A Branding Mistake I’ll Never Forget—and How It Changed My Business

Hi, I’m Miranda, and I want to share a personal story about a branding mistake I made early on. It taught me one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in business—and it’s something I hope will help you as you plan for 2025.

When I was just starting out, I made the decision to delegate my website and branding right away. I thought this would save me time and help me launch faster, but it turned into a frustrating and expensive process.

The platform I was using was designed specifically for therapy businesses. It came with a steep monthly fee, one I realized I’d have to pay indefinitely. And despite my best efforts to explain my vision step by step, the result never quite matched what I had in mind.

Simple changes, like adjusting wording, would take days to implement. And when the updates came back, they were often incomplete—or even inaccurate. It was incredibly frustrating.

Eventually, I had to face a tough truth: my website didn’t feel like me. It didn’t reflect the care, thought, and intention I put into my business. And that’s when it hit me:

If I didn’t feel connected to my website and brand, how could I expect my clients to?

That moment of clarity was my turning point.

Why I Took Control of My Website

Determined to fix the problem, I decided to take control of my branding and learn how to design my own website. At first, the thought was overwhelming. I didn’t have a background in design or tech, but I knew that sharpening this skill was essential for me to fully own my business.

The process wasn’t easy, but it was empowering. I created a website that finally felt like me—one that reflected my values, voice, and vision. And over time, it became one of the most powerful tools in my business.

The Long-Term Value of Owning My Branding

One of the biggest benefits I’ve gained from learning these skills is the ability to update my website quickly and with ease. Whenever my business grows, whether it’s adding a new service or highlighting a new specialty, I can make changes on the spot.

This flexibility has saved me thousands of dollars in maintenance costs. I no longer have to depend on someone else for minor updates or worry about long turnaround times. Instead, I’ve created a website that works for me—and I have full control over it for the lifetime of my business.

The results speak for themselves: in 2024 alone, my practice website generated over 435 inquiries (and counting!). While I still outsource certain tasks when it makes sense, having these skills has made me a stronger business owner and a more confident collaborator.

My Advice to You

If you’re thinking about delegating your branding or website, here’s my advice:

Take the time to truly understand your brand before you hand it off. When you know what you want and what your business stands for, you’ll be able to lead with intention—and ensure your brand reflects the heart of your work.

And now, I want to hear from YOU:

Would you be interested in learning how to DIY your own brand and website? Drop a comment below and let me know! I’m working on something exciting that could help therapists and business owners like you take control of their branding and build tools that work for them—not the other way around.

Let’s start the conversation—I’d love to hear your thoughts and goals for 2025!

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