How much does a marketing agency cost per month for a UK startup?

It’s one of the first questions founders ask me, and one of the hardest to get a straight answer to. Most agencies don’t publish prices, so you find out what something costs three calls and a proposal later. Here’s how pricing actually works, and how to compare quotes fairly.

What drives the price

• Who does the work. Senior people cost more per hour but usually need far fewer hours. A cheap quote staffed by juniors can cost more once you count the rework and your own time spent managing it.

• Scope. Strategy, a website, regular content, ads and business development are different jobs. A quote that bundles them should show what’s in each.

• How long you commit. Monthly retainers usually have a minimum term because the first month is spent learning your business. Shorter commitments tend to cost more per month.

• What isn’t included. Ad spend, creator fees, stock photography and hosting are often extra. Ask for them in writing.

The three ways agencies charge

Day or hourly rates. Flexible, but hard to budget, and you carry the risk if work takes longer than expected.

Fixed-price projects. A set price for a defined piece of work, like a positioning sprint, a website or a set of videos. Easy to budget, as long as the scope is clear.

Monthly retainers. A fixed monthly fee for an agreed amount of ongoing work. Good for content, social and business development, where the value builds over months.

What we charge, so you have a reference point

We publish every price because founders shouldn’t have to guess. Our Founding Partner plan is £499 a month with a three-month minimum, covering strategy, a five-page website, eight posts a month and a monthly business development session. A two-week Positioning Sprint is £2,400. Ongoing business development starts at £1,500 a month, and a full team covering strategy, content, paid creative and business development starts at £5,950 a month, with ad spend on top.

Questions to ask before you sign

• Who exactly will do the work, and how senior are they?

• What’s included each month, and what would be quoted separately?

• What’s the minimum term, and what happens after it?

• How will I see progress? Weekly updates, a portal, monthly reports?

• What happens if we want to change direction halfway through?

If an agency can’t answer those clearly, the price on the proposal probably isn’t the price you’ll end up paying. If you want to talk through a quote you’ve been given, request a 20-minute call and I’ll give you an honest view.

Common questions