Colours on screen look different when printed—request a colour proof before mass production.
✅ Use White Space: Don’t overload your leaflet with too many colours—balance is key!
Conclusion: Let Colour Do the Talking
The right colour choices can make your leaflet stand out, connect with your audience, and drive action. Whether you want to create urgency with red, build trust with blue, or promote sustainability with green, understanding colour psychology will help you design more effective leaflets.
🎨 Need help designing the perfect leaflet? Let’s bring your vision to life with the right colours!
