10 Mistakes Small Businesses Will Make This Year

If you're a small business owner - or if you work with small business clients - there are some common mistakes that can cost you time, money, and momentum.

These aren’t random slip-ups. They’re the kinds of blind spots that quietly eat away at growth and competitiveness.

Here are ten of the biggest mistakes small businesses are likely to make this year - and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring AI and Automation Tools

AI isn’t some distant future tech - it’s already reshaping how smart businesses operate. From automating repetitive tasks to optimizing marketing campaigns and predicting customer behavior, AI is now table stakes for efficiency and scalability.

If your competitors are using AI to improve response times, personalize outreach, and streamline operations, while you're still stuck in manual mode, you're going to fall behind - fast. Embracing AI now gives you a running start.

2. Neglecting a Mobile-First Strategy

Most web traffic today comes from mobile devices. Yet far too many small business websites still load slowly, display poorly, or are just plain hard to use on phones.

In 2025, a mobile-friendly site isn’t a “nice to have” - it’s the minimum bar. Your site should load fast, be easy to navigate, and make buying or contacting you seamless on any screen size. If not, you're losing customers before they even see what you're offering.

3. Failing to Personalize Marketing Campaigns

Blasting the same generic message to everyone doesn’t cut it anymore. Customers expect relevance. If you're not segmenting your audience and tailoring messages based on interests or behavior, you’re leaving revenue on the table.

Even a simple email that lets people click on a product they’re curious about - tagging them based on that action - can open the door to more personalized, higher-converting follow-up. Smart personalization builds stronger relationships and drives better results.

4. Relying Too Much on Organic Social Media

Organic content is great for nurturing your audience - but it’s slow, and social algorithms are fickle. If you're depending solely on organic reach, you’re gambling with your visibility.

A smarter strategy includes paid advertising to boost your best content and reach new audiences. Diversify your efforts: social, email, SEO. Don’t get caught off guard by a single platform shifting the rules overnight.

5. Skipping Video Content Marketing

Video has moved from “optional” to “essential.” Whether it’s Reels, livestreams, or explainers, video connects with audiences in ways static images or text can’t.

And here’s the thing: you don’t need a fancy studio to get started. A smartphone and a good idea can create more authentic, relatable content than an overproduced campaign. In fact, video often converts better - especially on landing pages - so it's worth the effort to incorporate it regularly.

6. Underestimating Customer Retention

New customers are exciting - but retaining existing ones is where the real ROI lives. It's cheaper, easier, and often more profitable.

Happy customers become repeat buyers and brand advocates. Keep them close by delivering stellar service, rewarding loyalty, and continuing the relationship beyond the sale. Don’t treat them like transactions; treat them like partners in your growth.

7. Failing to Share Authentic Customer Stories

Trust is built through transparency. Highlighting real experiences - testimonials, case studies, user-generated content - builds credibility and connection.

People can sniff out polished, fake-sounding stories a mile away. Keep it real. When prospects see how you’ve helped people like them, they’re far more likely to trust you with their business.

8. Lacking a Clear Brand Identity and Voice

A scattered brand confuses your audience. Consistent messaging, visuals, and tone are essential - especially as more businesses turn to AI to generate content.

If you haven’t defined your brand voice, AI tools won’t know how to represent you. Clarify your brand’s personality, values, and visual identity so that every touchpoint reinforces the same clear message.

9. Relying on Gut Feelings Over Analytics

Instinct is valuable - but data is indispensable. Without metrics guiding your decisions, you're just guessing.

Analytics tools today are more accessible than ever. Use them to track what’s working - whether it’s website performance, email engagement, or ad conversions - and make strategic, informed decisions based on actual results.

10. Avoiding Collaborations and Partnerships

No business succeeds alone. Strategic partnerships can open new doors, expand your reach, and even save you money.

Whether it’s co-marketing, shared resources, or hosting events together, collaboration creates leverage. Don’t let fear of competition or ego hold you back. There’s plenty of opportunity to go around - and working together is often the fastest path to growth.

Avoiding these ten mistakes can make the difference between treading water and gaining real momentum in your business. Each of these pitfalls - whether it’s neglecting mobile optimization, ignoring the power of AI, or relying too heavily on organic social - represents a gap that your competitors could easily exploit. But with awareness and intentional action, these gaps become opportunities. 

The goal of this post isn’t just to point out what you might be doing wrong in your small business - it’s to offer a clear, proactive roadmap for staying competitive, building resilience, and driving smarter growth in a fast-evolving landscape. 

If you take even a few of these insights and apply them to your brand or business strategy, you'll already be ahead of the curve.

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