The Two Mistakes That Nearly Derailed My Business

(and What They Taught Me About Branding + Social Strategy)

Let’s be honest - mistakes are basically a rite of passage in business. If you’ve made none, you’re either brand new or not being totally honest with yourself. I’ve made plenty. But there are two in particular that taught me big lessons - and ended up reshaping how I approach branding and social media strategy today.

So, let’s talk about them.

Mistake #1: I Thought a Logo Was My Whole Brand

Back in the day, I was cranking out logos like it was my full-time job - because, well, it kinda was. I freelanced while working for my parents’ sign shop, and creating visual identities was my happy place.

But when I transitioned from side hustle to full-on business, something felt...off. I had a logo I loved, but my marketing felt aimless. My audience wasn’t connecting. Engagement was low. Inquiries were sporadic.

Why? Because branding isn’t just a logo. It’s the strategy, emotion, and clarity behind every piece of your marketing. Without that foundation, I was building a house on sand.

Once I slowed down and did the real work - figuring out who I wanted to serve, what they needed, and how I could communicate that clearly - things clicked. My brand started working for me, not against me.

🔍 Keyword-rich side note: If you’re struggling to attract the right clients online, it could be a branding issue - not a visibility one. Your logo might be pretty, but if your messaging isn’t dialed in, your dream clients won’t stick around.

Mistake #2: Chasing Platforms Like They Were Lottery Tickets

Oh, the temptation of “going viral.” I used to think showing up on a shiny new platform would magically grow my audience and explode my business.

Spoiler alert: It didn’t.

What it did do was drain my time, scatter my focus, and make me feel like I was constantly playing catch-up. Turns out, being halfway present on every social platform = being fully invisible.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to show up well where your people already are.

I eventually narrowed my focus to Instagram, Facebook (by way of Insta), Pinterest, and LinkedIn - not because I’m trying to be everywhere, but because I built systems that help me repurpose and automate content across them. That combo of strategy + sustainability? Total game changer.

💡 Keyword moment: Whether you’re marketing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn or TikTok, the key isn’t showing up everywhere - it’s showing up with intention. Social media marketing without strategy is just noise.

Here’s what I’ve learned through all of this:

👉 Clarity in your brand = confidence in your marketing.

👉 Strategy in your content = sustainability in your business.

👉 And mistakes? They’re the best teachers if you’re willing to listen.

If you’re in the thick of DIY-ing your business strategy and feeling a little lost, that’s where my Scattered to STRATEGIC membership was born - from this exact place of trial, error, and finally...clarity.

But even if all you take away is this: you’re not the only one figuring it out as you go. You’re in good company.