If you’re a small business owner in
Bloomington-Normal, chances are you’ve asked yourself: “How much should I really be spending on marketing?” You’re not alone.
With so many options — print ads, digital campaigns, websites, social media, photography — figuring out what’s worth it can feel overwhelming.
At
Mazter Mindz Media, we help local businesses build
smart, balanced marketing campaigns that generate visibility and trust without guesswork or wasted dollars.
Let’s break down exactly
how much you should budget, where to spend it, and how to make every dollar count.
Step 1: Start with the Right Mindset
Marketing isn’t an expense — it’s an
investment.
When done strategically, it fuels brand recognition, customer loyalty, and sales. The key is to
plan ahead, not spend reactively. If you only market when things get slow, you’re too late. The businesses that stay top-of-mind are the ones that market
consistently, not occasionally.
Step 2: Use the 5–10% Rule (Revenue-Based Budgeting)
A common guideline used by marketing experts and the
U.S. Small Business Administration is:
Invest 5–10% of your gross revenue into marketing.
Here’s how that breaks down:
Annual Revenue: $250,000=Suggested Marketing Budget $12,500-$25,000
Annual Revenue: $500,000=Suggested Marketing Budget $25,000-$50,000
Annual Revenue: $1,000,000=Suggested Marketing Budget $50,000-$100,000
5% = brand maintenance (for established businesses with steady leads)
10%+ = growth mode (for businesses trying to increase awareness or market share)
Step 3: Divide by Channel (Your Marketing Mix)
Once you know your total, break it into
strategic categories — not random spends. A balanced local marketing mix might look like this:
- Local SEO / Listings=15%
- Social Media (organic + ads)=20%
- Print / Community Advertising=20%
- Website + SEO=15%
- Photography / Branding=10%
- Email / Retargeting=10%
- Consulting / Strategy=10%
Mazter Mindz Tip: Most businesses overspend on one channel and ignore others. The magic is in
balance — every platform plays a role in your customer journey.
Step 4: Invest in Assets That Multiply
Your marketing should build
equity, not just exposure.
Things like:
- Professional photos (reused across all channels)
- SEO-optimized website (long-term lead magnet)
- Community ads (trust-building)
- Strategy sessions (clarity & direction)
These investments compound over time — they work even when you’re off the clock.
Step 5: Ask for Expert Guidance
If you’re not sure how to split your marketing dollars — don’t guess.
At
Mazter Mindz Media, we can sit down with you to:
- Review your past year’s marketing
- Identify what worked (and what didn’t)
- Build a
custom marketing plan that fits your goals, audience, and budget
We’ll help you see where to spend, where to save, and how to scale.
✳Quick Checklist: Is Your Budget Working for You?
- You know your total annual marketing budget
- You’ve divided it by channel (print, digital, SEO, etc.)
- You have professional assets (photos, listings, website)
- You’re building momentum, not starting from scratch each season
If you said “no” to any of these — it’s time to plan smarter for next year.
Ready to Build a Smarter Marketing Budget?
Stop guessing what to spend. Start planning what to
earn.
📞
Call or text: 309-310-6994
🌐
Book a free consultation:
maztermindzmedia.com/contact
📍 Serving
Bloomington, Normal, and Central Illinois
Key Takeaway:
The best marketing budget isn’t the biggest — it’s the one with a
strategy behind every dollar.
Plan with purpose. Spend with confidence. Grow with consistency.
