Prices
How much does marketing cost for a small business in 2026?
Last updated November 13, 2026 · QuilcoHiring out a small business's marketing usually costs $500 to $2,500 a month for each service from an agency, before ad spend. Doing ads, a website, social posts, Google SEO and lead follow-up with separate companies often adds up to several thousand dollars a month.
What each piece usually costs
Most small businesses need the same five things, and each is usually sold separately. These ranges come from published 2026 pricing guides.
| Service | Agency | Freelancer |
|---|---|---|
| Ad management (Meta and Google) | $500–$2,000/mo plus ad spend | $250–$800/mo |
| Website | $5,000–$15,000 up front, plus $100–$1,000/mo | $500–$5,000 up front, plus $50–$150/mo |
| Social media posts | From about $2,500/mo | $300–$800/mo |
| Local SEO | $500–$2,500/mo, often a 6–12 month contract | $300–$1,000/mo |
| Lead answering | $200–$800/mo, often per call or lead | Not usually offered |
Why the total gets so high
The price isn't one bill, it's five. Each company has its own fee, contract, login and report, and none of them talk to each other. Your ad agency doesn't know what your website says, and nobody owns answering the leads the ads bring in.
What you actually need to pay for
Ad spend is the one cost you can't avoid if you run ads: that money goes to Meta or Google, not to whoever manages it. Everything else is labor: making ads, writing posts, building and updating the site, fixing SEO issues and replying to people. That labor is where software has changed the math.
How Quilco prices it
Quilco is one app that does all five for one price: $410 a month for ads, a website, social posts and Reels, Google SEO and lead replies. There are no contracts or setup fees, and you can cancel anytime. You still pay Meta and Google directly for your ad spend, and the ad accounts stay in your name.
When an agency is still worth it
If you spend a lot on ads every month, want a dedicated strategist on calls, or need TV, print or events, a full-service agency can be the right fit. For most local and small businesses that want their marketing done and done well, paying several thousand a month for five separate vendors is hard to justify.
Common questions
Does the monthly price include ad spend?
No. With Quilco, as with agencies, you pay Meta and Google directly for your ads. Quilco's price covers making, running and managing them.
Is there a contract?
No. Quilco is $410 a month with no contract or setup fee, and you can cancel anytime in the app.
Can I buy just one part, like the website?
No. Quilco has one plan with all five products, so your ads, site, posts, SEO and leads work together.
How much should a small business spend on ads?
It depends on your area, your prices and how many jobs you can take. Start with an amount you can keep up for a few months, so the platforms have time to learn what works, and raise it on what brings in customers.
Ads, website, posts, Google SEO and leads, handled
All five for $410 a month. No contracts, cancel anytime.