According to the SBA, you should base your marketing budget on a percentage of your revenue. Depending on your industry and stage of business, the amount can range from 1% to 12%. If you’re just starting a new small business with no revenue yet, it is important to factor branding and marketing into your startup budget so people can find your new business. While it is essential for all small businesses to set aside a percentage of revenue for marketing, there is good news. As you grow, the percentage of revenue needed to sustain healthy brand and marketing momentum typically gets smaller with time.