The Truth About Cheap Marketing: Why You’re Paying More in the Long Run
- Agape Digital Solutions
- May 1
- 2 min read
Updated: May 6
Every business owner wants to grow their business without breaking the bank.
"Can't I just find someone cheaper?"...
This is a common question from owners trying to stretch a tight budget.
And we totally get it, money matters.
But here's what most don't realise:
Cheap marketing often ends up being the most expensive decision you make.
Let's unpack why and what to look for instead.
What "Cheap Marketing" Usually Looks Like
Cheap doesn't just mean affordable. It usually means:
Unskilled freelancers charging low rates but lacking real experience
Cookie-cutter “one-size-fits-all” services
Poor communication, missed deadlines, and little to no strategy
“Quick wins” that don’t last or convert
And the result?
Bad websites that don’t convert
Poor social media engagement
Ads that waste money
Branding that confuses instead of connects
The Truth About Cheap Marketing
Here's how it hurts your business long-term:
Time wasted
If your “cheap” solution doesn't get results, you end up:
Repeating the work
Fixing mistakes
Hiring someone else to clean up the mess
Time = money. And lost time is lost opportunity.
Lost leads and sales
Poorly executed marketing means fewer people finding or trusting you.
That’s missed revenue—often much more than you would have paid to do it right the first time.
Damaged reputation
Bad visuals, broken websites, or inconsistent branding can make you look unprofessional.
And in the digital world, people judge fast.
First impressions online matter.
A poor one could cost you clients before they even call.
No clear strategy
Cheap marketing rarely comes with planning or data.
You end up guessing instead of growing.
Without a strategy, it’s like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping somethi
What Smart Marketing Investment Looks Like
We're not saying you need to spend thousands...
But you do need to invest wisely.
Here's what quality, affordable marketing should give you:
A clear strategy tailored to your goals
Honest advice (no upselling fluff)
Transparent pricing with real value
Consistent results and communication
Flexibility to scale as you grow
At Agape Digital Solutions, we believe in doing things properly, not expensively.
That’s why we offer flexible packages for small businesses who want real growth—not just likes or empty promises.
Real Example: Paying Twice
A Leicester-based tradesman hired a "budget" web designer for £200.
The site looked outdated, wasn't mobile-friendly, and their business didn't even show up on Google.
A few months later, he had to pay again to have the site redesigned properly—this time, for £600.
Total cost? £800 and three months lost.
This happens more than you'd think.
Final Thoughts
If you're serious about growing your business...
Cheap marketing will slow you down.
Leverage the truth about cheap marketing by avoiding it...
Instead of asking, "how much does it cost?", ask:
"What am I getting in return?"
Because value beats price every time!
Need Honest, Affordable Marketing That Works?
At Agape Digital Solutions, we work with Leicester-based businesses to build simple, effective marketing that actually gets results—without draining your time or budget.
