MARKET YOURSELF
APRIL EDWARDS
Build Your Blueprint: Why a Marketing Budget is the Key to Growing Your Deck Business in 2025
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OU’VE SEEN IT—that deck builder with the sharp website, professional videos, and ads everywhere. They didn’t ‘see what happens’ with cheap SEO or Facebook boosts—they invested in marketing that grows their brand and brings in consistent leads. I get it—marketing feels like a big unknown, especially if you’ve never invested before. Most deck builders start small, hoping a little spend will be a silver bullet or just seeing what sticks. But here’s the reality: a budget that’s too small won’t move the needle. You’ll spend the money and see nothing change. If you’re going to start small, make it count. Put your money where it can actually move the needle. A smart, intentional budget—no matter the size—can deliver real results. Starting Small: What a 3% Budget Looks Like A 3% budget lays the groundwork: building trust, generating leads, and creating visibility—based on your target revenue goal, not where you are now. Example Budget for a $1M Business (3% = $30,000 annually): • Website Refresh ($3,000–$5,000): A clean, professional site that builds trust with project photos, reviews, and simple calls-to-action. It ensures you don’t lose leads and acts as your 24/7 digital business card. • Basic SEO ($12,000 annually): Focused on getting you on the map. Includes foundational SEO and content— like cost guides, project galleries, and blogs—to help
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you show up on Google and bring in leads. • Google Ads ($12,000 annually): Paid ads get you in front of homeowners now. Show up at the top of Google when someone searches for “custom deck builder [city].” While even $1,500 a month can start landing 1–2 projects, spending less than that often won’t get you the results you need. • Social Media Marketing ($3,000 annually): Stay visible on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Share project photos, testimonials, and updates to build trust and keep your brand top of mind. Goals for a 3% Budget: With this budget, you’re focused on steady, manageable growth: • Filling gaps in your schedule. • Keeping your crews busy. • Starting to build your reputation and visibility in your market. It’s a solid first step. But here’s the reality: the bigger your goals—like landing higher-value projects, expanding into a new area, or growing your team—the more you may need to invest. Thinking Bigger: What a 5% Budget Can Do Many builders scale steadily with 2–3%. A 5% budget helps you grow faster—bringing in consistent leads, bigger projects, and opportunities to dominate your market.