How Much Does Advertising Cost for a Small Business Per Month

The average small business spends between NZD 500 and NZD 5,000 per month on advertising, depending on their size, industry, goals, and marketing channels.

Your actual budget should align with your growth targets, competition, and the return you expect from each advertising dollar.

Typical Monthly Advertising Costs by Channel

• Google Ads – NZD 300 to NZD 2,000+
  Ideal for driving leads quickly, especially for service-based or local businesses. Cost varies based on keyword competition and targeting.

• Social Media Ads (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) – NZD 200 to NZD 1,500
  Useful for brand awareness, remarketing, and visual promotions. Social ads tend to be cheaper per click but often less intent-driven.

• SEO and Content Marketing – NZD 500 to NZD 3,000
  While technically not “ads,” many small businesses invest in SEO to generate free, long-term traffic. Monthly costs cover strategy, writing, and optimisation.

• Local Directory Listings (e.g., Yellow, NZME) – NZD 50 to NZD 300
  Helpful for visibility in specific regions and boosting local search presence.

• Traditional Media (radio, print, billboards) – NZD 1,000+
  Often higher in cost and less targeted but still used by small businesses in certain industries.

Budget Recommendation for Small Businesses

A good rule of thumb is to allocate 7% to 10% of your gross monthly revenue toward marketing, with a portion of that dedicated to paid advertising.

For example, a business generating NZD 10,000 per month might spend NZD 700 to NZD 1,000 on ads and related campaigns.

Final Thought

Your advertising budget should be based on clear goals — whether it’s generating leads, boosting brand awareness, or increasing sales.

Starting with a smaller monthly spend and scaling based on data is often the smartest path for small businesses.

Would you like this version tailored to specific industries (like trades, ecommerce, or professional services) or used in a broader pricing guide for your agency?

Get in touch today for a chat or book a we can manage your Google Ads Campaign