Question 1

How does the marketing budget planner work?

Accepted Answer

Enter your annual revenue, select your business type and growth goal. The calculator applies industry-standard benchmark percentages (typically 6-15% of revenue depending on business type and growth ambition) and breaks down the recommended monthly budget across six marketing channels.

Question 2

How much should a business spend on marketing?

Accepted Answer

Industry benchmarks suggest local service businesses should spend around 6% of revenue, B2B services 7%, B2C services 9%, e-commerce 12% and startups up to 15%. Businesses aiming for aggressive growth should spend more than those maintaining their position. Our calculator applies these benchmarks automatically.

Question 3

How is the budget broken down by channel?

Accepted Answer

The recommended budget is split across six channels: SEO & Content (30%), PPC & Paid Ads (25%), Social Media (15%), Email Marketing (10%), Tools & Software (10%) and Design & Branding (10%). These are general benchmarks, your optimal split will depend on your industry, audience and goals.

Question 4

Is the budget planner free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely free with no signup required. Adjust the inputs to see different budget scenarios instantly. If you'd like help executing your marketing plan, use the AI Website Planner or book a free discovery call with Darren.

Question 5

Are these budget benchmarks accurate for my business?

Accepted Answer

The benchmarks are based on industry averages and are a useful starting point. Your actual optimal budget depends on factors like competition, profit margins, customer lifetime value, current digital maturity and specific growth goals. For a tailored marketing strategy, book a free discovery call.

Marketing Budget Planner

Recommended marketing budget

Industry benchmarks & sources

Deloitte CMO Survey

Gartner CMO Spend Survey

HubSpot State of Marketing

WordStream Advertising Benchmark

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