Starting a business is one of the most thrilling (and terrifying) things you can do. You’re stepping into uncharted territory, taking risks, and putting your heart and soul into building something meaningful. But let’s be honest: there are a lot of things that can go wrong along the way.
For many new entrepreneurs, the reality of running a business turns out to be quite different from what they first imagined. The journey can be challenging, and mistakes are a natural part of the process. The good news is, most of these mistakes are avoidable. With the right insights and preparation, you can give your business a much stronger start and set yourself up for long-term success.
Today, let’s take a look at the three biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make — and more importantly, how to avoid them so you can stay focused on what matters: building a business that lasts.
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Power of Social Media (Or Worse, Getting It Wrong)
Let’s be honest: social media can feel like a monster you can’t control. But here’s the truth: your customers are already on there. If you're not tapping into social media, you're missing out on a massive opportunity to connect with potential customers and build your brand.
Why This Is a Big Mistake:
New entrepreneurs often feel overwhelmed by the idea of setting up multiple social media accounts. They worry about managing them all, creating enough content, and keeping up with ever-changing algorithms. The result? Either they avoid social media altogether or start posting at random, leaving their audience confused or uninterested.
How to Avoid It:
Social media isn’t as scary as it seems when you approach it strategically. Start by choosing the platforms that align with your business goals and target audience. You don’t have to be everywhere — focus on 2-3 platforms and do them well. In many cases, new business owners create social media profiles without fully considering the importance of consistent branding. To make a strong impression, your profiles should maintain a cohesive look and feel — from photos and bios to templates and overall design, everything should reflect your brand’s personality and values.
Plan your content, so you’re not scrambling for ideas every week. Tools like Canva (and even scheduling apps like Buffer or Hootsuite) can help you create and organize your posts without burning out.
And don’t be afraid to show up as your authentic self. Social media is about building relationships, not just pushing products. Share behind-the-scenes looks into your journey, offer helpful tips, and make your audience feel like they’re part of your story.
Pro Tip:
Need help getting your social media setup right? That's what we’re here for! Our Starter Package gets you started with 4-5 social media accounts, branding, and content scheduled for weeks, so you can focus on running your business.
Mistake #2: Not Understanding the Customer's Journey (Or Making Assumptions About It)
One of the biggest blunders new entrepreneurs make is assuming they know exactly what their customers want without actually listening to them. While it’s great to have a vision for your business, it’s crucial to remember that the customer’s journey is about them, not you.
Why This Is a Big Mistake:
Many new business owners believe that simply creating a product or service they’re passionate about will automatically attract customers. However, they often overlook an important factor: understanding where their customers are in their journey, the problems they’re trying to solve, and the type of content that truly captures their attention.
This can result in poor sales, frustrated customers, and an overall disconnect between your brand and your target audience.
How to Avoid It:
Start by understanding your customers’ pain points.
Who are they?
What problems are they facing?
What’s keeping them up at night?
And most importantly, where are they hanging out online? The answers to these questions will guide your marketing and product offerings.
The key is to create content and solutions that meet them where they are. Build customer personas if you haven’t already — this will help you identify what stage your customers are in (awareness, consideration, decision-making) and how to cater to their specific needs at each stage.
Pro Tip:
Use social media to listen as much as you use it to post. Engage with your audience, ask questions, and pay attention to what they’re talking about. This feedback will help you refine your approach and ensure you're providing what they need.
Mistake #3: Underestimating the Importance of Website Design and Functionality
A website is your digital storefront, and it’s where potential customers will form their first impressions. But for many new entrepreneurs, website design becomes an afterthought. Maybe you’ve heard that it’s “too expensive” or “too complicated” to have a high-quality site, so you settle for a free template that doesn’t align with your brand.
Why This Is a Big Mistake:
A poor website can severely hurt your credibility. If your site looks unprofessional, loads slowly, or is hard to navigate, people will bounce and move on to a competitor. Your website needs to look polished, reflect your brand’s values, and make it easy for visitors to take action — whether that’s signing up for your newsletter, making a purchase, or contacting you for more info.
How to Avoid It:
Your website should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and mobile-friendly. Most importantly, it should be optimized to convert visitors into leads or customers. Your homepage needs to communicate who you are and what you offer clearly, and your calls-to-action (CTA) should be easy to find and follow.
Now, we’re not saying you need us to set up your website, but if you do want a little extra help, we’re here for you!
We offer simple, affordable website setup services tailored to your industry, so you don’t have to stress about getting it right on your own. Whether you're just starting or need a refresh, we can help you build a professional online presence without breaking the bank.
Wrapping It Up: Avoiding These Mistakes Can Set You Up for Success
Starting a business is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone — and you don’t have to make the same mistakes as so many other entrepreneurs. By getting your social media strategy right, understanding your customer’s journey, and investing in a solid website from the beginning, you’re laying the groundwork for a business that can thrive.
Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes along the way, but make sure they’re new mistakes — not the ones we already know about. With the right mindset, tools, and support, you’ll be ready to turn your dream into a successful business.
Are you ready to set your social media and website up for success? Let’s talk!
With our Starter Package, we’ll take care of the hard part, so you can focus on growing your business.
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