Business owners often ask how much they ‘should’ or ‘have to’ spend to see a return on investment. What we often see is businesses spending too much, or too little, and often in all the wrong places. At some point, even the smartest business owners get swayed by a savvy sales pitch, feel obliged to help with a sponsorship, think every opportunity to advertise is a good one or don’t know how to say no.

The short answer is there’s no ‘one size fits all’ amount you should be investing. In saying that, there is a simple ‘rule of thumb’ calculation that can help:

These rules of thumb are based on businesses that average at least six figure revenue numbers. Businesses with smaller margins should assign a percentage of their net revenue based on estimates of what competitors are spending. (And yes, it will have to be your best guesstimate, as that data isn’t readily available. Chat to your accountant about what percentage is feasible for your business, based on your unique circumstances.)

NZ Marketing Association data shows the percentage of investment in marketing in this country ranges between 5 - 29% of total revenue which is a huge variation. Generally, B2Cs (Business to Consumer) invest more than B2Bs (Business to Business), and in recent years the trend to invest in ‘digital’ channels such as websites, social media, videos and blogs has dramatically increased.

The easiest way to determine how much you ‘should’ or ‘have to’ invest in marketing comes down to knowing what your business objectives are, who your customers/clients are and then identifying the right channels in which to reach them. By having a clear business plan and marketing strategy in place, it will help any business make good decisions on marketing investment, irrespective of their product or service offering.

A marketing budget should include all of the activities that may potentially bring a return on your investment not just advertising. Those channels may include (but are not limited to):

• Logo and brand design, and associated collateral, e.g. business cards, email signature, banners and signage;
• Photos, videos and website;
• Expos, conferences, product demonstrations or tradeshow attendance;
• Advertising print, radio, web, social, digital, vehicles, Out of Home (billboards, point of sale displays, bus backs/shelters, etc.), Over the Top (game consoles, Netflix, Red Bull TV etc.); and
• Sponsorships, Public Relations, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools/platforms or apps.

TOP MARKETING TIPS

1. Develop a clear marketing strategic plan and make sure it’s complementary with your business plan activities and objectives.
2. Make sure you really understand your customers; their pain points and how
   you can solve their problems with your product or service.
3. Make sure your entire team are aware of what your marketing objectives are.
4. Monitor and review all your marketing efforts regularly.
5. Use available data (accounts, market research, sales data, Google analytics, etc.) to
   work out or consider your ‘Cost Per Acquisition’. In other words, how much do you have to spend to convert one customer (over a specific period or campaign)?

These activities when done correctly can lead to new business however, if done ad-hoc or without a clear goal in mind, you might as well buy a lotto ticket, cross your fingers andhope for the best.

Every business is different and will have different marketing needs to reach its goals. We recommend you spend some time looking at what you’re currently doing and how much you’re investing and being critical of the results.

Marketing in today’s environment is challenging. There is so much ‘noise’ to compete with, consumers are time-poor, and it can be hard to keep up with all the options and the speed of change. Challenges aside, a robust marketing strategy will become your guiding road map and assist you in making smart and lead-generating marketing investments.

DISCLAIMER No liability is assumed by Baker Tilly Staples Rodway for any losses suffered by any person relying directly or indirectly upon any article within this website. It is recommended that you consult your advisor before acting on this information.

Download article