Small‑Biz Boom in 2024: The Good, the Big, and the Bold
Atom Content Marketing pulled the curtain back on Britain’s shop‑fronts and freelancers, and the verdict is bright: 2/3 are shooting for higher sales in the next year. If that sounds like a sprint, trust me, the finish line isn’t far.
Key Numbers that’ll Make You Go “Whoa!”
- 66 % of owners and freelancers think 2024 will be better than 2023.
- Only 7 % expect a downturn, while 10 % aim to keep things steady.
- Growth is the #1 goal: 53 % plan to boost marketing spend.
- About 1 in 3 (32 %) are ready to launch something brand new.
Who’s Talking?
- 48 % are the proud owners of a shop, a studio, or a consulting hustle.
- 26 % are freelancers or solo‑traders doing the heavy lifting on their own.
- 19 % are directors steering the ship.
Most of them are in growth mode (29 %); quiet swords are at the start‑up or pre‑launch phase (18 % each). A lean 8 % are mature businesses, possibly hunting for that sweet exit strategy.
Optimism, But the Economy? … Not So Much
Even though 66 % see bright prospects for their own ventures, only 24 % believe the UK economy will pick up. The rest think it might stumble or stay flat.
Worry list – biggest concerns these owners flag:
- Cash flow and funding glitches
- Political shifts that could rip the vibe
- Balancing work and life (yes, even the war‑zone of deadlines)
- Rising prices, the relentless cost‑of‑living toll
The Marketing Playbook – 2024 Edition
With 53 % earmarking more budget for marketing, 43 % are holding the purse still. The top five weapons, according to the survey:
- Social media posts (because nothing says “I’m here” like a clean Instagram grid)
- Email marketing (yep, that friendly, personal touch)
- Online adverts (paid clicks, that’s the new gold rush)
- Local advertising (keep your shop on the community map)
- Exhibitions & events (shake hands, network, and maybe RSVP to a gala)
Every Small Business’s Classic Dilemma: Pandemic Leftovers
- Legacy of the crisis – still juggling after‑effects
- Getting new website traffic to your doorstep
- Finding fresh clients for fresh profits
- Keeping finances tidy – that’s the real hero battle
Almost one in five say they’re ready to give their online presence a facelift with a brand‑new website.
That Sweet Perk of Self‑Employment
When asked, “What’s the best thing about working for yourself?” the answers were simple, powerful, and a bit poetic:
- Freedom to chart your own ship
- Creative problem‑solving (because you’re the only one who knows the puzzle)
- Autonomy – say goodbye to “I have to answer to someone else.”
- Choosing projects that actually spark joy (no boring corporate gigs)
- Time control – work at your own tempo, not at the office clock
Words of Wise (and Cheerful) Insight
Rory MccGwire, chum of Atom Content Marketing, said: “The data is a burst of optimism – small businesses are resilient, ambitious, and JITily thriving, even with the cost of living strutting through the scene.”
Lisa Williams, Managing Director, added: “Your dream of running your own business is turning into real dividends – not only bank‑wise but in the priceless freedom and balance you can carve out.”
What’s the Next Move?
With all those bright prospects, that is a call to arm yourself with the right tools and resources from the Donut websites – because turning ambition into reality is just a click away.
