Overcoming Time Poverty: The Role of AI in Small Business Marketing Success
Time is the ultimate challenge for the UK’s small business owners and solopreneurs, with 42% struggling to prioritise content creation while managing every aspect of their businesses and 39% citing lack of time as a significant barrier to promoting their ventures, according to new research by Adobe. Financial constraints compound the issue, with 38% identifying limited budgets as a key marketing challenge.
AI-powered tools like Adobe Express are emerging as a game-changer, streamlining content creation and enabling entrepreneurs to reclaim valuable hours that can be reinvested into business growth. With an average of 5.5 hours per week spent on marketing, often during evenings and weekends, small business owners and solopreneurs are increasingly turning to technology to reduce stress, save time, and elevate their businesses. And because Adobe Express features powered by Firefly generative AI are designed to be commercially safe, even the smallest business can create and publish marketing content on every platform with confidence.
"Small business owners are competing for eyeballs in a crowded digital space, so they need to do more marketing with less time and resource," said Claire Darley, VP, digital media enterprise at Adobe. “Adobe Express helps small business owners reclaim valuable time to focus on scaling their businesses while maintaining personal commitments and addressing key challenges like time scarcity, financial constraints, and the increasing demand for impactful content creation. The role of AI in small business marketing success is immense, especially with the growing adoption of AI-powered marketing tools and Adobe is here to support.”
Work smarter, not harder: Tools that transform marketing for small businesses
Small business owners and solopreneurs are embracing technology to transform their marketing efforts and work smarter, not harder. For many, the key lies in tools that simplify content creation, with 38% seeking ready-to-use templates and 35% prioritising user-friendly solutions to speed up workflows. AI-powered design suggestions (34%) are also gaining traction, enabling time strapped small business owners to enhance both efficiency and creativity. Compatibility with popular platforms such as Instagram (54%), Facebook (50%), and TikTok (38%) is critical, ensuring content reaches the right audiences where they’re most engaged. Importantly, 44% agree that having access to the right digital tools is essential to overcoming common challenges in running a small business, making platforms like Adobe Express indispensable for their success.
From late nights to bright futures, small business owners redefine productivity
Solopreneurs and small business owners are redefining productivity, often working late nights and weekends to create the content their businesses need to thrive. According to recent findings, 36% spend 1–5 hours per week on marketing, while 19% dedicate 6–10 hours, squeezing these efforts into already packed schedules. Yet, the results don’t always match the effort, with 37% struggling to reach new audiences and 33% finding it challenging to balance content creation with other responsibilities. Tools like Adobe Express are transforming this dynamic by simplifying the process of creating high-quality content on the go. By streamlining workflows, Adobe Express helps entrepreneurs reclaim valuable time to focus on what truly matters — scaling their businesses and achieving their goals.
"I created Kai Collective to have complete freedom to shape every detail of my vision, inspired by my love for collecting fabrics during my travels. Running a fashion brand means wearing many hats, and time is always a challenge. Adobe Express has been a game-changer for me. It allows me to quickly create professional-grade visuals that capture the essence of my brand, whether it’s for marketing campaigns or product launches. The AI-powered features and mobile-friendly tools save me precious hours, enabling me to focus on the creative aspects of my business while staying connected with my customers,” said Fisayo Longe, founder of Kai Collective.
Creativity that unlocks growth
In a crowded digital marketplace, standing out is essential, yet 33% of small business owners and solopreneurs identify the creation of unique, purpose-driven content as a significant challenge. Adobe Express empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners to overcome this hurdle with AI-generated design templates that elevate professionalism and enhance visibility. The platform’s mobile-friendly templates (50%) and quick editing features (45%) ensure users can create and refine high-quality content anytime, anywhere. By equipping small business owners and solopreneurs with the tools to produce impactful and differentiated marketing materials, Adobe Express helps them unlock growth and build stronger connections with their audiences.
Aligning ambition with action
Ambition is at the heart of entrepreneurship with 49% of business owners aiming to generate leads and improve sales, and 44% focused on raising awareness in their local communities. Building a supportive network is also a priority, with 38% striving to create strong communities of followers. Adobe Express empowers marketers in small businesses and solopreneurs to align these ambitions with actionable strategies by enabling the creation of professional-grade content that captures attention, drives engagement, and boosts conversions, helping them achieve their marketing and business goals more effectively.
Turning data into decisions
Success in marketing isn’t just about creating content — it’s about understanding what resonates with audiences and drives results. According to Adobe’s new study, 33% of small business owners and solopreneurs strongly agree that digital tools like Adobe Express help them overcome marketing challenges. With integrated analytics capabilities, Adobe Express empowers users to measure the performance of their content, enabling these business owners to align their efforts with business objectives and refine their strategies for continuous improvement.
Time is money: The essential tool for modern entrepreneurs
For budding entrepreneurs battling time poverty, having the right tools is essential to balancing business growth with personal commitments. Platforms like Adobe Express provide a crucial edge, streamlining time-intensive tasks and allowing small business owners to focus on what matters most. Whether it’s creating professional-quality content or refining marketing strategies on the go, Adobe Express is helping entrepreneurs thrive in today’s fast-paced digital economy.
For more information on how Adobe Express can support your entrepreneurial journey, visit here.
