Social Media Management Pricing for Businesses
Social Media Management Pricing for Businesses
$500 – $5,000+ average cost per month
$20 – $200 average cost per hour
Average social media management pricing
Basic social media management fees range from $500 to $5,000 per month but may go up to $20,000 or more for complex campaigns and enterprise clients. Social media agency pricing varies based on the provider, package, or region. Freelancers often charge by the hour or per post instead of long-term rates.
| Service level | Price range |
|---|---|
| Per month | $500 – $5,000 |
| Per hour | $20 – $200 |
| Per post | $50 – $500 |
Social media packages pricing
Though freelance social media services offer flexibility and lower hourly rates, many companies and influencers opt to use professional social media management firms. The following table shows the average social media agency pricing based on the package type:
| Service level | Price range (per month) |
What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter or small business package |
$500 – $2,500 | Content creation, posting, basic engagement |
| Full-service package | $2,000 – $5,000 | Strategy, advanced content, ads management, reporting |
| Premium enterprise solutions | $5,000 – $20,000+ | Multi-channel, design, analytics, influencer, ads |
Small business
Social media management for a starter company costs $500 to $2,500 per month on average. This covers 1 to 2 accounts, basic content creation, and minimal engagement.
Full service
Full-service social media management packages for small and medium businesses (SMBs) cost $2,000 to $5,000 per month and include strategy creation, posts on multiple platforms, reports, and engaging with followers. This package tier is best for medium-sized, established companies.
Premium
Premium social media managers charge $5,000 to $20,000 per month or more and cover services such as ad management, advanced analytics, product design, communicating with influencers, and managing large teams.
Freelance social media manager prices
Freelance social media managers charge $20 to $200 per hour or $50 to $500 per post on average. The duties of a freelancer vary and may include creating posts, designing ads, and engagement. They can work with companies on a long-term basis or make a single post for an agreed-upon fee.
Fees are higher for experienced professionals with years of expertise or specializations in niche industries. Verify their credentials and experience level before hiring an individual.
Social media management cost factors
The following factors influence social media manager prices:
Geographic location: Rates can be higher in metropolitan areas or for U.S.-based agencies.
Number of platforms and posts: Managing multiple accounts on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, or TikTok costs more than a single account. Higher content volumes also increase overall costs.
Content quality and complexity: Studio photography, video production, and custom graphics are more expensive than basic posting.
Community size and engagement: Large, active followings require more moderation, support, and time.
Ad spend and management: In addition to service fees, paid ad campaigns demand separate budgets. Advertising costs $100 to $2,000 per month on average for a small business.
Tools and software costs: Advanced scheduling, analytics, and reporting tools may be included or charged extra.
Starting from scratch
If you're looking to start a new social media account with no followers, you'll need help expanding your brand and reaching new audiences. Many social media managers charge a one-time setup fee of $100 to $500. While creating an account is free, establishing a strong and effective presence involves ongoing investment.
Start with essential services and scale as your audience grows. You can also prepare batch content ahead of time before launching, which will allow you to dedicate more time to supporting other facets of your business.
What is a social media manager?
A social media manager is a professional who is responsible for creating, publishing, and analyzing content across social media channels to help businesses or individuals build their brand and engage with their audience. Social media management fees often cover the following services:
Content planning and scheduling
Post creation (image, video, copy)
Community management and engagement
Reporting and analytics
Strategy development
Paid ads management
Additional fees may apply for:
Custom design or video projects
Influencer or ambassador campaigns
Emergency postings or crisis communication
Software and reporting tools
Building a social media budget
Crafting a social media budget ensures every dollar spent supports clear business goals and delivers results. Start by outlining your objectives and estimating your needs for content, strategy, and engagement across each platform. Be sure to include these important considerations:
Content creation: Allocate resources for visuals, video, and copywriting.
Ad spend: Set aside a separate budget for social media ads.
Tool and software costs: Factor in scheduling, analytics, and reporting platforms.
Staff or agency fees: Budget for in-house roles, external agencies, or freelancers.
Training and development: Invest in courses or workshops to enhance skills.
Contingency fund: Prepare for unexpected needs like crisis management or campaign pivots.
Review and adjust your budget quarterly to reflect evolving business needs and platform trends.
Related services
Social media accounts are just one facet of a business's marketing strategy. Marketing costs often account for 5% to 15% of a company's total revenue. The table below shows the average cost of related services:
| Service type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Web design cost | $1,000 – $25,000 |
| Logo design cost | $200 – $2,500 |
| Brochure design cost | $15 – $1,500 |
| Email marketing cost | $500 – $3,000 per month |
| SEO cost | $500 – $5,000 per month |
Social media management FAQs
What does a social media manager do?
A social media manager handles content creation, scheduling, responding to messages and comments, measuring results, and shaping strategy to improve social presence and achieve business goals.
What is the best social media management tool?
Top tools for social media management include Sprout Social, Hootsuite, SocialPilot, and Buffer. The best choice depends on your business's scale, needs, and budget. These platforms help plan, schedule, engage, and track social media activities efficiently.
What are the best AI tools for social media management?
Popular AI-driven tools are Sprout Social (AI Assist), Lately, SocialBee, and SocialPilot. These tools can help with content, analytics, scheduling, and optimizing campaigns. However, if you're not tech-savvy, DIY tools may not be the best option. Try consulting with a professional before making important decisions that could negatively impact your business.
Getting estimates for social media management services
Getting a detailed, accurate quote for social media management can save you time and money. Follow these steps before hiring anyone:
Research popular companies and explore reviews on Talo and Google.
Ask for itemized quotes that break down services (e.g., content, engagement, reporting).
Discuss your goals and growth plans so quotes reflect your real needs.
Clarify if the proposal is hourly, monthly, or project based.
Find out if their fee includes ad spend, tools, or custom design.
Questions to ask before hiring
Ask these questions to confirm important details before hiring a social media manager or agency:
What is your experience in my industry or with my audience?
What specific services do you include in your fee?
What are your rates?
Do you charge hourly, monthly, or per post?
How do you measure and report success?
Are ads management and budget separate from your fee?
How do you handle content approval and crisis situations?
Which tools do you use for scheduling and analytics?
Is there a minimum contract term or cancellation fee?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.