Why Advertising a Startup is Overrated

It seems as if the first thing startup business owners want to do is advertise. However, that is oftentimes not the best use of time and money.

In fact, some experts who have created multiple startup companies have argued that advertising is the most overrated aspect of the startup experience. As the thinking goes, if a startup business idea is good enough, the customers will find you — and not the other way around.

While this is not always a viable rule for all startups, you should remember that your number one focus should be your startup business itself and not the advertising and marketing campaigns. If you don’t offer a great product or service, chances are that the advertising and marketing won’t matter.

In the early stages of a startup, nearly all of the money, time and effort you are expending should be directed on the startup business itself. Only at the point at which your startup is perfected should you really start pushing the advertising and marketing buttons.

And in the best case scenario, you won’t have to advertise because the customers will already be coming in by the dozen.

Advertising isn't always a wise use of money (Image: Flickr)