Colour is where a lot of small businesses get stuck. Choose too many and the site looks chaotic. Choose too few and it feels flat. Here’s a simple way through.
Start with one strong main colour
Pick a single colour that will be recognisably yours. It goes on buttons, links and key highlights. Look at what competitors use and consider going the other way, so you stand out in search results and on social feeds.
Add a dark and a light
You need a dark colour for text and a light one for backgrounds. They don’t have to be pure black and white. A deep navy and a soft off-white feel warmer and more considered.
Add one accent, used sparingly
An accent colour draws the eye to the most important things: a special offer, a sticker, a key number. Use it rarely, so it keeps its punch.
Check the contrast
Text needs enough contrast against its background to be readable by everyone, including people with low vision. Free contrast checkers will tell you in seconds whether a pairing passes.
Write it down
Save your colour codes somewhere you’ll find them: a note, a one-page brand sheet, anywhere. Consistency across your website, social posts and printed material is what makes a small palette feel like a brand.