Practical marketing support for independent businesses
Helping cafés, shops, salons, makers, charities and small service businesses that don’t have an in-house marketing team to stay visible, trusted and easy to find – without the stress.
📍 sara appleton, founder
Trusted by independent businesses across Somerset
cafés · shops · salons · makers · charities
Services Available
Helping local businesses to get found in Somerset and beyond
My Marketing Mate gives you flexible, multi‑skill support without the need for multiple freelancers – just one person who knows your business and your community.
I’ve grown up in Somerset, watching local businesses launch, grow and sometimes struggle, which is exactly why I’m committed to helping them shine with strong marketing, simple processes and genuinely local support.
And if you’re not in Somerset, you still get the same friendly, practical help – whether that’s over Zoom or a call – wherever you’re based.
Ready when you are.
📍 Axbridge, somerset
How I help
Friendly, practical help
Running a small business is full-on. You’re serving customers, managing stock, updating menus, keeping the doors open – and somewhere on that list sits “sort out the website” or “post something on social media.”
That’s where I come in. My Marketing Mate gives you clear, calm support with the jobs that keep your business visible.
No jargon.No pressure.Just friendly, practical help.
…from someone who understands how local businesses really work.
Your Marketing Contact
That’s me. Sara Appleton.
Previously of Sara R Appleton Marketing Services, I decided to give my business a new name to reflect how I want my clients to feel when they work with me: supported, understood and never on their own, especially if they’re not technical.
If you’re an independent business owner who’s looking for an extra pair of hands to pick up on the digital side of your business – look no further.
So… you’ve come this far – tap the button below and book a Free 30 Minute Discovery Call so we can meet on screen.
Reviews
What my clients say
Real feedback from small businesses like yours.
“
Sara is fantastic, professional and really takes the time to understand your business and its needs! She’s really become part of the team!
Supporting the launch of a new community coffee shop was an honour and included website creation, social media presence and Google Business Profile.
Lisa Clark
Founder, Coffee@TheHub
“
We’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with Sara to support our business with social media and marketing. She has taken the time to understand our company, our values and the people we serve. Her creativity, insight and hands-on support has been invaluable.
Charlotte Grant
Trust Inheritance Group
“
Sara was great at jumping straight in and helping us with some website design work across a couple of days. She needed little guidance and quickly created some new pages that were very visually appealing and just what we needed. Would recommend.
The website helped Chiva to prepare for a major presentation.
Sam Williams
Marketing Manager, Chiva
“
Sara has been such an integral part of the team at Aspire4Business for a few years now. She is patient, detailed, and, even with my sometimes limited instructions, is able to implement a range of marketing and administrative tasks. Thank you, Sara, I’m very grateful. Highly recommend.
I have supported Beverley since 2021. It’s been a pleasure helping keep the website up to date.
Beverley Poole
Business Coach, founder of Aspire4Business
“…good to have a like-minded person to work with” “…reassuringly calm and kind throughout” “Love the look and feel of the site”
Let’s meet on screen for a free 30-minute discovery call
No jargon, no pressure — just a friendly chat about your business and how I can help.
Case Studies
