With over 3 million sole traders or one-person businesses in the UK, digital marketing has become increasingly important. These small businesses need to stand out online to succeed.
Starting this Wednesday, experts and successful sole traders from across the UK will share easy, low-cost tips to help more sole traders succeed online in 2025.
One important tip is to utilise social media. Emma Taylor, a freelance graphic designer from Leeds, says, “Instagram Reels helped me get noticed—fun short videos of my work doubled my client requests in just three months.”
She suggests posting regularly and using local tags like #LeedsBusiness to engage customers in the area. This approach is both free and effective.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is another excellent way to improve visibility, according to Mark Evans, a plumber from Bristol. He began adding blog posts, such as “How to Fix a Leaky Tap,” to his website, which boosted his ranking on Google.
“It’s important to answer what people are searching for,” he explained. Experts recommend using specific keywords, such as “Bristol emergency plumber,” to compete more easily with larger companies. This strategy was discussed at a recent webinar for sole traders.
Email marketing is also very affordable and effective. Sophie Patel, a cake maker from Manchester, uses free tools like Mailchimp to send newsletters featuring special offers. This has helped her increase repeat orders by 25% since January.
“Make it personal—people appreciate a simple ‘thank you’ note,” she advised. She encourages sole traders to start building an email list from day one.
For mobile businesses, having a Google My Business listing is essential, says Liam Carter, a barber in Cardiff. After creating his free listing and adding photos, his bookings increased.
“Customers can find me faster; it’s like having a digital shop,” he explained. Experts recommend keeping the information updated and responding to reviews to enhance visibility.
Video content is also becoming increasingly popular. Rachel Hughes, a yoga instructor from Edinburgh, uses YouTube to share her classes. Her short 10-minute beginner sessions, filmed with her smartphone, have attracted clients from all over.
“Uploading is free, and it helps build trust,” she mentioned at a workshop in March. She encourages keeping videos short and using titles with phrases like “UK yoga” to reach local viewers.
Marketing coach James Norton, who spoke at a small business event in London, stressed that sole traders don’t need large budgets. “What you need is smart and consistent effort,” he said.
He pointed out free tools like Canva for creating graphics and Google Analytics for tracking results, encouraging traders to test different approaches to see what works best.
According to HMRC data, the number of sole traders in the UK has increased by 5% since 2023. This rise has created a greater need for these helpful tips. Many traders are joining online groups, like the Sole Trader Hub on Facebook, to share advice.
As digital tools continue to improve, these strategies provide vital support for solo entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses without spending excessively.
