Is a marketing agency worth it for a small business?

Do the sums first

1. What's one new customer worth to you, after costs?
2. What does the agency cost a month?
3. Divide the second by the first.

Say a new customer is worth $1,000 and the agency is $3,000 a month. You need 3 new customers a month to break even.

It's probably worth it if

• A few new customers a month would cover it
• You can handle more work
• Your marketing keeps getting pushed to 10 pm
• You can give it 3 to 6 months
• You'll answer enquiries quickly

It's probably not worth it if

• You're already booked out
• You need a result by next week
• One new customer is worth very little
• You can't pay for it without stress

Your three options

Try these first

• Fill in your Google Business Profile and ask for reviews
• Post real jobs from your phone. See how often to post
• Try one shoot before a monthly plan. See content shoots

Want the numbers? See what a marketing agency costs.

General advice for local businesses, November 2026.