Investing in marketing is not an expense, it is a strategic investment for the growth of your business. But a key question arises: How much should you really invest according to the size of your company? Today we give you a clear guide based on the best practices of 2025.
Why is it important to define a marketing budget?
- It helps you grow predictably.
- It allows you to measure return on investment (ROI).
- You avoid impulsive and misdirected spending.
At Cuernosoft we have seen that companies that allocate clear budgets achieve:
- Better campaign planning.
- Better customer acquisition.
- Sustainable growth.
What percentage of your income should you invest?
The general reference in 2025 is:
| Type of company | % of income recommended for marketing |
|---|---|
| New or growing company | 10% to 20% |
| Established (mature) company | 5% to 10% |
| Company in aggressive expansion | 15% to 25% |
Why does it vary?
It depends on your goals:
- Do you want to maintain your current position? → conservative investment.
- Do you want to grow fast? → higher investment.
How to calculate your actual budget?
Simple formula:
Marketing budget = Projected gross income × Recommended percentage
Practical example:
- Projected annual income: $200,000
- Growing company (15%)
- Annual marketing budget: $30,000
- Monthly budget: $2,500
How to divide your budget?
A good distribution in 2025 could be:
| Area | % of marketing budget |
|---|---|
| Paid advertising (Meta, Google Ads, LinkedIn) | 40% |
| Content and SEO | 20% |
| Marketing automation (CRM, email, WhatsApp) | 15% |
| Design and branding | 10% |
| Events, activations, and partnerships | 10% |
| Research and data analysis | 5% |
💡 Tip:
Always leave 10–15% of the budget flexible for unforeseen opportunities or high-potential campaigns.
What if your company is very small or just starting?
- Start small but consistent: $300–$500 monthly on well-targeted ads can make a big difference.
- Prioritize profitable channels: Meta Ads, Google Ads, Email Marketing.
- Focus on capturing leads and building your database.
The key: Don’t stop marketing even if it’s modest.
Consistent marketing always wins.
Conclusion
No matter if your company is big or small:
👉 Strategic marketing investment is essential to grow.
The best formula is:
- Assign a realistic percentage.
- Invest in the right channels.
- Measure results and optimize constantly.
At Cuernosoft we help companies build profitable and scalable marketing strategies according to their size and goals. Want us to help you plan your ideal marketing budget for 2025? 🚀 Schedule a free consultation here ➡️ Contact Cuernosoft
