Are Small Marketing Agencies Worth The Investment?
If you’re a small business owner wondering why marketing agencies charge what they do, you’re not alone. As someone who’s self-employed and runs a boutique agency, I’ve had this conversation with more than a few clients—especially those trying to stretch every dollar (I get it, I’ve been there too). So, let’s talk honestly about it.
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We’re More Alike Than You Think
As a small business owner, you already know how quickly the little things add up—monthly fees, surprise expenses, subscriptions you forgot about but still need, software renewals, compliance costs. Before you know it, you’re managing a dozen different platforms just to keep things running.
I get it, because I’m in it too.
Running a small marketing agency is a lot like running any other small business. We’re wearing all the hats, watching every dollar, and constantly trying to find smarter ways to get better results. That’s why I don’t believe in selling clients bloated retainers or locking you into services you don’t really need. It’s not how I run my own business, so I don’t expect you to run yours that way either.
That’s also why working with a small agency can be such a good fit—we speak your language. We understand the hustle, the late-night Google searches, and the fine balance between investing in growth and protecting your cash flow. You're not just a client to me; you're a fellow entrepreneur navigating the same landscape.
So when we work together, it’s about creating just enough support to help you move forward without weighing you down. You get a partner who respects your budget because I'm right there with you—budgeting, balancing, and building something meaningful, one step at a time.
The Cost of Doing Business (That You Don’t Always See)
I’m all about the data. You already know the cost of running your business, but here’s a breakdown from my own experience. Let’s just say, when I started my business, I was shocked how much I had to invest in something that didn’t even provide a tangible product. No production costs, no shipping costs, no storage fees… providing marketing services should be cheap, right?
Wrong.
When people hear a freelancer or agency quote $75 or $100 an hour, the initial reaction is often, “That’s more than I make!” But let’s break that down. Imagine a freelancer charges $75/hour and works a sustainable 40 hours per week. That’s:
$75 x 40 hours/week = $3,000/week
$3,000/week x 52 weeks/year = $156,000 gross income/year
Sounds solid, right? But now subtract the 30% that goes to taxes. That’s:
$156,000 x 0.30 = $46,800 in taxes
Remaining: $109,200
But wait—there’s more. Let’s talk about the costs every small business quietly shoulders behind the scenes:
Payment processing fees (Stripe, PayPal, etc.): ~$2,000–$4,000/year
1099 contractor fees (paying a team to help with graphic design, writing, video production, etc.): variable, but let's say ~$10,000-$20,000/year on the very conservative side
Software subscriptions: tools like Ahrefs, Canva Pro, Adobe Suite, Buffer/Later, etc.—easily $300–$500/month
Business insurance: ~$600–$1,200/year
Accounting + legal fees: ~$1,500/year
Health insurance: self-employed = you’re on the hook. ~$6,000–$12,000/year
Retirement savings: recommended at least 10–15% of income
All in, it’s not unusual for a small business owner to pay $20,000–$40,000+ a year just to stay afloat—before they even start thinking about profit.
Why I Charge What I Do
It took me over 3 years to fine-tune my rates to make sure I could cover my own modest business needs while still delivering amazing value to my clients. As a minimalist, I keep my overhead extremely low. I don’t have a fancy office (although I do think my campervan is pretty fantastic). I’ve intentionally aligned my rates to match both my clients' budgets and my own sustainability.
I’m not here to charge corporate rates. I’m here to make great marketing sustainable—for both of us.
Hiring a Marketing Agency Can Actually Save You Money
When you invest in a small agency like mine, you’re not just buying someone’s time. You’re:
Supporting a fellow small business owner with their dream job
Avoiding employment taxes and benefit costs
Skipping subscription fees for pro tools and platforms
Getting access to a team of vetted freelancers when needed, without committing to full-time staff
Flexing your budget as business ebbs and flows—no long-term salary commitments
With a flat project fee or hourly rate, you know exactly what to expect. No hidden costs. No paying someone to sit idle when there’s a slow week. It’s efficient, budget-friendly, and sustainable.
We’re More Alike Than You Think
As a small business owner, you already know how quickly the little things add up—monthly fees, surprise expenses, subscriptions you forgot about but still need, software renewals, compliance costs. Before you know it, you’re managing a dozen different platforms just to keep things running.
I get it, because I’m in it too.
Running a small marketing agency is a lot like running any other small business. We’re wearing all the hats, watching every dollar, and constantly trying to find smarter ways to get better results. That’s why I don’t believe in selling clients bloated retainers or locking you into services you don’t really need. It’s not how I run my own business, so I don’t expect you to run yours that way either.
That’s also why working with a small agency can be such a good fit—we speak your language. We understand the hustle, the late-night Google searches, and the fine balance between investing in growth and protecting your cash flow. You're not just a client to me; you're a fellow entrepreneur navigating the same landscape.
So when we work together, it’s about creating just enough support to help you move forward without weighing you down. You get a partner who respects your budget because I'm right there with you—budgeting, balancing, and building something meaningful, one step at a time.
Boondock Perspective
I named my agency Boondock Consulting because that’s what running a small business feels like sometimes—you’re out in the wild, stretching your resources, unsure of what comes next. My goal is to be the compass that helps you find your way—whether you need a little help, or someone to walk the whole path with you.
If you’ve ever wondered why marketing services cost what they do, I hope this helps shed some light. And if you’re ready to align your marketing with your goals (and your budget), let’s talk.
