WSI Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

WSI offers digital marketing solutions, helping businesses optimize their online presence through SEO, social media, and digital advertising strategies.

Founded in 1995 in Toronto, Canada, WSI has established itself as a premier digital marketing franchise. With its headquarters remaining in Toronto, the company began franchising in the same year, rapidly expanding its global presence.

WSI specializes in providing comprehensive digital marketing solutions, including website design, search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, social media management, and more.

What sets WSI apart from its competitors is its extensive network of Digital Marketing Consultants who operate worldwide, delivering customized strategies tailored to the unique needs of businesses across various industries.

This personalized approach, combined with a commitment to staying at the forefront of digital trends, enables WSI to offer innovative and effective marketing solutions that drive business growth.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $64,700 to $79,700
Travel and Related Expenses During Training $0 to $4,000
Computer and Related Equipment $0 to $4,000
Real Estate (See Note 4)
Office Supplies and Misc. $200 to $500
Permits and Licenses $500
Telephone/Internet (Installation) $100 to $200
Marketing and Lead Generation $9,000 to $12,000
Legal and Accounting $1,000 to $2,000
Insurance $400 to $600
Additional Funds – 3 Months $1,500 to $3,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment for Regional Territory $77,400 to $90,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment for National Territory $82,400 to $95,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment for International Territory $92,400 to $106,500
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $64,700 to $79,700
Travel and Related Expenses During Training $0 to $4,000
Computer and Related Equipment $0 to $4,000
Real Estate (See Note 4)
Office Supplies and Misc. $200 to $500
Permits and Licenses $500
Telephone/Internet (Installation) $100 to $200
Marketing and Lead Generation $9,000 to $12,000
Legal and Accounting $1,000 to $2,000
Insurance $400 to $600
Additional Funds – 3 Months $1,500 to $3,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment for Regional Territory $77,400 to $90,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment for National Territory $82,400 to $95,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment for International Territory $92,400 to $106,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The WSI franchise provides a comprehensive two-staged training program for franchisees. This begins with the "WSI Digital Marketing Foundations," which is delivered through a combination of e-learning, coaching, and culminates in a five-day training session.

This program focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of operating the franchise, providing foundational knowledge necessary for success.Upon successful completion, franchisees are awarded the "Certified Franchisee" designation.

The training then progresses to the "Quick Start Program" (QSP), a six-month phase that emphasizes hands-on application of the initial training and develops the competencies required to run the WSI business. Successful completion of QSP earns franchisees the "Digital Marketing Professional Certification."

The training also includes additional opportunities as the franchisee advances, allowing for the provision of a broader range of services. Additional training or on-site support can be requested or required based on operational needs.

Territory Protection

WSI grants franchisees a non-exclusive Designated Territory where they can operate and solicit business, but they may face competition from other WSI franchises and the franchisor’s own outlets.

Higher-level licenses, such as National or International, allow broader customer solicitation, but the non-exclusive nature remains.

The franchisor retains the right to use all distribution channels, including online and telemarketing, within the territory without compensating the franchisee. Relocations or expansions require prior written approval, ensuring operations adhere to franchise guidelines.

Competitors

Below are some of

WSI

key competitors in the

Marketing

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

148

New
+
-17%
-17%

$79,700

$77,000

$107,000

n.a.

$2,656,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Tapinto

TapInto is a content-marketing and digital-franchise service offering hyper-local news websites under franchisee ownership, serving local business advertisers and community readers, and known for turnkey digital platform, recurring ad revenue and scalable model.

Franchisees

?

96
+
10%
10%
Investment

?

$7,000 - $11,000

yorCMO

yorCMO is a fractional marketing franchise offering outsourced CMO services, serving small to mid-sized businesses, and known for its proven process, back-end support, and rapid launch for marketing leaders.

Franchisees

?

29
+
107%
107%
Investment

?

$38,000 - $52,000

Money Mailer

Money Mailer is a direct mail advertising franchise that helps local businesses reach customers through targeted coupons and promotional materials.

Franchisees

?

33
+
-31%
-31%
Investment

?

$65,000 - $79,000

Stroll

Stroll is a neighborhood magazine franchise that connects local businesses with affluent communities through customized, high-quality publications.

Franchisees

?

546
+
6%
6%
Investment

?

$2,000 - $13,000

Proforma

Proforma provides marketing and branding solutions, offering a wide range of promotional products, printing services, and digital marketing support.

Franchisees

?

542
+
-10%
-10%
Investment

?

$7,000 - $28,000

Coffee News

Coffee News is a weekly publication distributed in local restaurants and coffee shops, offering lighthearted news, trivia, and advertisements, providing an engaging read for diners.

Franchisees

?

191
+
-35%
-35%
Investment

?

$11,000 - $12,000