4 Common Small Business Mistakes - How To Fix Them

This article is written by Sam Marcum.

To make mistakes is only human. You can’t enter into a new pursuit without expecting a few setbacks, especially when it comes to the complicated task of running a business.

Unfortunately, small mistakes made at the launch of your business can spiral into huge problems down the line, so it’s important to set things right before taking your company to the next level. 

The good news is that every business owner has experience making mistakes in the beginning.

As a result, there’s a lot of good information out there that can guide you down the right path. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see business owners making every day!

Using Outdated Digital Tools

Outdated tools and slow IT systems will hold your business back more than you may realize.

Not only are old tools typically slower and riddled with performance issues, but they can pose a significant security risk and create unnecessary liabilities for your business. Only used modern software and equipment with up-to-date cyber security features.

For example, make sure your website is built on an advanced website builder such as Notion from Simple.ink! No-code website builders like Notion make it easy to shift away from outdated website systems. As an alternative example, make sure you're using SignHouse, a digital signature software (which, in full disclosure, is made by the same creators of Simple.ink)

Poor Invoicing Practices

Do your clients take a long time to pay your invoices? The quality, accuracy, and frequency of your invoices can play a big role in your accounts receivable turnover.

If you want to get paid more quickly, take a hard look at your invoicing process. Common invoicing issues include confusing invoices, missing data, errors, missing contact information, and invoices that never make it to their intended recipients.

Take advantage of financial software to avoid these errors and automate your invoicing process.

You can also use an online invoice generator to ensure your invoices appear professional and include all the information your clients need to make a prompt payment.

Many invoice generators let you customize the invoice with your own branding! Once you’ve created your custom invoice, be sure to download your invoice in a format that’s compatible with your accounting software.

Overlooking Website SEO

Many people think that SEO (search engine optimization) is dead, but nothing could be further from the truth.

SEO is still the key to successful digital marketing. SEO will ensure your business is visible to those searching for your products and services online.

SEO services can help to boost your website traffic and visibility, as well as improve your rankings in search engine result pages.

And if you run a local business, good SEO practices will help people in your city find you. All websites built with Simple.ink come pre-loaded with SEO essentials to make your life easier!

Outdated Website Design

Is your website design outdated? Even if you built your website recently, an outdated design will turn off potential customers within a matter of seconds.

Research reported by Search Engine Journal shows that 81% of people think less of a business with an out-of-date website design.

Visitors expect your website to look fresh and current. Here are a few signs that your design is out of date:

• Your website loads slowly.
• There is no clear path for visitors.
• Too many textures, colors, or images.
• Too many moving elements, including flashing, scrolling, or other dynamic features.
• Your site doesn’t work seamlessly on mobile devices.
• Your customers have to work to find what they need.

Take some time to streamline your website design. All Simple.ink websites are based on minimalist designs to help you keep your website clean and easy to navigate!

Our websites are also fully responsive, so they will work on smartphones and tablets right out of the gate. Take advantage of tools like these to reduce your website bounce rate and increase those conversions.

Every business owner makes mistakes. In the digital age, many of these mistakes revolve around website inefficiencies and poor cybersecurity practices, like using outdated digital tools!

Take advantage of modern-day technologies to keep your business relevant!

Are you ready to upgrade your small business website? Build it with Notion from Simple.ink! Anyone can use our simple website builder, no coding is required! Explore our website to learn more.