TL;DR
In marketing, you can’t have it all—good, fast, and cheap at the same time. If you choose cheap and fast, quality suffers. If you want fast and good, be ready to pay a premium. If you go with good and cheap, it will take time and consistency. Real business growth comes from working with an agency that balances strategy, quality, and efficiency for long-term results.
This image accurately describes the dilemma that businesses face when paying for marketing services.
You can’t always get what you want, but when you work with the right marketing agency, you can count on getting what you need. So what’s the optimal equation? Let’s consider the options:
Cheap & Fast
We want results now, and we want them dirt cheap! Unfortunately, when we prioritize savings and speed, quality almost always falls short. No matter how cheap and fast it comes, ineffective marketing isn’t worth any investment at all.
Fast & Good
This sounds like the best outcome, but what price does it come at? For special situations, when time is of the essence and quality can’t be compromised, it is worth it to shell out big bucks on marketing. However, most business owners know that if they want their business to continue growing in the future, it requires consistent marketing efforts over time. This growth doesn’t typically come “fast”, but the results are more than “good”- and best of all: it doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank.
Good & Cheap
Unless you’re working with a very large budget, good marketing takes time. Solid brand awareness can’t be built overnight, and a big sale will take multiple touches before the prospect is ready to buy. If you stay persistent and work with a good marketing agency, your business will grow.
Plum’s expert marketing advisors can help you strategize for long-term growth using cost-efficient marketing strategies: learn about our various marketing services at tryplum.com, or give us a call today at 1-800-992-9663 to speak with an advisor.
FAQs
What does good, fast, cheap mean in marketing?
Business owners often search for the “good, fast, cheap” rule in marketing. It means you can only prioritize two of the three: quality, speed, or low cost. If you want all three at once, you’ll likely end up sacrificing results.
Why is cheap and fast marketing a bad idea?
Many ask if cheap and fast marketing can work. The answer is no, because rushing campaigns at low cost usually lowers quality, making the investment ineffective and leaving businesses without real results.
Is fast and good marketing worth paying for?
Small business owners often wonder if paying extra for fast and good marketing is worth it. It can be in urgent situations, but for long-term growth, consistent and strategic marketing usually works better.
How does good and cheap marketing help long-term growth?
People often search if good and cheap marketing is effective. The truth is, while it takes more time, good and affordable marketing builds awareness, trust, and customer loyalty that drive sustainable growth.
How can Plum Marketing balance good, fast, and cheap for my business?
Many business owners search for agencies that balance quality and cost. Plum offers expert strategies, like direct mail and digital marketing—that are cost-efficient, high-quality, and built for long-term results.
