The Big Question for Local Businesses
If you’re a small business owner in Hastings, East Sussex, you’ve probably wondered:
“How much should I really be paying for digital marketing?”
You’ve seen some agencies charging thousands per month, while a freelancer on Facebook offers to “do it all” for £100. So, which one is right?
The truth is, marketing costs vary hugely, especially in smaller towns like Hastings compared to bigger cities like Brighton or London. And if you’re a café in Old Town, a local tradesman, or a boutique shop on George Street, you don’t want to waste money on strategies that don’t work for small businesses.
Let’s break down digital marketing costs in Hastings & East Sussex—and how to get the best return on your investment.
Why Small Businesses in Hastings Need Digital Marketing
Hastings is a tourist-heavy town, with businesses relying on seasonal traffic. But in quieter months, digital marketing is key to:
✅ Attracting local customers who live in Hastings, Bexhill, Rye, or Eastbourne.
✅ Bringing in tourists through Google search, social media, and online advertising.
✅ Standing out from competitors – Whether you run a small café, a B&B, or a creative studio, digital marketing helps you stay visible.
But how much should you spend? And what’s actually worth paying for?
Quick Pricing Summary for Small Business Owners in East Sussex
💡 For those short on time, here’s a rough guide:
• Freelancers: £25–£100 per hour | £300–£2,000 per project
• Small agencies (like A&I Media in Hastings): £500–£5,000 per month
• Large agencies (London-based or national brands): £10,000+ per month
Common marketing services & price ranges in East Sussex:
• Marketing strategy consulting: £500–£2,500 (one-time)
• SEO for local businesses (Google ranking): £300–£2,000/month
• Social media management (e.g., Facebook & Instagram): £400–£3,000/month
• Google & Facebook Ads management: £500–£5,000+/month
• Content creation (blogs, videos, graphics): £100–£3,000 per project
👉 Prices in Hastings & East Sussex tend to be lower than in London but vary based on the service provider’s experience.
How Digital Marketing Prices Vary in Hastings & East Sussex
1️⃣ Freelancer vs. Agency – What’s Right for You?
• Freelancers (Best for tight budgets & one-off projects)
• Charge £25–£100 per hour
• Good for social media posts, basic website edits, or logo design
• Risk: Quality varies, and some may lack strategic expertise
• Small Marketing Agencies in Hastings (Best for consistent, long-term growth)
• Charge £500–£5,000 per month
• Offer full-service marketing (strategy, social media, ads, SEO)
• Examples: Local agencies like A&I Media specialize in small business marketing
• Large Agencies (Best for national brands, not small businesses)
• Charge £10,000+ per month
• Usually based in London or Brighton
• Ideal for businesses with large ad budgets (£100k+/year)
2️⃣ What Services Do You Actually Need?
Not every business needs everything. Here’s what makes sense for local businesses in Hastings:
• Local SEO – If you want to rank higher on Google when people search “coffee shop in Hastings” or “best builders in East Sussex,” SEO is key.
• Social Media – If you run a café in Old Town, Instagram & Facebook are essential for foot traffic.
• Google Ads – If you offer services (plumbers, electricians, consultants), Google Ads can get you leads fast.
• Content Creation – If you want to stand out, well-designed posts and videos help engage your audience.
When to Be Cautious About Pricing
🚩 Too Cheap? A £100/month marketing package won’t deliver results—low-cost providers often use generic, ineffective strategies.
🚩 Too Expensive? Some agencies overcharge for basic services you could do in-house.
🚩 Long Contracts? Avoid agencies locking you into 12-month contracts without clear ROI.
How to Get the Best Marketing for Your Budget in Hastings
Instead of overpaying for a big agency (or wasting money on ineffective cheap services), consider:
✅ Marketing Consulting – Get expert advice without hiring a full-time team. (Book a Strategy Call)
✅ Content Creation – Well-designed posts & videos that fit your brand. (Explore Our Services)
✅ Marketing Training – Save money by upskilling your team instead of hiring expensive freelancers. (Learn More)
Final Thoughts – What’s Best for Your Business?
There’s no single “right” price for digital marketing in Hastings & East Sussex. It depends on your business goals and budget.
👉 Need help deciding what’s worth paying for? Drop a comment below or message us—let’s chat!