How Much Does It Cost To Start A Marketing Agency? (In 2024)
Looking to start a marketing agency?
But curious about:
- how much it costs to start a marketing agency?
- what are the typical marketing agency startup costs?
- or the actual cost of starting marketing agencies?
Well, we have the data to prove it, supported by real marketing agencies and how much they actually cost to start.
Let's go over it.
What is the average cost of starting a marketing agency?
Based on our data reported by actual marketing agency founders, the average cost of starting a marketing agency is between $1 and $2,000,000.
Additionally, our data shows that the the median startup costs for a marketing agency are around $1K.
Remember, though, not all marketing agencies are the same - and neither are people's budgets. It's important to distinguish between different levels or types of marketing agencies
Real World Examples: How much does it cost to start a marketing agency?
We asked real marketing agency founders and business owners how much it actually cost to get started?
Here is what they said:
Oliver Op de Beeck
Founder of Kreatix ($85K/month)
"After all the legal things (that our accountant handled) we bought the domain name and built a simple landing page. This took us one day. The landing page just said we could make an affordable website for you."
Oliver Op de Beeck is the founder of Kreatix, a digital/marketing agency that offers development, marketing, design, and consulting services.
Emenike Emmanuel
Founder of Entrepreneur Business Blog ($13K/month)
"It cost me less than $150 to get the blog running. This amount was invested in purchasing the domain name, web hosting and blog theme. I was actually using a free theme until after 3 months."
Emenike Emmanuel is the founder of Entrepreneur Business Blog, a digital marketing agency and business blog that generates a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through various income sources.
Jeremy Kanne
Founder of Smart Yeti Creative Agency ($8K/month)
"Our company started with a growth pattern of around 10% YoY growth and an average lifetime value of customer of $10k in revenue. After our subsequent pivots, I’m calculating our YoY growth to be 40% and our lifetime value of a customer to be $50k in revenue."
Jeremy Kanne is the founder of Smart Yeti, a creative agency that helps technical companies in their messaging and marketing.
Anthony Tumbiolo
Founder of Jakt ($300K/month)
"We created a legal entity with $500 each (we didn’t have much more at the time), and Jakt became a real thing."
Anthony Tumbiolo is the founder of Jakt, a digital product and innovation studio that achieved $4 million in revenue in 2018.
Brian Cohen
Founder of Visiture ($900K/month)
"In the early days, we didn’t have money to pay employees so Adam and I handled everything. I had personally leveraged everything I had to pay the bills. Therefore, in the early days, all the proceeds from the business went to pay Adam and me for living expenses."
Brian Cohen is the founder of Visiture, an eCommerce marketing agency that started 11 years ago and currently represents over 140 merchants.
Kenn Kelly
Founder of Never Settle ($150K/month)
"I left that company, released all the debt I had invested, and returned my equity to create a clean separation. Took everything I had learned in my career from Management Consulting, to being in a high growth tech startup, to being part of a culture I wasn’t comfortable with and launched Never Settle with the axiom that we would ‘never settle’ on doing the right thing even when it costs us money, time, or humility."
Kenn Kelly is the founder of Never Settle, a digital agency that has built over 1,000 business sites and apps and has been globally recognized as a leader in mobile, website, and marketing solutions.
Darren Magarro
Founder of DSM ($500K/month)
"I literally started with a laptop and some IKEA furniture on the outdoor porch of our old farmhouse. I had $5,000 to my name and started pounding the phones."
Darren Magarro is the founder and president of DSM, a full-service marketing and PR firm based in Mahwah, NJ, that started in 2007.
Matt Tomkin
Founder of Tao Digital Marketing ($40K/month)
"A friend of mine who runs a Bid Consultancy business called Thornton & Lowe in Bolton offered to back me. He was willing to fund 6 months of the company if needed before it got on its own feet."
Matt Tomkin is the founder of Tao Digital Marketing, a search engine marketing specialist agency that has been profitable since day one and is now turning over £12-15k per month.
Travis Richardson
Founder of Impressions Agency ($100K/month)
We started a business on the beach with no money. We didn’t take out loans or borrow any money from friends.
Travis Richardson is the founder of Impressions Agency, a digital marketing agency that began in 2013.
Chris Ciunci
Founder of TribalVision ($700K/month)
"TribalVision was started on a shoe-string budget, fully funded by my own personal savings. I invested $50,000 to build out TribalVision and had a 1-year runway."
Chris Ciunci is the founder of TribalVision, a marketing agency that started in 2010 and helps organizations grow through customized marketing strategies and tactical execution.
Enjoyed reading these real world examples?
Our platform is full of case studies of successful marketing agencies that you can learn from.
Starting a marketing agency - what you should know:
When planning to start a marketing agency, understanding the costs and how to manage them effectively is crucial.
Initial setup costs
Starting a marketing agency can range from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on your approach. The initial setup costs typically include registering your business, obtaining necessary licenses, and creating a professional website. For example, registering an LLC might cost you between $50 to $500 depending on your state, while a professional website could set you back around $300 to $3,000 depending on complexity and whether you hire a developer or use DIY solutions.
Office space considerations
Office space is a significant factor that can either make or break your budget. While a home office is a cost-effective solution, renting could range from $200 to $2,000 per month based on location and size. Coworking spaces are also an option, offering more flexibility and networking opportunities, typically costing between $100 to $500 per month.
Technology and software
Investing in technology and software is non-negotiable. The cost for essential tools such as CRM software, email marketing platforms, and project management tools can range from $50 to $400 per month. Industry-specific tools like Adobe Creative Cloud can cost roughly $53 per month, while SEO tools like SEMrush may run between $100 to $400 per month.
Hiring talent
If you plan to hire staff, consider salaries and associated benefits. Salaries can vary widely; for instance, an entry-level marketing coordinator might earn between $30,000 to $45,000 annually, whereas a digital marketing manager could command $60,000 to $100,000 a year. Freelancers are an alternative, with rates typically ranging from $20 to $150 per hour depending on expertise and task complexity.
Marketing your own agency
Finally, don’t underestimate the cost of marketing your own agency. Initial marketing expenses, such as paid ads, social media campaigns, and professional networking events, can range from $500 to $5,000 per month. Investing wisely in your marketing will directly influence your ability to attract and retain clients, making this an essential consideration.
Understanding these nuances and preparing accordingly will help you manage startup costs effectively and set your marketing agency on the path to success.
Potential Costs of Starting a Marketing Agency
Starting a marketing agency involves various potential costs, ranging from technology and tools to marketing, labor, and other operational expenses. Below is a detailed breakdown of these costs to help you better understand the financial commitment required.
| Expense Category | Description | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Technology/Hardware | ||
| Computers | High-performance desktops or laptops for your team | $1,000 - $2,500 per unit |
| Monitors | Dual monitors to improve productivity | $150 - $300 per monitor |
| Software & Tools | ||
| CRM Software | Customer Relationship Management software | $50 - $150 per month |
| Project Management Tools | SaaS tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com | $10 - $20 per user/month |
| SEO Tools | Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz | $100 - $400 per month |
| Design Software | Adobe Creative Cloud subscription | $52.99 per user/month |
| Email Marketing Software | Tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact | $10 - $300 per month |
| Hosting & Domain | ||
| Website Hosting | Reliable hosting service (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround) | $4 - $30 per month |
| Domain Name | Custom domain name registration | $10 - $15 per year |
| Marketing & Advertising | ||
| PPC Advertising | Pay-per-click advertising campaigns | $500 - $5,000 per month |
| Social Media Advertising | Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn ad campaigns | $300 - $5,000 per month |
| Content Creation | Blog posts, video content, infographics | $100 - $500 per piece |
| Office Space | ||
| Rent | Leasing office space (varies widely by location) | $500 - $5,000 per month |
| Utilities | Electricity, water, internet, etc. | $100 - $300 per month |
| Labor & Staffing | ||
| Salaries | Salaries for marketing specialists, designers, analysts | $40,000 - $80,000 per year per employee |
| Freelancers | Pay for freelance copywriters, designers, etc. | $20 - $150 per hour |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | ||
| Legal Fees | Incorporation, trademarks, contracts | $500 - $2,000 one-time |
| Accounting & Bookkeeping | Monthly bookkeeping, annual tax filing | $100 - $300 per month |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, printer ink, office furniture | $50 - $200 per month |
This comprehensive table includes all potential costs associated with starting a marketing agency to ensure you are well-prepared for the financial investment needed.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
