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From the First TV Advert to TikTok: Why the 70th Anniversary of UK Ads Matters for Marketing Mums
Seventy years ago, on 22 September 1955, the very first TV advert was broadcast in the UK. It was for Gibbs SR toothpaste, and it marked the start of an advertising era where brands competed for attention on the nation’s living room screens.
Fast forward to today, and advertising looks very different. Families don’t all sit together watching one channel anymore. We scroll on our phones, stream on tablets, and switch between apps in seconds. Instead of one “big screen” moment, there are now thousands of “micro-moments” happening across platforms like Meta (Facebook & Instagram), TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube.
For us as mums who want to build businesses that create freedom and flexibility, this shift is full of opportunity. Because unlike the 1950s—when only the biggest brands with huge budgets could afford to advertise—we now live in a world where even the smallest business can run powerful campaigns from their kitchen table.
What This Anniversary Teaches Us
Looking back at that first TV advert is a great reminder of how much has changed:
- In 1955, TV was the only way to reach a mass audience.
- Today, digital advertising makes up over £35bn of the UK’s £42bn total ad spend
- Social media platforms are where audiences spend their time—especially younger generations, who watch 17 minutes of live TV per day but hours on platforms like YouTube and TikTok Ofcom Media Nations 2024
The message is clear: the world has shifted, and advertising budgets have followed.
Why This Matters for Marketing Mums
As a busy mum, you might be dreaming of a career that gives you:
✨ More time with your kids
✨ The flexibility to work when you choose
✨ The income to create real financial security
Becoming a social media marketing specialist—someone who understands how to run Meta, TikTok, and Pinterest campaigns—can unlock all three.
Here’s why:
- Small Budgets Can Deliver Big Impact
Unlike TV, where you needed thousands to even get started, Meta and TikTok let businesses advertise with just £5–£10 per day. That means local businesses, small brands, and even solo entrepreneurs need skilled marketers to help them make the most of those budgets.
- Businesses Need Us
Most small business owners don’t have the time (or headspace) to learn how to run ads, set up targeting, or create scroll-stopping content. They need people like you—organised, creative, and eager to learn—to take the pressure off.
- The Market is Growing
Global digital ad spend is still rising every year. Social media is one of the fastest-growing areas, with platforms like TikTok and Pinterest Ads becoming must-haves for businesses trying to reach new customers. The demand for skilled ad managers is only going to increase.
META, TikTok & Pinterest: The Tools of Freedom
Let’s break down why these platforms are such powerful tools for mums building their own agencies:
- Meta (Facebook & Instagram): Still the most widely used social platform. Great for local targeting, running lead generation ads, and building communities.
- TikTok: Perfect for reaching younger audiences and creating engaging, authentic content. TikTok ads are still relatively affordable, which means big opportunities for smaller brands.
- Pinterest: A hidden gem for mums in niches like home décor, fashion, wellness, and lifestyle. Pinterest is a “search + inspiration” platform, so ads here stay relevant for months (unlike a fleeting Instagram story).
These tools don’t just help brands grow—they help you grow. By learning how to use them effectively, you can position yourself as the go-to person for small businesses who desperately need digital visibility.
Building Freedom Around Ads
Think about it:
- A hair salon wants to bring in new local customers.
- A small online boutique wants to boost sales during Christmas.
- A coach wants to grow her email list with targeted lead generation.
All of them could run Meta, TikTok, or Pinterest campaigns—but very few know how to do it well. That’s where you come in.
When you build your own agency, you’re not just offering “social media posts.” You’re offering results: leads, sales, visibility, and growth. And with that comes the freedom to choose your hours, your clients, and the lifestyle you want.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
As we celebrate 70 years since the first TV advert, we’re reminded that advertising has always been about connecting products with people. The difference now? The playing field has levelled.
Big brands still spend millions, but the tools are in everyone’s hands. As mums, that means we have the chance to carve out careers that fit around school runs, holidays, and family time—while helping businesses achieve something they can’t do on their own.
Ready to Step Into This Opportunity?
If the story of the first TV advert tells us anything, it’s that advertising never stands still. The brands who thrive are the ones who adapt. The same goes for us.
By learning how to run effective ads on Meta, TikTok, and Pinterest, you can build a business that not only supports other small brands but also gives you the flexibility and financial freedom you’ve been craving.
💡 Imagine being able to say:
- “I help businesses grow with smart digital ads.”
- “I built my own agency from home.”
- “I have the freedom to work around my family.”
That’s the opportunity waiting for you. And it starts with learning the tools of today—not yesterday.