Starting your own business is nerve-racking, and it can be especially terrifying if you’re self-funding a startup. You know you need to go-to-market as fast as possible and make money.
A bootstrapped startup needs sales like a vampire needs blood.
So, don’t get me wrong. An impulse to start selling is a good thing. But before you begin advertising your business, you need to make sure you have some basic presentational items properly in place. Otherwise, you’re going to scare off customers.
Why? Because first impressions matter.
If your business doesn’t look established, professional, and credible, you’re going to spook your potential customers before you even get the chance to sell them.
So how do you steer clear of a frightening first impression?
It’s easier than you think. Here are 7 simple marketing mistakes that will haunt your business if you don’t avoid them right from the start:
1. Your Website Is a Horror Show
Nowadays, it should go without saying that you can’t launch a business without a professional website.
Whether you’re a software company or a landscaping business, if your website looks janky, your potential customers are going to think your business is janky.
The good news is setting up a professional site isn’t as time consuming and expensive as it used to be. With services like Squarespace and WordPress, the process is cheap and easy for anyone to do – no matter your skill or experience level.
To get you started, here’s a quick checklist of business website must-haves:
Professional logo
Consistent font & color scheme
Clear & concise copywriting
Easy navigation
Clear call-to-actions
Mobile responsive design