5 Common Mistakes New Businesses Make

Starting a new business is an exciting journey, filled with possibilities and dreams of future success.

However, amidst the hustle of product development, market research, and securing funding, branding and website development can sometimes fall by the wayside.

Yet, these elements are crucial for establishing your business's identity and online presence.

Let's dive into some common mistakes new businesses make regarding branding and websites and explore why investing in a professionally designed logo is essential.

1. Underestimating The Power Of Branding

Many new businesses underestimate the significance of a strong brand identity. Your brand is more than just a logo; it's the experience customers have with your business. It encompasses your values, the way you communicate, and how you want your business to be perceived.

A common mistake is not spending enough time developing a cohesive brand strategy, which can lead to a disjointed customer experience and a forgettable presence in the market.

Why It Matters: A well-crafted brand strategy helps you stand out from competitors, build customer loyalty, and convey your business's unique value proposition clearly.

2. Overlooking The Importance Of A Professional Logo

A logo might seem like a small component of your business, but it holds immense power. It's often the first thing people notice and plays a pivotal role in first impressions.

Opting for a DIY logo or a low-budget design can lead to a lack of originality, professionalism, and adaptability. Often we see clients who have used a budget service (like Fiverr) and their logo is the same as another person's, or like we saw in the last few years, a rip off of an already well established brand - which is a sure-fire way to end up in hot water before you've even had time to leave the nest.

A professional designer (like us!) can create a logo that not only looks great but also is original, has meaning to you and your business, and resonates with your target audience and works across various platforms and sizes.

We put a lot of time and thought into how the logo will look on uniforms, vans, billboards, and anywhere else you may choose to market yourself!

Why It Matters: Your logo is a visual cornerstone of your brand. A professionally designed logo communicates credibility, professionalism, and attention to detail.

3. Neglecting Website Usability & Design

In today's digital age, your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers.

A mistake new businesses make is focusing solely on aesthetics while neglecting usability and functionality. A beautiful website that is difficult to navigate or slow to load can frustrate users and drive them away.

Whilst there are many people who claim to be experts in their field, as is often the case in life, if you buy cheap you buy twice. We've had hours of training with external companies and organisations to make sure everything we do is in the true British way - Good and proper.

Why It Matters: A user-friendly website design enhances customer experience, improves engagement, and increases the likelihood of converting visitors into customers.

4. Ignoring Mobile Responsiveness

With more people accessing the internet via smartphones, having a mobile-responsive website is no longer optional - it's essential.

A common oversight for new businesses is designing a website only for desktop viewing, or which does cater for screen sizes but hasn't actually be thoroughly tested.

This can lead to poor user experiences on mobile devices, including difficult navigation and unreadable text.

We test all of our websites on multiple devices - not just simulators - to make sure it's perfect on a 27" monitor, an iPhone 14 or a Samsung tablet.

Why It Matters: A mobile-responsive website ensures a seamless experience across all devices, improving accessibility and potentially boosting your search engine rankings.

5. Skimping on Content Quality

Content is king, but not all content is equal.

New businesses sometimes produce content haphazardly, without considering its relevance, value, or alignment with the brand voice. This can lead to a lack of engagement and missed opportunities to connect with your audience.

For example, we're a friendly bunch, so our brand voice talks in the same way, from our social posts to our phone manner.

The way your website content reads, and how simple it is to understand, can directly influence how likely a customer is to use you and your service. 

Why It Matters: High-quality, consistent content helps establish your brand as an authority in your field, engages your target audience, and improves your SEO performance.

Investing in branding and website development is not just about spending money; it's about investing in your business's future.

A strong brand identity, coupled with a professional logo and a user-friendly website, sets the foundation for your business's success for the long term. It communicates your values, attracts your ideal customers, and creates a lasting impression.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your business not only stands out from the competition but also builds a loyal customer base for years to come.

Remember - your brand is the heart and soul of your business. Give it the attention it deserves, and watch as it becomes your most powerful asset in achieving long-term success.