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Gameplan

From the team

Marketing insights for
small business

Practical advice on brand, website, social media, and growth — from the people who do it every day.

How much should a small business spend on marketing — budget planning
Strategy 6 min read

How Much Should a Small Business Spend on Marketing?

The '10% of revenue' rule is useless for a small business. The real answer depends on which model you pick — here's what an in-house hire, an agency, DIY tools, and a managed service actually cost.

June 7, 2026

Managed marketing service vs agency vs in-house comparison
Strategy 10 min read

Managed Marketing Service vs Agency vs In-House

Comparing your options for marketing a small business — managed marketing service, traditional agency, in-house hire, or freelancers. A plain-English breakdown of what each costs, how fast they move, and which is right for where you are now.

June 2, 2026

What is a managed marketing service for small business
Strategy 8 min read

What Is a Managed Marketing Service?

A managed marketing service handles your entire marketing operation for a flat monthly fee — brand, website, social media, email, and ads. Here's what it includes, how it works, and whether it's right for your business.

May 26, 2026

CRM for startups — managed HubSpot by Gameplan
Strategy 6 min read

HubSpot for Small Business: What It Does Well and What It Doesn't Replace

HubSpot is a genuinely powerful CRM and marketing platform. But getting the software isn't the same as doing the marketing. Here's where it fits — and where it doesn't.

March 8, 2024

Fractional CMO impact and advantages for business strategy
Strategy 7 min read

What a Fractional CMO Does — and When a Managed Service Makes More Sense

A fractional CMO gives you senior marketing leadership without the full-time cost. But they set strategy — they don't execute it. Here's how the model works, who it fits, and when a managed marketing service is the better call.

March 7, 2024

Go-to-market plan guide for startups and small business
Strategy 6 min read

Your Go-To-Market Plan Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

A go-to-market plan for a small business isn't a 40-page deck. It's clear answers to three questions: who you're selling to, what you're saying, and how you'll reach them.

March 7, 2024

Custom branding and web design for startups and SMBs
Branding 5 min read

The Power of Custom Branding & Web Design

Custom branding is essential for creating a unique, trustworthy identity aligned with your startup's values — and a website that converts first-time visitors into buyers.

March 4, 2024

Brand personality and voice in marketing
Branding 6 min read

The Role of Brand Personality and Voice in Marketing

In today's competitive market, branding for startups and small businesses has become more crucial than ever. Your brand's personality and voice are what make you memorable.

December 20, 2023

Why small business branding is critical to marketing success
Branding 5 min read

Why Your Small Business Needs Branding to Succeed

Branding is a crucial — and often overlooked — aspect of marketing your small business. Here's why getting it right from day one sets you up for long-term success.

December 19, 2023

Content marketing for startups and SMBs
Content Marketing 7 min read

Why Content Marketing is Key for Startups & SMBs

Content marketing is a crucial strategy for startups looking to establish their brand and attract potential customers — without the cost of paid acquisition.

August 2, 2023

Generative AI vs AI automation — two types of AI explained
Strategy 6 min read

What AI Actually Does for Small Business Marketing (And What It Doesn't)

AI already changed what's affordable in small business marketing. The real question isn't whether to use it — it's who's managing it well on your behalf. Here's the honest version.

July 26, 2023

Surveying customers is key to business success
Customer Success 5 min read

The Importance of Surveying Customers to Drive Success

As a small business owner, you wear multiple hats. But listening to your customers — systematically — is the one habit that will give every other decision better odds.

July 17, 2023