BMW’s blue and white logo, Nike’s swoosh, and even Monster Energy drink’s claw marks are all examples of branding done right. These iconic brands may make you lose sleep at night worrying about how you’re going to put your company’s best foot forward, but just be sure to avoid these common novice mistakes and you’ll be okay.

Keep It Simple

Consider Bass Brewery’s simple, red triangle logo.  It probably doesn’t get much simpler than that. In business for 240 years, the basic nature of their emblem certainly hasn’t negatively impacted their business. So, there’s no need to create an eye-jawing, five-color logo with multiple graphic components. Keep it simple and concentrate on offering a great product or service. People remember simplicity and tags that are easily repeated.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Industry

No matter how many other sites have come along, when you say online auction, you immediately think of eBay. The same thing goes for online bookstore with Amazon. Connecting with your customers on a brand level as well as with your products and services will make it easier for them to recommend you and pass on what you offer. Make yourself a stand out in some way from similar businesses in the industry. People will remember you for what you do most.

Don’t Forget Your Website

Your website is just as much your calling card as any other type of advertising you do for your company. In coordination with the item above, don’t over complicate your business model here, either. It’s nice to have a bell or whistle (available online chat is an example or even video production services) but having every option out there can easily confuse and annoy visitors. Remember, sometimes less is more.

You Don’t Know Everything

Not looking for or taking advice can been an entrepreneurs downfall on many fronts. If you’re not in advertising as one of your core businesses, strongly consider bringing in some help. If an online presence is one of your key marketing areas, think about employing a social media consultant to help you get your message out there consistently. They can assist you in avoiding a lot of the pitfalls first-time business owners encounter. Third parties sometimes can see things about your business you wouldn’t otherwise. You their input in your branding message.

Clean Content Counts

A social media consultant can also help you with keeping your content on the straight and narrow. You want to make sure you’re paying attention to both what you’re saying and how you’re saying it. A great message can be clouded by poor and unprofessional writing and this is another area where a social media consultant can assist a new business owner.

When it comes to the branding, advertising, and marketing for your new business remember to ask for advice, think about what you’re trying to say, keep it simple, and most importantly, have fun.