Let’s be honest year one of any pet business is a bit of a whirlwind.
You’re full of ideas, brimming with energy, and juggling about seventeen different things before breakfast. And while that’s all part of the ride, there are a few common slip ups that can slow you down (or worse, set you back).
Let’s talk about them so you can skip the stress and move faster towards success.
1. Building the brand after launching
If you think branding is just a logo, think again. Too many pet businesses go live with no clear voice, no visual identity, and no real plan for standing out. Take time to define your tone, your story, and the feeling you want people to associate with your brand before you go all in on socials or sales.
2. Focusing on products, not people
It’s easy to obsess over labels, packaging and product details (especially if you’ve created it yourself). But your customers don’t just buy what you sell they buy why it matters. Talk more about your customers’ pets and their needs than you do about your ingredients list.
3. Underestimating marketing
A gorgeous product won’t sell itself especially in the noisy pet sector. Marketing isn’t optional; it’s the lifeline of your business. Yet we see so many new brands blow the budget on packaging and leave £0 for visibility. Marketing should be baked in from day one.
4. Doing everything alone
Yes, you wear all the hats right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to know everything. Whether it’s joining a course, hiring support, or using AI tools to speed things up leaning on help doesn’t make you less of a founder, it makes you a smarter one.
5. Not tracking what works
You don’t need to be a data geek but if you’re never checking what posts land or what sales come from where, you’re marketing in the dark. Look at engagement, track what converts, and double down on what’s actually driving results.
There’s no perfect first year. But with a bit of foresight (and a lot of dog hair on your jumper), you’ll get through it stronger, savvier, and ready to grow.
