It’s exciting to start a business. Designing your logo, printing business cards, building your first website—it all feels like progress. It’s proof that your idea is real.
But somewhere between that rush of creativity and the day-to-day grind of running the show, the question hits:
“Should I hire a marketing company?”
The answer? Not always.
At Pullman Marketing, we love helping businesses grow—but we also believe in honesty. Sometimes, it’s just not the right time to bring in outside marketing help. So instead of pitching you with promises, let’s walk through the situations where you might not need to hire a marketing company (yet).
1. You Don’t Have a Marketing Budget Yet
If your revenue is tight and you’re still working on stabilizing your operations, it might not be the time to invest in a full-service agency.
Marketing requires upfront spend—especially if you want results from paid ads, lead generation, or SEO. Some industries need 60%–80% more in initial ad spend just to find the right customer profile. If your budget can’t support that investment, don’t stretch it.
But somewhere between that rush of creativity and the day-to-day grind of running the show, the question hits:
“Should I hire a marketing company?”
The answer? Not always.
At Pullman Marketing, we love helping businesses grow—but we also believe in honesty. Sometimes, it’s just not the right time to bring in outside marketing help. So instead of pitching you with promises, let’s walk through the situations where you might not need to hire a marketing company (yet).
Smart Move:
Focus on relationship-building, referrals, and low-cost grassroots efforts until you have consistent cash flow.
2. Sales Are Too Low to Justify Paid Advertising
For many retail-based businesses, the cost to acquire a new customer (CPA) can eat up most of your profit margin. In some cases, the math just doesn’t add up.
Running Facebook or Google Ads could cost $1,500–$5,000/month, while in-person demos or local networking might cost less than $250.
Alternative Strategy:
If you’re in early growth, stick to direct engagement. Hand out samples, book face-to-face meetings, or attend community events. Build trust before you build traffic.
3. Your Business Isn’t a Good Match for Digital-First Marketing
Some businesses, especially those in highly regulated industries (like healthcare or legal), face serious limitations when it comes to advertising online. HIPAA, GDPR, and other compliance concerns can make typical ad strategies risky or off-limits.
Legal First, Marketing Second:
If you need approval from a Compliance Officer or legal team before launching anything, you’re better off starting with a specialized agency that understands your industry’s unique boundaries.
4. You’re Buying or Selling the Business
If you’re in the middle of purchasing or selling a business, press pause on any major marketing initiatives. The deal needs to close before you lock into a new website build, rebrand, or ad campaign.
Why Wait:
Franchises may come with standardized marketing materials you can use later. For independent buyers, it’s best to learn the ropes first—then scale marketing once you’ve settled in.
If you’re closing your business due to low revenue, marketing likely isn’t the magic fix. Contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for more effective paths forward.
5. It’s Just Not Cost Effective (Yet)
Launching a beautiful eCommerce website is exciting. But if you’re still testing your product market fit or generating less than a few thousand dollars in monthly sales, it might be too early.
Try This Instead:
Start small:
- Farmer’s Markets
- Facebook Marketplace
- Etsy or eBay
These platforms come with fees, but they also help you build an audience before investing in your own website and ad strategy.
Remember: Your email list and customer base are more valuable long-term than any flashy homepage.
But When You’re Ready—Here’s How We Can Help
We built Pullman Marketing to serve small and mid-sized businesses that need reliable, practical, and effective marketing help—without being overwhelmed by tech or burned by big-agency promises.
“I’m amazed at how Pullman helped me turn my vision into something real and viable.”
—Jason Dyke, Revival Home Performance
Read more at RevivalHP.com
Final Thought: Be Strategic With Every Dollar
Marketing should never feel like a gamble. Whether you’re just starting out or gearing up for growth, it’s okay to wait until the time is right. But when you’re ready, the right partner can turn your brand into something that customers don’t just notice—they trust.