How much should a local business budget for its online presence?
The most expensive budget is often the one you do not see: overlapping subscriptions, commissions on customers you already had, and time spent juggling five tools. Reviewing everything once a year often saves more than any negotiation.
The 4-step method
- Set a measurable goal: for example 20 more online bookings a month, 10 Google reviews a month, or 5 quote requests a week.
- List what leads there: being found (profile, reviews), convincing (website, photos, reviews), getting action (bookings, quotes, contact), bringing people back (emails, social).
- Take stock of your current subscriptions and commissions, with their yearly cost.
- Fill the gaps and cut duplicates, then measure the goal every month.
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ROI calculator
What more reviews and commission-free bookings could bring you, with your own figures.
The items to plan for, and what they cost
| Item | What it does | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Google profile | Being found on Google and Maps | Free |
| Website | Reassure, explain, take bookings | From a few euros to about €30 a month depending on the option (see website costs); agencies on quote |
| Bookings, appointments or quotes | Get action without the phone | Flat subscription or commission (see commission or subscription) |
| Review collection | Get regular reviews | Free by hand; a subscription to automate it |
| Review replies | Reply to every review | Your time, or a subscription |
| Social media | Show the business is alive, bring people back | Your time, a tool, or a provider (see social media manager or software) |
| Advertising (Google, Meta) | Occasional boost | Budget you set (see Google Ads or local SEO) |
| Printed materials | QR codes, flyers, table cards | Printing |
The most common duplicates
- An agency website and a “mini-site” included in the booking tool, both paid for
- A commission booking platform when a commission-free direct link already exists
- Two tools each sending review requests
- A social media scheduler on top of a manager who uses their own
- A domain name paid to one provider when it is included with another subscription
Budget examples by trade (fictional, to adapt)
| Business (fictional example) | Goal | Items chosen | Monthly budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-cover crêperie | More online bookings and reviews | Website + Bookings (€49), Review collection + replies (€49) | €98, or €119 for all six services |
| Hair salon | Commission-free online appointments | Bookings (€29), Review collection (€29) | €58 |
| Plumber | Quote requests and reviews | Website with quote form (€29), Review collection (€29), occasional ads for emergencies | €58 + capped ads |
| Shop | More footfall, loyalty | Social media (€29), Review collection (€29) | €58 |
Voxtya monthly prices (billed yearly: €23 per service, €39 for two, €95 for six). The cheapest combination is worked out automatically when you tick your services: two linked services come to €49, and beyond that the €119 Suite can work out cheaper.
Tracking what each euro brings
Each month, note three figures: online bookings or requests received, new reviews, and average rating. Compare with the previous month and with nearby competitors. If an item moves none of these in three months, rethink it. The ROI calculator helps estimate what direct bookings bring; the Visibility & insights service tracks your rating and reviews against competitors every month.
This guide for your trade
Go further
Sources
The rules quoted in this guide come from these official pages, checked on October 30, 2026.