A very common question posed by business owners who are considering a viable marketing budget often ask: How much does should it cost to market my business?
Consider the business owner who is approaching a grand opening and wants to attract customers in a big-bang fashion. Or consider the business owner who has been marketing for many years, using the same media source that has worked well over the years, but knows more is needed. Both are great examples of business owners who realize the full potential of marketing and the great rewards that come with a successful balance of media. The biggest factor for each decision maker is ultimately; what is the cost of marketing, and how will it make the most impact on ROI?
There are handful important factors to consider when allocating a marketing budget. First step is to allocate a percentage of projected annual sales; 5-15% is common, and is important to see what your competition is doing to keep up or even up your game. Second, your geographic location plays a role and costs are typically higher in metro areas vs. rural areas, as media in those markets will typically hit a larger population. Third, your media selection is a major factor in the costs. If you have a small business, certain media can be costly (production and media placement) and your budget could be better spent elsewhere, where it can be more targeted. Lastly, there are free alternatives that can be effective, but require effort and some creativity. Examples could include a ribbon cutting ceremony to gain free coverage in a newspaper or by participating in community events which helps generate word-of-mouth.
Simply put, businesses need marketing to thrive in today’s economy. Budgeting and planning based on projected annual sales is a fundamental key to success. A strategic, long-term plan is effective and best-spent when hiring a full-service marketing firm who is familiar with various media options and how to strategize for a variety of markets and businesses. Make the most out of your budget and contact Epic Marketing today!
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