The Question Every Small Business Asks
How much should you spend on digital marketing?
If you’re a small business owner in Hastings, Bexhill, Eastbourne, or anywhere in East Sussex, you’ve probably asked this question at some point. You know you need marketing, but how much is too much—or too little?
Why This Question Matters
Marketing isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment. Done right, it brings in more customers, builds your brand, and grows your revenue. But if you overspend, you risk wasting money. Underspend, and your competitors (yes, even that café down the street in Eastbourne with the fancy Instagram) will get all the attention.
So, where’s the sweet spot?
Quick Summary for Busy Readers
- Marketing budgets vary—Small businesses in Hastings, Bexhill, and Eastbourne spend anywhere from 5-15% of revenue on marketing.
- What you get for your money—Freelancers are cheaper but inconsistent; agencies charge more but offer expertise.
- Avoid wasting money—Spend on strategy first before throwing cash at ads or content.
- Local marketing works—SEO, social media, and content marketing help East Sussex businesses stand out without huge budgets.
- Next steps? Get expert advice before you commit to a budget.
What We’re Covering in This Guide
- The real cost of digital marketing (with local examples)
- What affects pricing (freelancers vs. agencies)
- When to DIY vs. hire an expert
- How small businesses in East Sussex can get more marketing impact for less
What Does Digital Marketing Actually Cost?
Option 1: The Freelancer Route (Cheaper, But Riskier)
💰 Cost: £25–£100 per hour
📌 Great for: One-off projects like a new logo, a few social media posts, or a simple website update.
🚩 Watch out for: Inconsistency, no long-term strategy, and lots of trial and error.
Many Bexhill and Hastings businesses start here, hiring a freelancer to build a website or run some ads. But the problem? Freelancers specialize in one thing—you’ll likely need multiple freelancers (a web designer, a copywriter, a social media manager, etc.), which can get expensive fast.
Option 2: Hiring an Agency (More Expensive, But More Reliable)
💰 Cost: £500–£5,000 per month
📌 Great for: Businesses that want a consistent marketing strategy without hiring full-time staff.
🚩 Watch out for: Agencies that overpromise and lock you into long contracts.
If you’re in Eastbourne or Hastings, you might have seen businesses working with big London agencies—but do you really need to? Local agencies (like ours, A&I Media) understand the East Sussex market better and won’t charge you London prices.
Option 3: Doing It Yourself (Time-Consuming, But Cost-Effective)
💰 Cost: Free to £500 per year (software & courses)
📌 Great for: Small businesses on a tight budget who are willing to learn.
🚩 Watch out for: The learning curve—marketing takes time, and mistakes can cost you more than hiring an expert.
We’ve seen Hastings café owners, Bexhill fitness trainers, and Eastbourne photographers try the DIY approach—some do well, but many end up frustrated and burnt out.
What Affects Pricing?
The cost of marketing depends on what you need:
- Strategy (consulting, research)
- Content creation (videos, blogs, social media)
- Advertising (Google & Facebook ads)
- Training (so your team can do more in-house)
For example, if you run a restaurant in Hastings Old Town, you’ll likely need local SEO, high-quality food photography, and social media marketing—which means spending more on content creation.
If you’re a tradesperson in Eastbourne, getting found on Google is key, so SEO and Google Ads might be your biggest expenses.
DIY vs. Hiring a Marketing Expert: When to Spend & When to Save
✅ DO IT YOURSELF IF…
- You have the time to learn marketing properly.
- You’re just starting out and have zero budget.
- You only need simple marketing (e.g., posting on social media).
🚨 HIRE AN EXPERT IF…
- You don’t have time to learn marketing.
- You want faster results.
- You need help with strategy, content, or ads.
Many businesses in Hastings and Bexhill end up wasting money on marketing that doesn’t work—because they didn’t start with a clear strategy. That’s why our 30-minute Strategy Sprint exists—to save you months of trial and error.
📌 Book a 30-minute strategy session 👉 Click here
When to Be Concerned About Marketing Costs
🚩 Red Flags
- Agencies that lock you into long contracts (more than 6 months).
- Marketing that doesn’t bring in leads or sales.
- You keep spending, but nothing changes.
If you’re paying £1,000+ per month and you’re not seeing results, something’s wrong. A quick strategy review can save you thousands.
Summary – What Should You Do?
💡 Smart Spending Tips for Small Businesses in East Sussex:
- Start with strategy first—know where to put your budget.
- If you’re on a budget, focus on local marketing (SEO, social media, content).
- Need professional help? Book a call before committing to a big budget.
📌 Want expert advice? Book a 30-minute Strategy Sprint 👉 Click here
What’s been your experience with marketing costs? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇