What Grade Is Your Business In? And Are You Investing at the Right Level?

Just like your age dictates what grade you're in at school, your years in business should dictate where and how you invest. But unlike school, where there's a curriculum guiding you, entrepreneurship is a free-for-all. No one is handing you a syllabus saying, "Hey, it's time to upgrade your brand and website now."

That’s why so many business owners end up investing in things they’ve outgrown. They start strong, but years later, they’re still running their business on a DIY logo and a website template that’s way below their level. It’s like a ninth grader sitting in on kindergarten circle time, awkward, out of place, and not setting them up for success.

So, what grade is your business in? And are you investing like it?

Kindergarten: The New Business Phase

You're just getting started. You're figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and what your brand even is. A cost-effective logo and a simple brand kit make sense here. You're in the "learning the ropes" phase, and that’s okay.

Grade 3: The Growth Phase

By now, you've got some experience, and your business is gaining traction. If you're still rocking a DIY logo and a free website template, you’re like a third grader trying to pass as a high schooler, things don’t quite fit. It’s time to step up and invest in real branding that reflects your growing business.

Grade 9: The Established Phase

You’re a few years in, you’ve proven your business model, and you’re ready to be taken seriously. At this stage, a brand built on a DIY foundation is holding you back. You wouldn’t apply to university with a finger-painted name tag, right? Your brand and website need to reflect your expertise and authority.

University: The Authority Phase

You’re a leader in your industry, and your brand needs to match. Custom branding and a strategic website aren’t just about aesthetics, they’re tools for scaling, attracting the right clients, and reinforcing your expertise. This is where real investment in your online presence pays off.

Are You Investing "Down" Instead of Up?

The problem is that there’s no “business school board” to tell you when it’s time to level up. Many entrepreneurs get stuck investing down, buying starter-level branding and DIY solutions when they’re years beyond that stage. It feels like a step up from nothing, but it’s not a big enough step to match your growth.

Each year in business brings more responsibility, more opportunities, and more reasons to upgrade. The real question is: Are you making investments that match your level?

If not, consider this your nudge to step out of the kindie class and into the brand and website your business actually needs.