According to Fiverr’s latest Business Trends Index for Spring 2024, UK businesses are increasingly turning to external support to bolster their digital presence, with TikTok emerging as a key platform for staying relevant and engaging with customers, particularly within the ecommerce sector.
The analysis of millions of Fiverr inquiries highlighted a significant surge in demand for digital services over the past six months, with TikTok leading the charge among businesses seeking to enhance their online visibility. Specifically, searches for ‘TikTok Video ads’ saw a remarkable 150% increase, while ‘TikTok Shop’ experienced a staggering 520% surge in retail-related searches.
Manchester has emerged as a hub for freelancers, boasting the highest number of freelancers in the UK, followed closely by Southampton and Coventry. Notably, Manchester also stands out as the most financially rewarding city for freelancers outside of London, with Leeds and Birmingham also offering favorable conditions for independent professionals.
Bukki Adedapo, UK Country Manager for Fiverr, emphasized the growing significance of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, in expanding businesses’ digital footprints. Adedapo noted that while social media marketing is nothing new, platforms like TikTok have evolved beyond entertainment to become thriving marketplaces where businesses not only enhance their online presence but also directly engage with customers and drive sales.
The trend of leveraging freelance expertise extends beyond TikTok-related services, with businesses also seeking assistance in areas such as user-generated content creation, Facebook ads campaigns, and website SEO. These searches underscore the concerted efforts of UK businesses to bolster their branding and online visibility, with freelance creatives playing a pivotal role in staying abreast of evolving digital trends.
In addition to highlighting emerging trends and the growing importance of TikTok in the digital landscape, Fiverr’s research underscores the indispensable role of freelancers in shaping businesses’ digital strategies. By offering cost-effective and efficient solutions, freelancers enable businesses to navigate digital challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in today’s dynamic marketplace.
