How to create a marketing budget

You can hit marketing goals at every level of a marketing budget. Before creating your budget, pin down a dollar amount that you will be able to spend on marketing, no matter how small or large. Once you have that number, you can then look at the budget from a resources perspective: What can you handle internally? What can you outsource? What can you learn to do? Once those decisions are made, you’re ready to begin planning the nitty-gritty of your budget. We’re breaking down what you should include in your budget based on:

1. Just the basics
2. Mid-range
3. Wishful thinking

• Just the basics. Every marketing budget must include these basic components:

1. Basic Website: Use a website builder like Wix or Squarespace.
2. E-newsletter: MailChimp offers a free option for under 2,000 subscribers.
3. Social Media: Start with one platform (like Facebook).
4. Fall direct mail: Design and print internally using Adobe InDesign or Canva.com.
5. Handwritten thank you notes

 

• Mid-range.

1. WordPress theme website: Budget for initial design & quarterly maintenance.
2. E-newsletter
3. Social Media: Add 1-2 more platforms.
4. Fall and spring direct mail
5. Annual report
6. Printed donor retention piece – like a newsletter (not an ask)

• Wishful thinking. These are items that would be great to add and outsource when the budget increases with additional funding from grants etc.

1. Custom WordPress website
2. Increased social media
3. Annual report
4. Blog writing
5. Email blast management

No matter what your budget is, you can create a marketing plan that works for you and your organization. If you’re looking for help with one of these components, let’s chat!