“How much does social media management cost?” is the first question almost every business owner asks us, and the honest answer is that it depends on what you need done. A single platform with a few posts a week is a very different job from running four platforms, producing video and managing ad budgets.
This guide breaks down what drives the price, what you should expect at each level, and how to tell whether you’re getting real value.
What drives the cost
- Number of platforms. Each platform needs its own sizing, captions, posting rhythm and community management. Two platforms is a very different workload from four.
- Posting volume. Twelve posts a month and twenty posts a month are different amounts of design, writing and scheduling.
- Original content vs. reposting. Custom graphics, short-form video and copywriting take real creative time. Recycled stock content is cheaper, and it shows.
- Engagement. Replying to comments and messages, and managing your community, is ongoing daily work.
- Paid advertising. Running ads means setting up campaigns, writing ad copy, targeting and reporting, on top of the ad spend itself.
- Video. Promo videos and reels are the most effective content on social, and the most time-intensive to produce.
- Reporting and strategy. Monthly, bi-weekly or weekly reports, plus strategy sessions, add value and time.
Typical price levels
Across the industry, social media help ranges from a few hundred dollars a month for a freelancer posting on one platform to many thousands for a full-service agency. Rather than guess at other people’s pricing, here’s exactly what our three packages include, so you can compare like with like.
Essentials: $2,000 / month
For businesses establishing a strong online presence: Facebook and Instagram management, 12 scheduled posts and 4 custom content pieces a month, one 30-second promo video per quarter, managed Google and Meta ads ($500 monthly budget each), and a monthly performance report.
Growth: $5,000 / month
For businesses ready to expand: three platforms including LinkedIn, 15 posts a month with active community management, 6 custom pieces with design and copywriting, a 60-second promo video per quarter, Google, Meta and LinkedIn ads ($1,000 monthly budgets), two email campaigns a month, and bi-weekly reporting.
Premium: $10,000 / month
For an all-encompassing strategy: up to four platforms, 20 posts a month, 8 custom pieces plus branding, a 90-second promo video per quarter with animation and voiceover, retargeting across platforms, four email campaigns a month with A/B testing, weekly reports and quarterly strategy sessions.
See the full breakdown on our pricing page.
How to tell if you’re getting value
- Is the content original? Ask to see examples made for real clients, not templates.
- Who replies to your customers? Engagement should be included, not an add-on.
- Do you get clear reports? You should see reach, engagement, clicks and conversions explained in plain language.
- Is there a strategy? Posting without a plan is just noise. You should know what each month is trying to achieve.
- Does it connect to your website? Social media should drive people somewhere that converts. A slow or dated website wastes the attention you’re paying for.
The bottom line
The right budget is the one that matches your goals. If you need a steady presence on Facebook and Instagram, start lean. If you want social, video, ads and email working together to drive growth, a fuller package usually costs less than hiring each skill separately.
Not sure where you fit? Take our 30-second package quiz or book a free strategy call.