If you’re running a small business in Perth, you’ve probably wondered: how much does marketing actually cost? The answer depends on what type of marketing you need, how often you need it, and whether you’re doing it yourself, hiring a freelancer, or working with an agency.
This guide breaks down the typical costs of small business marketing in Perth so you can plan a budget that makes sense for your business.
DIY Marketing Costs
Plenty of Perth small businesses start by doing their own marketing. This keeps costs low but can be time-heavy.
- Canva Pro: around $20/month
- Social Media Scheduling Tool (like Later or Buffer): $30–$100/month
- Google Ads: completely flexible, but most small businesses spend $200–$1,000/month
- SEO Tools (like Ubersuggest, SEMrush, or Ahrefs): $50–$150/month
DIY is affordable in dollars, but expensive in time. You’ll need to learn strategy, design, copywriting, and analytics on top of running your business.
Hiring a Freelancer in Perth
Freelancers or one-person marketing teams (like me) are a middle ground between DIY and agencies. Costs depend on how much support you need.
- Content creation (photos, videos, copy): $500–$1,500/month
- Social media management (posting + engagement): $1,000–$2,500/month
- SEO setup and blogging: $1,500–$3,000 one-off setup, then $500–$1,500/month
- Google Ads setup + management: $300–$800/month (plus ad spend)
Freelancers are often more flexible and hands-on with Perth small businesses compared to larger agencies.
Hiring a Perth Marketing Agency
Agencies usually cost the most but provide full-service teams.
- Basic packages: $2,500–$5,000/month
- Full-service retainers: $5,000–$15,000/month
- One-off campaigns: $3,000+ per campaign
For small businesses in Perth, agency pricing can feel out of reach. That’s why many choose a hybrid model working with a freelancer or small marketing partner who feels like part of the team.
How to Budget for Marketing in Perth
A common rule of thumb: small businesses should spend 5–10% of revenue on marketing. For example:
- $500,000 annual revenue → $25,000–$50,000 marketing budget
- $1,000,000 annual revenue → $50,000–$100,000 marketing budget
The key is consistency. Whether you spend $500 or $5,000 a month, the businesses that show up steadily online see the best long-term results.
Marketing for small businesses in Perth can cost as little as a few hundred dollars a month if you DIY, or thousands if you hire an agency. The right option depends on your time, budget, and growth goals.
If you’re not ready for a big agency bill but don’t want to DIY everything, a stand-in marketing person might be the right fit. That’s where I come in I work with Perth small businesses to build strategy, create content, and manage marketing without the full-time hire price tag.