How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Digital Marketing Firm? (Retailer’s Guide for 2025)
If you’re a retailer thinking about hiring a marketing firm, you’re probably asking:
“How much does it cost to hire a digital marketing agency — and what should I expect for that price?”
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it’s a good one. Whether you’re new to working with an agency or you’re comparing options, understanding what affects the price can help you make a smarter investment.
In this article, we’ll break down:
What most marketing firms charge per month
What drives those costs up or down
How much to budget for ad spend
The difference between in-house and agency costs
What to look for (and avoid) when choosing a firm
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Full-Service Marketing Firm?
Before we talk numbers, let’s define what we mean by a marketing firm.
A full-service marketing firm helps you with creative, graphics, video, execution, ad management, email, data tracking, and reporting — all under one roof. You won’t need to hire multiple vendors or juggle three different companies to handle email, video, and paid ads separately.
Average Cost to Hire a Marketing Firm
Most marketing firms charge between $3,000–$5,000 per month for small to mid-sized retail businesses.
That typically gives you access to 3–5 team members — strategists, designers, and ad specialists — working on your account.
Here’s how pricing usually breaks down:
Quick comparison:
Hiring an in-house marketing team of 3–5 people would cost you roughly $30,000 per month in payroll. For about one-tenth of that, an agency gives you access to comparable skills and tools.
Typical Service Costs by Channel
Here’s what you can expect to pay for specific services at most agencies:
Pro Tip: Always ask about output volume — how many graphics, emails, or videos are included in your monthly fee. More volume usually means more visibility and better ROI.
How Much Should Retailers Spend on Marketing?
Example:
A client paying their old agency $4,000 per month (with only $1,000 in ad spend) switched to Omni, charging $2,500 in fees and $2,500 in ad spend.
→ Their ad budget more than doubled without raising total cost — and results improved.
In-House vs. Agency: Which Is Cheaper?
Example: How to Structure a Marketing Budget
If you’re a retailer starting fresh, here’s a simple fee model you can follow:
How to Vet a Marketing Firm (and Red Flags to Avoid)
Ask these questions before you sign a contract:
What platforms do you specialize in? (Be cautious if they claim to “do everything.”)
What KPIs will we measure — sales, traffic, or ROI?
How will reporting and communication work?
What is the expected output each month (ads, videos, emails)?
Who will be on my account team?
Red flags:
No clear KPIs or pricing breakdown
Overpromising results
Vague deliverables
No intake or strategy process
Poor fit with your goals or budget
So, What Should You Budget Overall?
For most retailers, a $3,000–$5,000 monthly budget is a great place to start.
This level gets you measurable ROI and enough creative production to stay competitive without overextending your budget.
Final tip: If you’re not sure where to start, begin with Meta ads, email, and design. Add SMS or video once you start seeing traction.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a marketing firm isn’t just about outsourcing — it’s about gaining a full team of experts for a fraction of the in-house cost.
If you’re a retailer trying to grow local traffic, increase repeat purchases, and measure what’s actually working, investing in the right marketing partner can pay for itself many times over.
Need help evaluating your options?
At Omni Digital Group, we specialize in helping retailers drive measurable in-store and online results through digital marketing.
Schedule a free strategy call — no pressure, just real numbers and advice.