Trick question: how much money does your small business spend on marketing each year?

Why is this a trick question?

Because if you’re doing marketing properly, it should be making you money, not costing you money.

Of course, there’s always an upfront cost to marketing. But if it’s effective marketing, then the amount of money that will flow back into your business should exceed the amount you originally spent. 

If, on the other hand, your marketing isn’t generating a return on your investment, that suggests you’re not doing it properly. 

Good marketing isn’t an expense, it’s an investment in your future profits.