The Datamax Thinking Blog

Educating, collaborating, and sparking ideas for maximizing the technology that matters.


Color Printing, Get Noticed, Get Remembered

Did you know that color is one of the easiest ways to increase sales?

Research indicates that using color and graphics increases interest, retention, and improves comprehension.

The facts:

Color improves comprehension by 75% Color increases retention 40% Color accelerates learning by 20%1

According to Kathleen H. Seelye, “Color and graphics add 78% retention, while a photo can result in a 130% increase in retention.”2

Use an Image to Almost Double Your Persuasiveness

A study conducted by the University of Minnesota found that the use of simple graphics increased the persuasiveness of a message by 47%. To measure the effect, they had a group of people read a passage of text and rate it for persuasiveness. Then they had another group rate the exact same text, only this time it included a graphic. The score jumped by 47%!3


Better yet, invoices that use color to highlight the all-important balance due section are paid up to 30% more quickly than boring old black-and-white bills.4

1. Don Jones, The Definitive Guide to Office Color Printing

2. Donna L. Boss, S.I.G.N.A.G.E. S.E.L.L.S., Kathleen H. Seelye, vice president, Thomas Ricca Associates, Englewood, Colorado

3. “Color and Graphics in Proposals,” The Clare Ross Organization, Marketing and Management Consultants

4 “A dozen ways to guarantee you'll get paid”, Home Office Computing, Linda Stern, 10/92