5 Signs Your Brand Isn’t Working (While You’re Still Hustling)

You know that moment when you’re about to send someone your website link and you get that little cringe in your stomach? The one that makes you want to add a disclaimer like “Oh, just ignore the portfolio section, I haven’t updated it since…” awkward laugh

Or maybe you’re doing that thing where you apologize for your Instagram feed before someone even looks at it. (Been there, bought the t-shirt, still have the receipts to prove it.)

These are classic signs your brand isn’t working as hard as you are. It’s basically that one friend who shows up to the group project empty-handed but still wants full credit. Not cute.

But don’t worry—I’m not here to just point out problems like that one relative at Thanksgiving dinner. For each red flag I spot, I’ll give you:

• A “right now” fix (like, literally go do this after reading)
• A “let’s actually solve this” solution (because Band-Aids only work for so long, right?)

Sign #1: You’re Apologizing For Your Website (Like, A Lot)

If you’ve ever started a sentence with “My website isn’t quite updated, but…” —first of all, I see you, and second of all, let’s fix that.

Real talk? This is usually code for “my business has evolved but my website is stuck in 2020.” (And not just because that’s when you stress-built it during quarantine. 👀)

I had a photographer client who was literally hiding her website from potential clients because it showcased her old editing style. She was sending them straight to her Instagram instead. Y’all. That’s like having a gorgeous storefront but making people come in through the back door.

The Fix:

• RIGHT NOW: Pick ONE thing to update. Maybe it’s swapping out that portfolio piece from your “just starting out” days, or finally fixing that contact form that’s been acting sketchy.
• THE REAL SOLUTION: It might be time for a website that actually reflects who you are now (not who you were when you started). Because showing up as your best self online? That’s not just nice to have—it’s necessary.

Sign #2: Your Social Media Game Feels Like a Second Job (That You Don’t Even Like)

If you’ve got more half-written captions in your Notes app than actual posts on your grid, we should talk.

I recently worked with a wedding planner who was posting DAILY on Instagram—beautiful images, decent engagement, the works. But guess what? She wasn’t getting any inquiries. Why? Because even though her content looked good, she had no strategy guiding people toward actually booking her services. It was like having a gorgeous store with no cash register.

Signs you’re in this club:

• You have 67 saved Reels you’re “totally going to recreate someday”
• Your content strategy changes more often than your coffee order
• You’re spending more time on Instagram than with your actual clients (yikes)

The Fix:

• RIGHT NOW: Pick ONE message for next week. Just one. Then create your content around that. Watch how much easier it feels when you’re not trying to be everything to everyone.
• THE REAL SOLUTION: Time to get strategic about your content so it actually drives results (and doesn’t drive you crazy).

Sign #3: Your Brand Elements Are Playing Hide and Seek

Let’s be honest: if your brand files are scattered across three devices, two clouds, and that random USB stick from 2019, we’ve got a problem.

One of my clients—an amazing business coach—came to me because her brand looked different everywhere you found her. Her PDF downloads had one version of her logo, her website had another, and her social media had a third. Her followers literally couldn’t tell if they were looking at the same business. It’s like showing up to work wearing three different uniforms in one day.

You know you’re guilty when:

• Your files are named “FINAL_FINAL_REALFINAL_THISTIME.png”
• Your logo looks slightly different everywhere it appears
• You have to check your website every single time you need your brand colors

The Fix:

• RIGHT NOW: Create a “Brand Kit” folder. Right now. I’ll wait. Put ALL your current brand elements in there, even if they’re not perfect.
• THE REAL SOLUTION: Work with someone who can create a proper brand identity system that makes you feel confident and professional (instead of constantly wondering if you’re using the right shade of blue).

Sign #4: Writing Copy Makes You Want to Hide Under Your Desk

If you’re spending hours staring at a blank page or rewriting your Instagram bio for the 15th time this month, your messaging might need some love.

I had a photographer client who was absolutely magical behind the camera—seriously, her images could make you cry (in a good way). But when it came to writing about her work? She’d spend THREE HOURS writing one email to a potential client, second-guessing every word. In person, she could talk about her photography style and approach so beautifully that clients would book on the spot. But getting that same magic into her website copy? It felt impossible. Her Instagram captions were sitting in drafts for weeks because nothing felt “quite right.”

The symptoms:

• Your About page sounds nothing like you
• Writing captions feels like pulling teeth
• You freeze up every time someone asks “So what do you do?”

The Fix:

• RIGHT NOW: Write down three words that describe how you want your brand to sound. Use them as a filter for everything you write.
• THE REAL SOLUTION: Get clear on your brand voice and messaging strategy so you can stop second-guessing every word you write.

Sign #5: You’re Attracting the Wrong Clients (Or No Clients At All)

When your inbox is full of “what’s your cheapest package?” emails while you’re trying to book higher-paying clients… something’s not adding up.

Here’s a perfect example: A personal wardrobe stylist I worked with was getting bombarded with requests for one-off “what should I wear to this wedding?” consultations. Meanwhile, she specialized in complete wardrobe transformations and personal styling packages starting at $3K. Her Instagram was full of perfectly curated outfits and high-end brands, but her messaging wasn’t clear about her comprehensive, luxury service approach. So while she was trying to attract busy professionals who wanted a complete style overhaul, she was getting DMs asking if she could help pick out a dress for $50. It’s like having a Saks Fifth Avenue aesthetic but advertising like a fast-fashion outlet.

Signs your brand’s sending mixed signals:

• People keep asking for services you don’t offer
• You’re getting constant requests for discounts
• Your ideal clients aren’t the ones sliding into your DMs

The Fix:

• RIGHT NOW: Review your recent inquiries. What are people asking for vs. what you actually offer? Spot the disconnect.
• THE REAL SOLUTION: Realign your brand to attract the clients you actually want to work with.

Ready to Get Your Brand Back to Work?

Your brand should be your business’s best employee—showing up daily, representing you perfectly, and bringing in results while you focus on what you do best.

If it’s more like that one coworker who keeps microwaving fish in the break room… well, we should talk.

Want to stop apologizing for your brand and start celebrating it instead? Let’s chat. My Creative Kickstart is perfect for getting clear on exactly what’s not working and creating a plan to fix it.