6 min read
How Much Should A Small Business Spend On Marketing?
There's no single magic number. Here's a realistic framework based on what actually works for local service businesses.
If you ask ten agencies, you'll get ten different answers. Here's a clear, honest framework for small local businesses , based on what I see actually work.
The rule of thumb
There is no universal percentage that fits every firm. Set a budget around your capacity, client values, margins and the amount you can invest consistently.
Where the money should go
- Website , one-off investment, but the foundation everything else relies on
- Local SEO + Google Business Profile , steady monthly investment, long-term compounding returns
- Google Ads , monthly ad spend + management, fastest source of qualified leads
- Tracking , small cost, huge impact (you can't improve what you can't measure)
Realistic monthly numbers
Foundation is £500/month with no setup fee for visibility only, with no automations. Growth is £850/month with no setup fee for wider Google visibility and instant acknowledgements. Enquiry Engine is £1,750/month plus £1,500 setup for the complete system, including Google Ads management with ad spend paid separately to Google. All three are 12-month agreements, paid monthly. Premium Website: Bespoke pricing. Every website is quoted individually, based on the design, the pages and features you need, and your business goals. Standalone Google Ads management is £750/month with no setup fee, a separate 3-month minimum and qualification required. Start with a free Missed Clients Check to see what your firm needs.
What you should expect back
Agree what success means for your firm and track enquiries, booked consultations and client value against your costs. Results depend on competition, demand, margins and how enquiries are handled; no fixed return is guaranteed.
Ready to put this into action?
I help local service businesses generate more qualified enquiries every month.
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