Why This Matters
Starting a creative business is exciting! You’re passionate about what you do, whether it’s photography, design, music, writing, or any other creative skill. But here’s the problem: passion alone won’t make your business successful. Many talented creatives struggle because they don’t know how to run a business.
If you’re just starting out, avoid these 7 common mistakes that could slow you down or even make you quit too soon.
Mistake 1: Working Without a Clear Business Plan
Many creatives jump straight into selling their work without thinking about the bigger picture. But without a plan, you’ll feel lost and frustrated.
How to Fix It:
- Write down your business goal (e.g., I want to earn KES 100,000 per month from my creative work).
- Identify who your customers are (Who will pay you? How much can they pay & What do they need?).
- Plan how you will get clients (social media, networking, referrals or even friends and family).
Look at an Example: A photographer who wants to shoot luxury weddings should not market the same way as a photographer who does studio portraits for students.
Mistake 2: Underpricing Your Work
Many new creatives charge too little because they’re afraid people won’t pay more. But when you charge too little, you:
– Attract clients who don’t value quality.
– Work too hard for little money.
– Struggle to grow your business.
How to Fix It:
- Research what others in your industry are charging.
- Focus on value-based pricing—don’t charge based on time, charge based on results.
- Be confident when stating your prices!
Here is an Example: A graphic designer who charges KES 5,000 for a logo because “it only takes 2 hours” is thinking about time instead of value. Instead, they should charge based on how important the logo is to the client’s brand. This is perceived value and therefore Value Based Pricing!
💡 What Next?
👉 If you want to learn How to price your Work Correctly and earn what you deserve,
GET THHE Value-Based Pricing Workshop [HERE].
Mistake 3: Not Marketing Yourself Consistently
Many creatives wait for clients to find them instead of actively putting themselves out there. If people don’t know you exist, how will they hire you?
How to Fix It:
- Use social media to show your work and engage with potential clients.
- Have a portfolio website (even a simple one).
- Offer free valuable content (tips, tutorials, behind-the-scenes videos)
Here is my personal Example: As wedding photographers we decided to post short behind-the-scenes clips on Instagram, and also educational content on social media educating our audience on very simple things about wedding planning and preparation. This builds interest and and we were able to book 3 weddings from just one instagram reel. This is the power of taking action on marketing our businesses.
Mistake 4: Saying Yes to Every Job
At first, it’s tempting to accept any project that pays. But taking on low-paying, stressful, or unrelated projects can waste time and energy.
How to Fix It:
- Define your ideal projects (Who do you want to work with? What type of work excites you?).
- Learn to say no to projects that don’t match your goals.
- Focus on quality over quantity—better to have 5 high-paying clients than 20 stressful ones.
An Example: A fashion photographer should not waste time doing real estate photography just because “it pays.” Instead, they should focus on attracting fashion brands that value their style. This is the power of focus and discipline when it comes to being clear on the client you are serving.
Mistake 5: Not Managing Money Properly
Many creatives mix personal and business money, don’t track expenses, and have no savings plan. This leads to financial stress and an unstable business. When you use your businesses money as your personal cash cow, you will never grow a business that will every sustain your or take care of you when you are not working.
How to Fix It:
- Separate your business and personal money (get a business account if possible).
- Use tools like Wave, QuickBooks, or even a simple spreadsheet to track earnings and expenses.
- Save a percentage of every payment you receive.
Example: A content creator who spends all their earnings instead of setting aside money for equipment upgrades will struggle to grow. When they need the equipment, they will always have to look for their personal money for them to have the equipment. This is a clear rat race.
Mistake 6: Not Building Relationships
Success in the creative industry isn’t just about talent—it’s also about who you know. If you only focus on working alone, you’ll miss huge opportunities. Alot of opportunities you will get in this career will be offered by people and networks you have created. So go out and meet people, interact and find any opportunity to know someone new. Those people will be the source of future business.
How to Fix It:
- Network with other creatives (attend events, join online communities).
- Build relationships with clients (stay in touch even after a project ends).
- Collaborate with other professionals to grow faster.
Example: A music producer who connects with videographers and photographers will have more opportunities to create music videos and commercial projects.
Mistake 7: Giving Up Too Soon
Many creatives quit because they don’t see quick results. They get frustrated when clients don’t come fast, or when social media isn’t growing as expected. I mean, rome was not build in one day! A thriving creative business has to stand the test of time and cycles of business building. And, that is what actually builds a strong business. So, don’t give up so soon>
How to Fix It:
- Understand that business takes time.
- Stay consistent with your efforts (marketing, networking, improving skills).
- Focus on long-term goals instead of looking for quick success.
Here is an Example of a writer: A writer who gives up after posting three blogs and getting no clients is making a mistake. Successful creatives keep showing up even when results are slow at first.
Bonus: Start Strong and Avoid These Mistakes!
If you’re serious about growing your creative business, avoid these 7 mistakes:
✅ Have a clear business plan.
✅ Charge what you’re worth.
✅ Market yourself consistently.
✅ Be selective about projects.
✅ Manage your money wisely.
✅ Build strong relationships.
✅ Stay patient and persistent.
💡 What Next?
👉 If you want to learn How to price your Work Correctly and earn what you deserve,
GET THHE Value-Based Pricing Workshop [HERE].
