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Here's how to get boxing sponsors in 2024 Are you a boxer or MMA athlete looking to get a sponsor? Find out how in this useful guide. How do you become a sponsored athlete? In 2024, the best way to get a boxing sponsorship is by using an online sponsor agent like 'If Only They Knew'. Sponsor agents will do the hard work of finding boxing sponsors for you, matching with a relevant sponsor that suits your experience, position and price.
How much do sponsors pay? The price a sponsor will pay an athlete differs with every scenario, for example, it is estimated that world heavyweight champion boxer Anthony Joshua earns £10 milllion from sponsorships annually.
How to contact sponsors There are many different ways to contact sponsors, such as direct messaging them on social media, but you can also a sponsor agent to do the heavy lifting for you.

Here's how to start a digital marketing agency with no experience in 2024 Looking to start a digital marketing agency in 2024 with no experience? Great news, we have a fool-proof method that will allow you start your own agency with no experience and without doing any of the heavy lifting yourself. How? Say hello to the idea of a Skeleton Agency. A skeleton agency is an idea founded by Ted Lawlor in 2024 that is a marketing agency that outsources all of their services, from social media management to search engine optimisation. So, you could create a marketing agency with your own name, branding and founding team, but you wouldn't have to lift a finger in implementing the work. Here at If Only They Knew, home of the first skeleton agency, we can setup your agency, giving you everything you need to create the branding, setup the foundations and begin generating new customers. Interested in finding out more, contact ted@ifonlytheyknew.co.uk with 'Skeleton Agency' in the subject line.

How to start a marketing agency in 2024 Starting a marketing agency in 2024 is an exciting venture, especially in an era where digital transformation continues to reshape how businesses reach their audiences. Whether you're a seasoned marketer ready to strike out on your own or a newcomer with fresh ideas, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to launching a successful marketing agency in 2024.
Want to skip these steps? Find out how you can start a marketing agency without ANY experience or by doing any work here . 1. Understand the Industry Trends Before diving into the logistics, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of the current marketing landscape. In 2024, several trends are shaping the industry: AI and Automation:  Tools like ChatGPT and other AI-driven technologies are increasingly used for content creation, customer service, and data analysis. Personalization:  Consumers expect highly personalized marketing experiences. Understanding customer data and leveraging it for personalized campaigns is vital. Sustainability and Ethics:  Brands are focusing more on sustainable practices and ethical marketing, responding to growing consumer demand for transparency. Video and Short-form Content:  Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are driving the popularity of short, engaging video content. Understanding these trends will help you position your agency to offer services that meet the evolving needs of businesses. 2. Identify Your Niche The marketing industry is vast, and trying to be everything to everyone can be overwhelming. Specializing in a niche can set you apart from the competition and attract a specific target market. Consider focusing on areas like: SEO and Content Marketing Social Media Management Influencer Marketing Email Marketing and Automation Paid Advertising (PPC, Social Ads) B2B or B2C marketing Industry-specific marketing (e.g., healthcare, tech startups, e-commerce) Choosing a niche where you have experience or a passion will make your agency more credible and easier to market. 3. Develop a Business Plan A well-thought-out business plan is essential for guiding your agency's growth and securing any necessary funding. Your business plan should include: Executive Summary:  An overview of your agency’s mission, services, and goals. Market Analysis:  Research on your target market, competition, and industry trends. Services Offered:  A detailed list of the services you’ll provide. Marketing and Sales Strategy:  How you plan to attract and retain clients. Financial Plan:  Projected income, expenses, and profitability. Operational Plan:  Day-to-day operations, team structure, and technology needs. 4. Legal Structure and Registration Decide on the legal structure of your agency—sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation—based on factors like liability, taxes, and funding. Once you've decided, register your business with the appropriate government authorities. Name Your Agency:  Choose a unique, memorable name that reflects your brand. Obtain Licenses and Permits:  Depending on your location, you may need specific licenses to operate. Set Up a Business Bank Account:  Keep your personal and business finances separate to manage your finances more effectively. 5. Build Your Brand Identity Your brand identity will differentiate your agency in a crowded market. Focus on: Logo and Visuals:  Hire a designer or use online tools to create a professional logo and brand visuals. Website:  Develop a sleek, user-friendly website that showcases your services, portfolio, and client testimonials. Social Media Presence:  Establish your presence on relevant platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) to engage with potential clients. Investing in professional branding from the start will make your agency appear more credible and established. 6. Set Up Your Services and Pricing Clearly define the services you’ll offer and develop a pricing structure. Consider offering tiered packages that cater to different client needs and budgets. Pricing can be based on: Hourly Rates:  Best for ongoing, variable work. Project-based:  Ideal for one-off projects with clear deliverables. Retainer:  A fixed monthly fee for ongoing services. Research your competitors’ pricing and ensure your rates reflect your experience, value, and niche. 7. Build a Portfolio and Case Studies Potential clients will want to see proof of your expertise. If you’re just starting and don’t have client work to showcase, consider: Creating Sample Projects:  Develop hypothetical case studies or portfolio pieces. Offering Services at a Discount:  Work with small businesses or nonprofits at a reduced rate in exchange for a testimonial. Leveraging Personal Projects:  Showcase your work on personal or side projects that demonstrate your skills. Over time, build detailed case studies that highlight the challenges, strategies, and results of your client projects. 8. Invest in Marketing and Sales Your agency needs clients to thrive, so prioritize marketing and sales from the outset: Networking:  Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to connect with potential clients and partners. Content Marketing:  Create valuable content like blog posts, videos, and whitepapers to attract organic traffic. Paid Advertising:  Use Google Ads, LinkedIn, or Facebook Ads to target potential clients. Cold Outreach:  Develop a personalized outreach strategy to contact potential clients via email, LinkedIn, or phone. Consider hiring a dedicated salesperson or account manager as you grow to maintain a steady flow of new business. 9. Build a Team As your agency expands, you’ll need to build a team. Start by identifying the key roles necessary for delivering high-quality services, such as: Account Managers:  To handle client relationships and project management. Creative Specialists:  Designers, writers, and content creators. Technical Experts:  SEO specialists, web developers, and PPC experts. You can start with freelancers or part-time employees and scale to a full-time team as your agency grows. 10. Measure Success and Optimize To ensure your agency’s long-term success, continuously measure your performance and optimize your strategies: Client Satisfaction:  Regularly seek feedback from clients to improve your services. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):  Track metrics like client acquisition costs, project profitability, and campaign performance. Financial Health:  Monitor your cash flow, profit margins, and expenses to ensure financial stability. Regularly revisit your business plan and make adjustments based on your performance data and market changes. 11. Stay Ahead of the Curve The marketing landscape is always evolving. To keep your agency competitive, stay informed about the latest trends and technologies. Invest in ongoing education for yourself and your team through: Online Courses:  Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer up-to-date marketing courses. Industry Conferences:  Attend conferences like HubSpot’s INBOUND, MozCon, and Social Media Marketing World. Networking Groups:  Join industry-specific groups on LinkedIn or other platforms to stay connected with peers and industry leaders. Conclusion Starting a marketing agency in 2024 requires a combination of industry knowledge, strategic planning, and adaptability. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and build a successful, sustainable agency. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or planning to build a team, the key is to stay focused, continually learn, and evolve with the market. Good luck on your journey to building a thriving marketing agency!

Find out who Sam Faiers is, her net worth and Revive Collagen. Who is Sam Faiers? Samantha Elizabeth Faiers is an English TV personality and businesswoman. She gained fame as a star of the ITV2 reality show The Only Way Is Essex , where she appeared from 2010 to 2014. Later, she featured in her own reality series, Sam and Billie Faiers: The Mummy Diaries , which ran for nine seasons from 2016 until she left the show in 2021. After a battle with acne, Sam Faiers invested into building skincare brand ‘Revive Collagen’ with business partner John Bailey. Launching in 2021, Revive Collagen has seen success with Amanda Holden becoming a brand ambassador, support from J Lo & Chris Appleton, plus over £13m in sales. How old is Sam Faiers? Sam Faiers is aged 33.

Find out about Susie Ma, founder of Tropic Skincare, including her net worth and The Apprentice. Who is Susie Ma? Susie Ma is the founder of Tropic Skincare who appeared on BBC's ‘The Apprentice’ in 2011 and despite not winning the show,  Lord Sugar still invested £200k for 50% of the company shortly after the show.
Susie started Tropic at age 15, initially selling homemade vegan products at Greenwich Market. In 2023, after reaching tens of millions of pound in revenue, Susie bought the 50% stake back from Lord Sugar to go back to being the sole owner of Tropic Skincare. This remains the biggest company to stem from the hit BBC show and has led to Susie being listed on the list of the UK’s richest people. (with a net worth of over £70m). How much is Susie Ma worth? Susie Ma has a net worth of over £70,000,000, appearing on a list of the UK's richest people.

Who is Paige Louise Williams, founder of P Louise Makeup Academy? Who is P Louise? Paige Louise Williams is the founder of P Louise Makeup Academy. Hailing from a council estate in Manchester, Paige Louise Williams started her own makeup academy in 2014. After seeing initial success, Paige branched out into creating her own products and sold 300k units in the first year of launching them. How much is P Louise worth? P.Louise Makeup Academy is expected to hit £60m in turnover this year. P.Louise has a 40,000 square foot HQ in Manchester - and yes, it’s bright pink. Where is P Louise based? P Louise is based in Stockport, Manchester. What is Paige Louise William's advice for entrepreneurs? Speaking on the success of P Louise Makeup Academy, Paige says “The success of P.Louise is due to the consistent commitment to our community, innovative use of social media, and a relentless focus on creating high-quality, affordable products that resonate with our customers”.

Learn about self-care for men, including activity ideas and more. Too often, self-care is dismissed as mere 'pampering,' when in reality, it's about taking care of ourselves in meaningful ways. And if it’s not being trivialized as face masks and pedicures, it’s often depicted as something out of reach—think silent retreats, ayahuasca ceremonies, or singing around a campfire. It's no wonder self-care for men gets a bad rap. But it's time to clear up some misconceptions. What Is Self-Care, Really? Self-care is any action you take to improve your physical and mental well-being. This can be as simple as stocking your fridge with nutritious food, taking a long, hot shower, talking to a therapist, or organizing your thoughts. It's not indulgent or weak. It's essential. Why Is Self-Care Important? Regardless of what we've been led to believe, self-care is crucial for everyone. Every person deserves to live a healthy, happy life, and self-care isn't limited by gender. The idea that self-care is only for women is a marketing construct, nothing more. We all know this deep down. If it were easy to break this stereotype, we’d already be doing it. Why Do Men Often Avoid Self-Care? Even though everyone needs and deserves self-care, many men still shy away from it. But why? Sadly, there's a lingering belief that taking care of yourself is unmanly or effeminate. Fortunately, this stereotype is starting to be challenged. In the mid-1990s, Tony Porter, founder of A Call to Men, introduced the concept of the 'man box,' where masculinity is viewed as a performance. If you don’t fit in, you’re not a "real" man, and there’s a social cost to pay. Boys are taught from a young age to stay within this box, and as they grow older, they continue to feel pressured to prove their manhood. Though there have been efforts to shift these outdated views, gender norms still heavily influence how boys and girls are socialized. Terms like 'modern man' or 'metrosexual' are sometimes used to mock men who take care of themselves. The pressure to "man up" and "stay tough" can lead men to hide their feelings. This is why men visit the doctor half as often as women, which wouldn’t be as concerning if they weren’t at a higher risk—but they are. Why Men Need Self-Care More Than Ever Research shows that men face a higher risk of disease, injury, and early death compared to women. Consider these points: In the U.S., women live on average five years longer than men, and globally, the gap is about seven years (Harvard Health). In the UK, the male suicide rate was 15.8 per 100,000 in 2021, compared to 5.5 per 100,000 for females (Samaritans). Men in the U.S. have been dying at twice the rate of women from COVID-19 (Harvard Gazette). 11.9% of UK men reported drug use in 2019-2020, compared to 6.9% of women (ONS). 30% of UK men drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week, compared to 15% of women (Drinkaware). The problem is, even when men are struggling, many don't seek help. Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are men. Additionally, nearly three-quarters of adults who go missing are men, and 87% of the UK's rough sleepers are male (Mental Health Foundation). But it’s not that men don’t care. Think about it—we maintain our cars, press our shirts, and take care of the objects in our lives. So why don’t we put the same effort into caring for ourselves? Sounds straightforward, right? It is, in theory. You might already be practicing self-care without even realizing it—by sticking to an exercise routine, making your bed each morning, or taking a walk during lunch. Or maybe you unwind by writing in a journal instead of endlessly scrolling through social media. Of course, everyone’s different, and that’s where it gets tricky. There's no universal 'starter kit' for self-care. What works for one person might not work for another, and that's okay. What Does Self-Care Mean for You? Self care is about carving out time for yourself. How you spend that time is entirely up to you. We’ll dive into some ideas shortly, but keep in mind—there's no definitive list of self-care activities for men. If it enhances your physical or mental well-being, it counts. The Six Types of Self-Care Many men think self-care is limited to physical exercise, like hitting the gym. But a well-rounded self-care routine covers your body, mind, and spirit. Even if you love lifting weights, giving your brain a workout or engaging your emotions is equally beneficial. Self-care generally falls into six categories: physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, professional, and social. It’s common to focus on one area more than the others, but this can lead to an unbalanced life. 1. Physical Self-Care Your mind and body are more connected than you might think. Taking care of your physical health through a balanced diet and regular exercise can boost your confidence, reduce stress, and help you sleep better. Where to start? Try staying hydrated and aiming for eight hours of sleep each night. Even a walk during your lunch break can give you a physical boost. 2. Emotional Self-Care We all experience emotions like anger, fear, or sadness. But investing in emotional self-care helps you process these feelings in a healthy way. How can you do this? Talking to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings is one way to practice emotional self-care. If that feels too vulnerable, consider journaling instead. Hobbies like art or music can also help you manage your emotional well-being. 3. Spiritual Self-Care Spiritual self-care is about calming your mind and nurturing your spirit. It doesn’t have to be religious, although it can be for some. What might this look like? It could be as simple as walking in nature, turning off the lights and listening to music, or meditating. For others, it might involve going to a place of worship, practicing yoga, or getting a deep tissue massage. 4. Financial Self-Care Financial self-care involves developing habits that help you achieve your financial goals, whether that’s saving for a big purchase, sticking to a budget, or managing debt. How to get started? Regularly check your account balances, track your income and expenses, and set financial goals to work toward. 5. Professional Self-Care Self-care isn’t just something you do outside of work. With remote working blurring the lines between home and office, professional self-care is more important than ever. Incorporating self-care habits into your workday can help you feel more balanced and even boost productivity. What does this look like? Start by committing to not checking your work emails on weekends or after hours. Use your vacation days instead of letting them roll over. 6. Social Self-Care Social self-care involves activities that strengthen your relationships with others. Positive social connections don’t just build relationships; they also help maintain your sense of identity. What can you do? Meeting up with friends, scheduling a date, or calling a family member are all ways to engage in social self-care. If all of this sounds like a lot, don’t worry—many activities will overlap. For example, running with a friend in the morning isn’t just good for your physical health; it also boosts your psychological well-being. Those endorphins can help clear your mind of anxiety and give you the focus you need for the day. Finding the Right Balance of Self-Care Men who practice self-care—whether by keeping up with friends, reading, or meditating—are 2.2 times more likely to feel balanced in life. The same research shows they’re also 1.6 times more satisfied with themselves and 1.4 times more satisfied with their relationships. Think back to the last time you felt great. What were you doing? Was it biking with friends, hitting the gym, or simply putting away your laptop for the weekend? Consider what you need to do to make this a regular habit. Better yet, write it down to reinforce the steps you need to take. What Are the Benefits of Self-Care? Most of us juggle a thousand things at once—some big and some small, often without even realizing it. From excelling at work and maintaining a social life to staying hydrated and paying the bills on time, the demands are endless. Without some self-care, it’s hard to manage it all without stress. Self-care might not solve all your problems, but it can give you the energy to tackle them. Research has shown numerous health benefits of self-care, including: Enhanced self-confidence (64%) Increased productivity (67%) Greater happiness (71%) On a physical level, self-care can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. While it’s not an instant cure for complex issues like depression or PTSD, developing self-care strategies can significantly improve your overall well-being. Ultimately, putting a self-care plan in place can help you feel more in control of your life, so daily challenges don’t seem as overwhelming. So, what steps can you take today?

Find out what Ikigai is and how to use it to find purpose in your life. What is the concept of Ikigai? Ikigai  (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to "reason for being." It represents the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This idea has gained global recognition as a way to discover fulfillment and purpose in life. The Four Pillars of Ikigai What You Love (Passion) This is about identifying the activities, topics, and pursuits that bring you joy and satisfaction. It's what you do when you lose track of time, and it doesn't feel like work. What You Are Good At (Vocation) These are your strengths, skills, and talents. This pillar emphasizes the importance of recognizing your unique abilities and how they can be leveraged to create value. What the World Needs (Mission) This focuses on finding ways to contribute to society and make a difference. It's about understanding the needs of others and how you can address them. What You Can Be Paid For (Profession) This involves aligning your passions and skills with economic opportunities. It’s about finding a sustainable way to earn a living while staying true to your purpose. Finding Your Ikigai To discover your ikigai, you can start by reflecting on each of the four pillars. Consider the following questions: What do you love? What activities make you feel alive? What hobbies or interests could you pursue endlessly? What are you good at? What skills or talents come naturally to you? What do others seek your help with? What does the world need? What issues or causes are you passionate about? How can you contribute to your community or society? What can you be paid for? What career paths align with your skills and passions? How can you monetize your strengths? Once you've explored these questions, look for the areas where they intersect. This overlap is your ikigai—the sweet spot where you can find true fulfillment. Implementing Ikigai in Your Life Reflect Regularly Make time to reflect on the four pillars. Journaling can be a helpful tool for this process. Regular reflection helps you stay aligned with your ikigai as your life circumstances change. Set Clear Goals Once you've identified your ikigai, set specific, achievable goals to bring it into your daily life. Break down larger aspirations into smaller, manageable steps. Take Action Start integrating your ikigai into your routine. Whether it's a career shift, volunteering for a cause, or simply dedicating more time to what you love, taking action is crucial. Stay Adaptable Life is dynamic, and so is your ikigai. Be open to revisiting and revising your ikigai as you grow and as the world around you changes. Cultivate Mindfulness Practice mindfulness to stay present and aware of your journey. This helps you remain connected to your ikigai and navigate challenges with a clear sense of purpose. Seek Balance While pursuing your ikigai, ensure you're maintaining a healthy balance between different aspects of life. Avoid burnout by paying attention to your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The Benefits of Living Your Ikigai Living in alignment with your ikigai offers numerous benefits: Fulfillment and Happiness:  You’ll experience a deep sense of satisfaction and joy in your daily activities. Resilience:  Your sense of purpose will give you strength during challenging times. Productivity:  Passionate work often leads to higher levels of creativity and productivity. Connection:  Your ikigai can connect you to like-minded individuals and communities, fostering a sense of belonging. Conclusion Ikigai is more than just a concept; it's a way of living that encourages you to discover and align with your true purpose. By identifying what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, you can create a life filled with meaning and satisfaction. Start small, stay curious, and let your ikigai guide you toward a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Discover the average social media marketing pricing for 2024 Social media marketing effectively promotes your business online through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, and Reddit—but what makes it worth the investment? The goal is to create content that builds and connects with your audience. Social media experts, whether agencies or freelancers, handle planning, creation, scheduling, and monitoring to boost followers, drive website traffic, and increase sales. Their expertise can be valuable, but how much does it cost? Let’s explore the budget considerations! To estimate your social media budget, consider the average monthly fees in the UK for small to medium-sized businesses, which range from £300 to £800. This covers the services of a dedicated professional or agency, tailored to your business needs. Here’s the breakdown based on UK professionals: Average social media management rates: Average cost per month = £300 - £500 Minimum cost per month = £125 Maximum cost per month = £800+
The average price of social media marketing is £300 - £500 per month in the UK. Considerations Before hiring a social media expert, identify your pain points and goals to ensure you find the right match. The cost will vary based on the quality and expertise needed. Agencies may offer a team of specialists, while a freelancer handling all tasks might be more budget-friendly.
Factors influencing costs Social media marketing costs can vary greatly, influenced by factors such as: Service complexity Hourly rates vs. package deals Professional's experience Service Complexity The cost of social media marketing depends on the complexity of the services you need and the frequency of posts, as more content requires more time to create and schedule. Most business owners choose a monthly package ranging from £300 to £500, which includes content creation and basic feed support, though more comprehensive packages are available. The advantage of social media marketing is its flexibility—you can start with a smaller plan and adjust services as your needs evolve. Hourly rates for social media management For businesses seeking flexibility, hourly rates might be ideal. In the UK, these rates range from £40 for beginners to over £120 for experienced professionals, offering precise budgeting for those with variable social media needs. Package deals for social media management Many agencies provide bundled packages that cover everything from setting up social media accounts and planning content to managing ads and delivering detailed analytics. These customizable bundles are scalable, with options to add services as your business expands. Prices typically range from £400 to £1,500, depending on the scope of services. Hourly rates vs packages for social media management Should you opt for hourly or package rates on your social media journey? It depends on what's included and your goals. If you're just testing the waters, hourly rates might be a good start. But if you're confident in the value of social media, have a larger budget, or want a comprehensive approach, a package deal is likely better. Keep in mind that building an audience takes time, so while a package may cost more upfront, it often leads to better long-term results.
Factors affecting the cost of social media marketing There are many factors that will affect social media marketing pricing. Your social media marketing goals When used effectively, social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. Defining your goals—such as increasing page followers or boosting sales for a specific service—will help focus your efforts. Since businesses often have varying goals that shift over time, a tailored strategy for each objective is necessary. A social media marketer can be valuable in advising which goals are achievable through social media and helping to develop strategies to reach them. Social Channels If you're a startup, you might not have established social media channels yet or might be unsure which platforms will best reach your target audience. Social media marketing can assist in getting you started or advancing your current efforts. The cost will increase with the amount of content needed and the frequency of posts. However, effective social media marketing should deliver a strong return on investment if executed properly. Facebook With 2.7 billion users, Facebook is a prime platform for social media marketing. Your chosen expert should be proficient in Facebook overall, but particularly skilled in managing Facebook Ads and digital advertising budgets. X (Twitter) X focuses on concise messaging and strategic imagery. Users can like or retweet your posts, but using hashtags effectively can significantly expand your reach. To succeed, you'll need to carefully craft your content and choose the optimal timing for your posts. Instagram Social media marketing on Instagram revolves around creating compelling image and video content. Each post should include engaging copy, effective use of hashtags, and relevant tagging. Instagram also allows for product sales and brand page development. Hiring a social media marketer with expertise in Instagram can be highly beneficial for businesses with physical products, especially in the fashion or beauty sectors. Youtube With users consuming more video content than ever, it's an excellent medium for promoting your services. For instance, a mechanic might create a ‘how-to’ video on changing a tire. Videos can be monetized, generating income per view, and you can also include your contact details in the description to help potential customers find you. Monthly Content Creation Social media marketing primarily involves creating and scheduling content. Depending on your business needs, you might post daily across all feeds or even hourly. Your agency or freelancer will analyze your analytics to determine the best posting times based on follower activity. The frequency of your posts—daily, weekly, or monthly—can affect the cost of social media marketing. Customer Service If you run an online business or eCommerce store, consider including customer support in your social media marketing package. This service covers responding to customer messages and comments on your page. Managing this yourself can be time-consuming, so many businesses opt to hire a social media marketing expert for this task. Paid Advertising Most social media platforms offer paid advertising options, like Facebook Ads. Creating effective campaigns requires technical skills and a good grasp of budgeting; otherwise, you risk wasting money on ineffective or rejected ads. Thus, mastering paid advertising is crucial for social media marketing. Your expert will help you define your target audience and budget, with costs set in advance and reach adjusted according to your budget. Generating stats & reports In addition to creating content for your social media, your selected freelancer or agency will need to track statistics and generate reports on campaign performance. This includes metrics such as the number of new followers gained, the reach of your paid ads, and the conversions achieved. This comprehensive service helps you understand what’s effective and what isn’t, providing valuable insights for optimizing future posts based on past performance. It also offers an opportunity for your expert to suggest ideas for upcoming content. How to save money with a social media marketing company Savvy business owners understand that effective spending isn't about the amount, but about the strategy behind it. Here’s how to maximize your investment: Content Calendar Optimisation Align your posting schedules with organic trends on various platforms to boost engagement without incurring extra costs. In-House vs. Outsourcing Evaluate if your in-house team can handle certain social media tasks, like content creation or community management, to reduce reliance on external resources. Analytics for Efficiency Regularly analyse your data to identify which strategies offer the best returns, allowing you to concentrate on what works and cut down on ineffective spending. DIY Content Creation Tools Utilise platforms and services that offer templates and creation tools, so you may not need a professional for every step. Incorporating these practices into your decision-making can lead to smarter, more cost-effective social media marketing.
Choosing a social media manager based on your budget Your budget should be the cornerstone of your social media marketing strategy. For a small business with a local focus, your investment may not need to match that of a medium-sized company targeting national visibility. Start by establishing clear, realistic budget limits, and then find professionals who can customize their services to fit those needs. While cost is important, it should always be weighed alongside quality and results. Compare social media marketing agencies Ready for a social media marketing agency but not sure where to find one?
Click here to use our handy discovery service to find a marketing agency that matches your needs and budgets.

Fashion guru and Dragons Den star Emma Grede took to social media to share her business and mindset advice. Who is Emma Grede? Emma Grede is a British entrepreneur and fashion designer. Emma is the CEO of Good American and a co-founder of Skims and Safely. Emma Grede recently appeared on BBC's 'Dragons Den' as well as the USA version 'Shark Tank'.
Emma Grede Interview Question : How do you get started with no funds?
Emma's answer : "I get the question a lot. I really think the best way to start a business is when you've got no money or very little of your own money because that is where you start to do unbelievable things. I wouldn't let not having much stop you from starting - actually, it can be a great motivator." Q: How do you keep yourself motivated? Emma: "I have days where I'm more or less motivated but for me it's all about having a long-term goal and keeping my eyes on the prize, because there are days where I don't feel like it and they're the days where I have to think 'what am I actually going for?'. Keeping your focus on the long-term is just so important. Q: Do CEOs need to know accounting?
Emma: "No. You don't need to know accounting, but as the CEO, you have to have a really firm grip on the numbers - always! The most important thing to get your head around is margins, get a really good grip on how much you're paying for goods. How much is selling good for and what's the margin in between I'm super dyslexic and I always make sure that I surround myself with people in my business who really have a firm grip on the numbers, so if you don't know, get to know of or find somebody else who does." Q: What is one trait that all successful entrepreneurs have in common? Emma: "Well, this one is easy the commentary is resilience. If you don't have resilience forget, it don't be an entrepreneur" Q: What qualities do you look for when employing for your business? Emma: "The qualities I look for the most are people that are as ambitious for the business as they are for themselves, I don't do one without the other."

Find out about the entrepreneurs from series 21 of BBC's Dragons Den.
Below is a list of the entrepreneurs and their links from series 21 of Dragons Den. Series 21, Episode 1 Stand Out Socks PeggyRain Pop Specs

Maria Aleppo, Fireaway Pizza, explains his growth and shares his advice for other entrepreneurs. Who is Mario Aleppo? Mario Aleppo is the British Entrepreneur and founder of FireAway Pizza. Mario was named Food & Drink Entrepreneur of the Year 2022. What is Fireaway Pizza? Fireaway Pizza is a chain of "designer pizza" stores started in 2016 by Mario Aleppo. The entrepreneur started the pizza restaurant in London with around £50,000 and has now expanded to over 150 stores across Britain. The chain operates in a "Subway" style, letting the customer pick their own toppings and having their bespoke pizza cooked in just 180 seconds. Things grew quickly for Fireaway as the company was making money, successfully breaking even in their first 3 months of opening - before seeing profitability thereafter. Likewise, Mario explained that the first talks of franchising reared its head quickly with a fan of the brand asking if they would be able to open their own Fireaway Pizza. “I would’ve probably, at least for a longer period of time, stayed with 1 shop for myself. But the fact that a customer came in and said that he was in the middle of opening a Papa Johns with his son and he said ‘would you consider franchising the business?’. “I was happy and grateful taht someone else had come forward to say that they liked the business that much that they wanted to do one themselves. So I happily said yes.” “Within 4 months he opened his own store in Streatham, South London, and he was doing better than me”. Sharing his advice for other entrepreneurs preparing to start a new venture, Mario shares the following:

"Choose a simple product and, add a twist to it and don't waste time thinking of two different [crazy] products. Choose something simple that a lot of people will need or want and think about how you're going to make it different from the competition."