Most startups spend weeks on their product and 20 minutes on their brand. Then they wonder why nobody takes them seriously.

Here's the truth: your logo is the first thing people judge you by. Before they read your pitch, check your pricing, or test your product — they see your brand and make a snap decision.

After designing for dozens of small businesses, I've noticed the same 3 mistakes over and over:

1. Too complex. If your logo doesn't work at the size of a favicon, it's too busy. The best logos are dead simple.

2. No system. A logo alone isn't a brand. You need a color palette, typography, and guidelines that work together across every touchpoint — social, website, packaging, everything.

3. Following trends. That gradient everybody used in 2024? It already looks dated. Timeless > trendy, every time.

If you're building something real, invest in getting your brand right from the start. It's the cheapest credibility boost you'll ever get.

I'm Tissy — I design brand identities for startups and small businesses. If your brand needs work, let's talk.