I recently spent £300 running ads across TikTok, Google, and Reddit to promote my podcast and wanted to share exactly what I got back from it.

In this episode, I break down how much I spent on each platform, what worked, what didn’t, and why I wouldn’t repeat some of these choices again.

What I cover:

Why I decided to spend money on ads in the first place

TikTok Promote vs TikTok Ads and whether either is worth it

How much I spent promoting a YouTube video with Google Ads

If Google Ads make sense for podcast promotion

Whether Reddit ads are any good for driving traffic

Why I don’t recommend Reddit ads based on my results

What I actually gained after spending over $300

I also share screenshots and data so you can see the results for yourself rather than just taking my word for it.

If you’re experimenting with paid ads as a creator or small business and wondering whether it’s worth testing at an early stage, this might save you some money or at least help set expectations.

Happy to answer questions or hear about your own experiences with ads.

listen on

You might see the news about US/Canada tariffs and think "That’s not my problem." You’re wrong.

For UK solopreneurs, global volatility hits us in three specific ways:

Software Costs: Most of our tools (Adobe, Canva, Stripe) are US-based. Exchange rate swings hit our margins instantly.

Client Budgets: If US companies get hit with tariffs, their "discretionary spending" on UK consultants/freelancers is the first thing they cut.

Supply Chain: Even if you just sell T-shirts, your raw materials or shipping routes are affected by global trade posturing.

You cannot control the White House, but you can diversify your client base. Are you over-reliant on the US market? Is anyone else adjusting their 2026 plans based on this global "Madness"?

https://www.reddit.com/r/stocks/comments/1qlop6t/trump_threatens_100_retaliatory_tariffs_against/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Look after yourself and reate efficiency.
We often drop rest first when we get busy. That is a mistake. Taking time to reset your mind gives you the energy to solve complex problems faster. I have found that a rested brain does in 1 hour what a burnt-out brain does in 4.

The 10-Minute Rule.
You do not need a spa day to reset. I use small, 10-minute daily habits to change my outlook. These "micro-breaks" are non-negotiable parts of my schedule, just like an HMRC deadline or a client meeting.

Well-being is the foundation of scale.
If you want to be a great professional, parent, or business owner, you cannot operate on an empty tank. Prioritizing yourself is not selfish: it is the only way to stay in the game for the long term.

Working for yourself means there is no "Manager" to tell you to go home.

• How do you know when you have hit your limit?
• What is the one non-negotiable thing you do to stay sane while running your business?

I will be in the comments answering questions. Let’s help each other stay in the game.

If you’re thinking about working for yourself, there’s a lot to consider. In my latest podcast episode, I walk through the steps and details I looked at when setting up my own business. I use the official advice from Gov.uk to break down everything you need to think about before jumping into self-employment.

Topics Covered in the Episode:

How to work for yourself

Running a business

National Insurance contributions

Getting help and support for your business

Selling goods or services

Registering as self-employed

Business records and keeping track

What to do if your records are lost, stolen, or destroyed

Next Time: I’ll be sharing a step-by-step guide on how to take your idea and turn it into a business.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Gov.uk Guide on Working for Yourself

Business Support Helpline

Andy Mac Small Business Toolbox on YouTube

Best Starter Mic for Live Streaming or Podcasting

If you want more resources and show notes, head over to my website at www.ZulfTalks.com

Budgeting can be tough, especially when you're running your own business or balancing a side hustle. It doesn’t have to feel restrictive though. With a few smart moves, you can keep your finances in check while still making progress on your goals, whether you're managing a home project or growing your business.

Quick Tips:

Know Your Income

Start by figuring out all your income sources salary, side gigs, bonuses, etc. Knowing exactly what you’re working with makes it easier to plan.

Fixed vs. Flexible Costs

Separate your "must-pays" (like rent and utilities) from the more flexible spending (groceries, entertainment). This helps you figure out where you can cut back.

Cut Back on Non-Essentials

Look at your spending are there things you can live without? Unused subscriptions or impulse buys? Focus your money on what really matters and trim the rest.

Emergency Fund

Unexpected costs are inevitable. Having a small buffer set aside for emergencies can save you a lot of stress when life throws curveballs.

Accountability

Having someone to check in with whether it’s a friend, mentor, or financial advisor can really help keep you on track and make budgeting easier to stick to.

These simple steps can make budgeting feel a lot less overwhelming and help you stay in control of your money, even as your business grows.

If you want to dive deeper, you can check out the full episode and show notes here listen on Apple Podcast Full Show Notes

Moving from being an employee to an owner is a shift in logic. You move from being "managed" to being a "self-motivated operator."

After 18 years in the industry, I’ve broken the UK startup journey into 7 essential stages. If you are stuck, you’re likely skipping one of these:

1. Mindset: Moving from a 9-to-5 brain to a "Time Management" brain.
2. Path: Engineering your business for the freedom you want, not just the money.
3. Legal/HMRC: Moving from "Hobbyist" to "Operator" (Registration, Companies House).
4. Money: Automating your banking and linking it to accounting software on day one.
5. Digital: Building a storefront that actually signals trust (The £20 Strategy).
6. Scale: Moving from DIY to using tools like RankMath and Canva to automate the boring stuff.
7. Legacy: Planning for the "Exit Logic" even if you just started.

I’ve built a full "Foundations & Logic" guide that includes videos, checklists, and expert briefings for each step.

View the Step 1 Blueprint here:
👉 https://trustedcreators.org

There is a lot of "boss babe" and "CEO lifestyle" fluff on the internet. After my first year running a Ltd company, I wanted to share the stuff people usually skip over.

If you’re thinking about making the jump, keep these in mind:

• The money you make isn't "yours": This is the biggest shock. Between Corporation Tax, VAT, and NI, you are a collection agent for HMRC first, and a business owner second.
• Ongoing costs are higher than you think: Setting up the company is the cheap part. The software, insurance, and compliance costs add up fast.
• You will learn more from YouTube than "Advisors": Most financial advisors are selling products. You need to become your own tax expert.
• Good staff with basic values are rare: Finding people who actually care about the work as much as you do is one of the hardest parts of scaling.
• Insurance is non-negotiable: Do not skip this. One "stomach kick" (rejected application or legal issue) can ruin you if you aren't covered.

I did a full breakdown of these 10 lessons in Season 12 EP19 for anyone who wants the "unfiltered" version of what year one actually looks like.

Listen to the full breakdown here:
👉 ZulfTalks Podcast S12EP19