How Much Should a Local Business Really Spend on Digital Marketing?
A Simple Guide to Getting Results Without Wasting Money
Marketing feels like a gamble when you’re not sure what it should cost—or what it should actually get you.
We hear it all the time:
“Do I need a big budget to make digital marketing work?”
“How much is too much?”
“Where should I start?”
If you’ve ever asked those questions, good news—you’re not alone. Even better? There’s a way to stop guessing and start marketing smarter.
Let’s break it down.
Why Local Businesses Can’t Afford to Skip Digital Marketing
We’re in a scroll-and-search-first world. If people can’t find you online, you’re invisible.
Here’s why your digital presence matters more than ever:
- People Google before they buy. If you’re not there, your competitor probably is.
- Online reviews build trust. No reviews? That’s a red flag.
- You’re competing for attention. And your competitors are playing to win.
So… What’s a Reasonable Budget?
The short answer: It depends.
But here’s a simple rule of thumb for anyone just getting started.
Plan to invest 10% of your gross revenue on marketing.
New businesses or growth-mode brands? Aim for 15%.
That might sound like a lot—but not when it’s driving the right brand awareness, traffic, leads and sales.
Where to Invest First (and What to Skip)
Let’s get strategic. Focus your budget where it’ll move the needle—and skip what just looks good on paper.
Start Here:
- A website that works (not just looks good)
- Your Google Business profile + local SEO
- Targeted social media + Google Ads
- Email list building with real value
Skip (for now):
- Fancy aesthetics with no traffic to see it
- Random posting with zero strategy
- Anything that doesn’t connect to results
DIY vs. Hiring Help: What’s Worth Outsourcing?
If you’re scrappy and time-rich, DIY can be a great way to get started. But here’s when it makes sense to bring in pros:
- You’re spending hours trying to figure it out (and not seeing results)
- You’re ready to run ads, level up SEO, or automate your funnel
- You need a plan, not just more tasks
Hiring a marketing partner isn’t just about delegation—it’s about making sure your money goes where it counts.
It’s Not About How Much You Spend. It’s About Spending Smart.
A small, consistent investment with a clear strategy beats a big spend with no plan. Every. Time.
So if you’re still wondering how much to spend, start here:
What’s your goal—and what will it take to get there?
We’ll help you figure it out. No fluff. No BS. Just a smarter way to grow.
Need help mapping out what’s worth investing in for your business?
Let’s talk. We’ll show you what works—and what to skip.
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