How to Avoid 5 Common Mistakes When Starting an Online Business and What to Do Instead
(From a Coach Who’s Seen It All)
Starting your online business can feel like diving headfirst into a sea of advice, shiny tools, and to-do lists that somehow never end.
You’ve got the passion. The ideas. The drive. But also, let’s be honest, a little chaos in the mix.
And you’re not alone. I’ve coached dozens of women just like you, creators, coaches, wellness experts, and solo entrepreneurs, who are fired up about building a business online… but unintentionally fall into a few traps that slow things down or zap their momentum.
Let’s change that.
Below are the 5 most common missteps I see when women launch online, and what to do instead, so you can move forward with more clarity, confidence, and ease.
Mistake #1: Trying to Serve Everyone
When you’re just getting started, it’s tempting to say “I can help anyone!” But here’s the truth: If you speak to everyone, no one really hears you.
Instead:
Focus on one clear person.
Picture your dream client; WHAT do they struggle with? What kind of HELP are they looking for?
When you understand their pain points and desires deeply, your content and offers will feel like a breath of fresh air to the right people.
Mistake #2: Making Things Way Too Complicated
Building a business doesn’t have to mean creating 17 funnels, 20 freebies, or posting on every single social platform. You’ll burn out before you gain traction.
Instead:
Follow the rule of 5 ONES: Start with ONE simple offer, ONE clear message, to ONE audience on ONE platform for ONE year.
Tools like Canva make it easy to design beautiful, on-brand graphics without getting stuck in perfectionism. Action teaches you faster than research ever will.
Mistake #4: Doing Everything Manually
If you're replying to every email yourself, posting in real-time, or manually sending client links, you’ll hit a ceiling, fast.
Instead:
Embrace automation. Simple systems like auto-responders, scheduling tools, or email workflows can free up hours every week. Automating just 2–3 small tasks can give you back time and mental energy to focus on the bigger picture.
Mistake #5: Not Looking at the Numbers
It’s easy to keep pushing forward without checking if what you’re doing is actually working. But that’s like driving without a map.
Instead:
Track a few key metrics, like email open rates, website clicks, or content saves. Numbers tell a story. When you look at what’s gaining traction, you can do more of what works (and stop guessing).
Bonus: Observe, Don’t Imitate
There’s nothing wrong with checking out what others in your niche are doing. Just don’t fall into copycat mode.
Instead, look at what’s working for them and ask, “How can I put my own spin on this?”
You’ll learn faster and create content that feels aligned with your voice, not someone else’s.
Final Word: You’re Allowed to Keep It Simple!
Building a business online isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about doing the right things at the right time, and giving yourself permission to grow as you go.
So if you’re just starting out, remember this:
→ Focus on one person
→ Build one simple offer
→ Start that email list
→ Automate the boring stuff
→ Track your progress (even the baby steps)
That’s the beginning of real, sustainable momentum.
And you’re fully capable of creating it.
You don’t need to hustle harder. You just need a little more clarity, consistency, and strategy.
You’ve got this. I’m cheering you on.
xo,
Hedda
