Free tool · Planning
Marketing budget
calculator.
How much should you spend? Get a number and a plan. Free, no sign-up.
Run the numbers.
Calculate your marketing budget as a percentage of revenue, based on your growth goals. Then see how to allocate it across SEO, ads, social and content, and what it can buy you.
$96,000 a year, 8% of your revenue. Suggested starting split:
FIT: Your budget covers our full team (SEO + PPC + design, $2,799/mo) with $5,201 a month left for ad spend.
Get a free marketing plan →How much should a small business spend on marketing?
The U.S. Small Business Administration suggests 7 to 8% of gross revenue for small businesses with sales under $5 million and net profit margins of 10 to 12%. Businesses holding steady can spend less; businesses launching or chasing fast growth often spend 10% or more. Start from your revenue, pick your goal, and put most of the money where your customers already search.
The marketing budget formula.
How to work out your marketing budget in three steps. No black box.
01
Annual budget
revenue × % for marketingA percentage of revenue is the simplest starting point because it grows with your business.
02
Monthly budget
annual budget ÷ 12This is the number to plan against: agency fees, ad spend, tools and content all come out of it.
03
Channel split
monthly budget × channel %Our starting split puts most of it into search, where buyers are already looking. Adjust it once you see results.
What your budget can buy.
Published prices, no lock-in games. Ad spend is paid to Google and Meta directly.
SEO
Full suite. On-page, off-page, blogs, backlinking and fixes.
$1,199/mo
Learn more →Save $599/moSEO + PPC
Everything in SEO, plus Google and Meta ads management.
$1,599/mo
See packages →Save $398/moThe full team
SEO + PPC + unlimited design. Your marketing department for less than one in-house hire.
$2,799/mo
See outsourced marketing →Got a budget?
Let's spend it well.
Tell us your budget and goals. We'll come back with the channels we'd start with, what we'd expect from each, and a plan you can run with us or on your own.
- A channel plan built around where your buyers are
- Honest advice on what to skip
- Lock in 20% off your first package when you start
Got it.
Your details and calculator results are with our team and we'll be in touch by email. Want to skip the wait? Pick a time for a free 30-minute call.
Book a Free CallPrefer to talk first? Book a free call →
Good questions.
The things people ask us most about marketing budgets.
What percentage of revenue should I spend on marketing?
Start from the SBA's 7 to 8% guideline, go lower if you're holding steady and higher if you're launching or growing fast. A percentage of revenue is the simplest starting point because it grows with your business. Once you know what a customer is worth and what it costs to win one, set your budget from those numbers instead.
How do I allocate my marketing budget?
The split here is our suggested starting point for a small business: the biggest share on search (SEO and Google Ads), where buyers are already looking, then social, creative and email. Adjust it once you see which channel brings the cheapest customers.
Does the budget include agency fees?
Yes. Your marketing budget should cover everything: agency or freelancer fees, ad spend, tools and content. With Hello Bleu, packages start at $1,199 a month and ad spend is paid to the platforms directly.
Is it cheaper to outsource marketing or hire in-house?
For most small businesses, outsourcing costs less than one full-time hire and gives you a whole team. Read outsourced marketing vs in-house for the full comparison.
Numbers are step one.
We'll handle the rest.
Book a free call, get a no-obligation marketing plan, and lock in 20% off your first package.
Book a free call