In today’s digital-first world, every business—from start-ups and solo founders to scaling SMEs—wants to get more value out of their marketing. But there’s always the same challenge: limited time, limited budget, and big goals.
So naturally, two of the most common (and important) questions we hear at Virtual Marketers are:
- “What’s the cheapest form of digital marketing?”
- “What’s a good budget for digital marketing?”
Whether you're new to digital or refining your current strategy, this blog will help you unpack both. We’ll guide you through the most cost-effective tactics and show you how to approach budgeting with confidence—so you can build traction without burning through cash.
What Is the Cheapest Form of Digital Marketing?
Let’s start with the obvious: “cheap” doesn’t always mean “low quality.” In fact, some of the most powerful digital strategies are low-cost or free—they just take consistency, creativity, and clarity.
Here are the top contenders for the cheapest digital marketing tactics that actually work.
1. Content Marketing (SEO Blogging) – High ROI, Low Cost
Blogging is still one of the best long-term marketing tools you can invest in. When aligned with SEO (search engine optimisation), blog content can bring in free, organic traffic for months or years after it’s published.
Let’s say you run a financial advisory firm in Wellington, New Zealand. Writing a blog post on “5 Financial Planning Mistakes NZ Business Owners Make” not only positions you as an expert—it can also drive Google traffic from people actively searching for help.
Why it’s cheap:
- You can write it yourself if you’ve got the time and know-how.
- You can optimise it with free tools like Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner.
- One blog post can be repurposed into multiple formats: emails, social posts, PDFs, and more.
Cost breakdown:
- DIY: Free
- Outsourced content writing: ~$150–$500 per post
- ROI: Medium to long-term (3–6+ months for SEO traction)
👉 Pro tip: Focus on long-tail keywords (e.g., “how to write a marketing budget for a small NZ business”)—they’re easier to rank for and often have higher intent.
2. Organic Social Media – Free Reach with the Right Strategy
Posting consistently on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok can build trust, boost brand awareness, and generate leads—without spending a cent.
Yes, algorithms have become more competitive, but high-value content can still cut through. You don’t need to dance on Reels or post every day to be effective—just be helpful, relevant, and real.
Examples of cost-effective content:
- Short tips or “how-to” videos using your phone
- Sharing behind-the-scenes moments or company culture
- User-generated content or customer testimonials
- Industry commentary and thought leadership (especially on LinkedIn)
Why it’s cheap:
- Posting is free
- Great for building community and trust
- Can double as customer service and brand visibility
Cost breakdown:
- DIY: $0–$50 (using Canva or design apps to design visually appealing content)
- Outsourced social media: ~$500–$2,000/month
- ROI: Short to medium-term, depending on niche and engagement
👉 Pro tip: Start with 2–3 core content themes and rotate consistently—this keeps your feed engaging without being overwhelming.
3. Email Marketing – Small List, Big Results
Email marketing has one of the highest returns on investment of any channel—averaging around $36 for every $1 spent globally.
Even if you have a list of just 200 subscribers, if they’re engaged and your content is targeted, you can convert leads, drive sales, and keep your brand top of mind.
Great email tactics include:
- Automated welcome sequences
- Monthly newsletters
- Exclusive offers
- Re-engagement campaigns
- Educational content
Why it’s cheap:
- List growth can happen organically through your website or social media
- Email platforms are low-cost (many have free tiers)
- Automation saves time and increases effectiveness
Cost breakdown:
- Tools (e.g., MailerLite, Kit): Free to ~$100/month
- Email copywriting and design (if outsourced): ~$100–$300 per campaign
- ROI: Often immediate if you’re promoting offers or services
👉 Pro tip: Always offer value before asking for a sale—give, give, give, then ask.
4. Referral and Word-of-Mouth (Digitally Amplified)
Your happiest customers are your best marketers. Whether it’s through social media shout-outs, Google Reviews, or simple word-of-mouth, referrals cost next to nothing and often convert better than cold leads.
Encourage your customers to:
- Leave Google or Facebook reviews
- Tag you on Instagram or LinkedIn
- Refer friends or colleagues (maybe with a discount or reward)
Why it’s cheap:
- There’s little to no spend involved
- Builds credibility and trust quickly
- Can be automated or scaled via email/social
Cost breakdown:
- $0 to a small referral incentive ($10–$50)
- ROI: High-quality leads with low acquisition cost
Bonus: DIY SEO
If you’re willing to put in a little learning time, DIY SEO can be one of the smartest and cheapest things you do for your site. Simple things like optimising title tags, internal links, and meta descriptions can make a real impact—especially for local NZ businesses.
So… What’s the Cheap Digital Strategy?
In short:
- Content marketing (blog + SEO) = long-term traffic
- Email marketing = warm leads + repeat business
- Organic social = brand awareness and relationship-building
- Referrals = trust-driven growth
👉 Start with content. Build your email list. Be active on one or two social platforms. Then amplify with referrals.
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