Making decisions based purely on instinct might work occasionally, but it’s hardly a sustainable strategy. According to a study by Sebrae, 24% of businesses in Brazil close before reaching two years of operation—and one of the main reasons is lack of planning and market knowledge.
In today’s digital transformation era, data is one of the most valuable assets for any business, whether big or small. Without it, costly mistakes become far more likely. Below, we list the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make due to lack of data, along with practical tips on how to avoid them.
1. Launching a product without validating the market
Many entrepreneurs fall in love with their ideas and skip the validation phase. The result? They launch products or services that no one actually wants or needs.
According to CB Insights, 35% of startups fail because there is no market demand for their offering.
How to avoid it:
- Conduct qualitative research with potential customers.
- Create MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) and gather real feedback before scaling.
- Analyze trends, consumer behavior, and competitors using reliable data.
2. Setting prices without strategic data
Charging “what feels fair” or “what the competitor charges” is not a pricing strategy—it’s guesswork. Without data, it’s easy to misprice, which can hurt both customer acquisition and profitability.
How to avoid it:
- Use perceived value research to understand what your product is worth to customers.
- Study buyer behavior, socioeconomic profiles, and price elasticity.
- Benchmark your pricing against the market, adjusting to fit your target audience.
3. Investing in marketing on the wrong channels
Without data on digital behavior, many companies waste budget on platforms that don’t reach their ideal customer.
A Salesforce study revealed that 76% of consumers expect companies to understand their needs and preferences—and that starts with choosing the right communication channels.
How to avoid it:
- Research where your audience spends their time (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp?).
- Evaluate past campaign ROI using real metrics.
- Run A/B tests with segmented audiences and different messaging styles.
4. Trying to speak to everyone—and reaching no one
Without data, communication becomes generic. And the more generic it is, the less effective it becomes. Entrepreneurs who don’t know their customer profiles often create content and campaigns that fail to connect.
How to avoid it:
- Build buyer personas based on real data, not assumptions.
- Use segmentation tools and opinion surveys to understand customer needs, pains, and habits.
- Personalize your messaging using microdata and online behavior.
5. Ignoring the customer experience
Companies that don’t measure customer satisfaction risk repeating mistakes and losing customers without even realizing it. Studies show that 91% of unhappy customers don’t complain—they just leave.
(Source: Esteban Kolsky)
How to avoid it:
- Apply satisfaction surveys (NPS, CSAT).
- Use mystery shopper techniques to evaluate real customer interactions.
- Map the customer journey using data and improve key pain points.
6. Repeating strategies that don’t work
Without tracking results, it’s common to see businesses repeating actions that have no real impact. This wastes time, money, and energy—and stalls sustainable growth.
How to avoid it:
- Define clear KPIs and regularly track performance data.
- Conduct post-sale surveys, funnel analysis, and sales-data crosschecks.
- Adjust strategies based on evidence, not assumptions.
Data is not a luxury—it’s the foundation for better decisions
Entrepreneurship in Brazil is already challenging—but making decisions without data is like driving blindfolded. The good news is that it’s now easier than ever to use market research tools to better understand your audience, test ideas, price products, and create more assertive strategies.
If you want to grow your business with greater confidence, invest in data. Invest in research.
Want to know how we can help?
Get in touch with About Brazil Market Research and discover how our solutions can transform the future of your business.
