As the year draws to a close, it’s time for our annual round-up of the most popular content we’ve published in 2024 on the Donut websites.
It’s been a busy year. We know it’s been tough at times, as the high cost of doing business continues. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Throughout the year, polls (including our annual survey) show that while business owners are concerned about the economy, they are far more optimistic about their own prospects.
As we look back at the most popular content of the year, it’s clear that new opportunities are tempting many more Brits to follow their dream to work for themselves and set up their own business.
If you’re still wondering whether to take the plunge - or if you’re looking for ways to grow your existing business - then we’ve got a wealth of advice and inspiration to help you on your way.
Here are some of the most popular guides, blogs and podcasts from 2024 that could help you turn your business dreams into reality:
Great ideas for a business
Our readers can’t get enough of content that gives them ideas for a business or a side hustle. If you’re searching for a start-up idea, these two blogs are a great place to begin:
- 15 start up business ideas for your own business;
- Ten great ideas for a start-up.
If you want to find out more about specific business types, head over to our Start Up Business Ideas section - here you’ll find more than 180 guides to all kinds of businesses as well as inspirational start-up stories.
A hot topic this year has been dropshipping - which allows you to sell products online without having to directly handle the goods you’re selling. Dropshipping doesn’t require premises or staff so it can be a great way to get a business off the ground on a shoestring. Another great low-cost start-up idea is print on demand.
Getting started
As ever, our guides to starting a business are in high demand (including our ever-popular e-guide to starting a business), proving that many Brits still want to be their own boss. Here are some of the most read articles of 2024:
- How much does it cost to set up a business?;
- How to start a business with no money;
- How to start a side hustle and make money;
- How to set up as a sole trader.
For all you podcast fans out there, this episode on starting a business on a shoestring budget is a also great listen.
Tackling your mental blocks
We know that starting a business can be a huge step - often it’s our mental blocks that keep us from following our dreams. Not surprisingly, our advice on wellbeing and mental health for small business owners is as popular as ever.
If your mindset needs a reset, don’t miss our top guides on tackling imposter syndrome, overcoming fear of failure and dealing with mental blocks to get more done. Our recent interview with Debbie Green about building confidence in your new business on the Start Your Own Business Podcast has also been one of the most popular episodes of 2024.
How to become a social media superstar
Many of our readers’ favourite blogs are about selling on social media sites. Read our ten ways to make money on TikTok, for example, or find out how to set up a TikTok shop.
Influencers continue to dominate the social space. The good news is that no business is too small to benefit from working with influencers - micro-influencers on a site like Instagram, for example, can transform the fortunes of a small enterprise.
If you’re looking for inspiration to create stand-out content on Instagram, read our blog on sourcing creative assets for Instagram ads.
Using AI in your business
The chances are you’re already using AI in business apps and online tools. If you want to know more about how AI can transform your business, start with our guide to AI for small businesses. We’ve also published several blogs this year on AI that have been widely read - have a look at these tips for using AI to plan your business, this blog on AI’s impact on SEO and check out this practical guide to using AI in your business.
So, that just about wraps it up for 2024. Have a relaxing Christmas break and we’ll be back in 2025 with lots more small business news, advice, podcasts, start-up stories and special offers to help your small business go from strength to strength.
Happy Christmas from the Donut team.