How Much Does Social Media Management Cost?

If you’re in the market to hire a freelance social media manager or an agency, you may be wondering how much social media management costs.

The truth is, there is no set standard across the industry, and it depends on a few different factors. But I can give you a ballpark figure of how much you may expect to pay. 

Typical social media management costs

In Australia and New Zealand, social media management services may cost anywhere between $500-$5,000 per month. Larger advertising agencies may charge much more. I know this is a wide range; it really depends on what you’re getting in your monthly social media management package/retainer (a monthly retainer is common for social media services).

To get more specific:

• A small business in New Zealand may expect to pay $500 – $1,500 per month for social media management services from a freelancer or small agency. 
• A medium-large sized business in New Zealand may expect to pay $2,000 – $5,000+ per month from a larger agency.

What do you get in a social media management package?

Social media pricing largely comes down to what deliverables are included in the package, and how experienced the freelancer or agency is. 

For example:

A less experienced social media marketer may charge an hourly rate of $30 – $40 per hour. Or, a smaller monthly package (e.g., $500 per month) typically means fewer deliverables (e.g., a small number of posts, with no daily community management or engagement, and no on-site content creation like photography or videography). 

Comprehensive social media packages offered by experienced freelancers or agencies can cost thousands of dollars. They may include 20+ posts per month, community management, engagement and growth strategies, content creation services, and more.

Here are the factors that influence social media management costs:

• How many posts you get per month.
• The mix of posts being produced (carousels, reels/short-form videos, static posts).
• How many social media platforms are being managed.
• Whether community management (responding to messages and comments) is included and what the expected turnaround time is (e.g., respond to messages within 12 hours). 
• Whether the freelancer/agency is managing paid social media ads (such as Meta ads).
• Content creation/content capture – does the freelancer/agency video or photograph content to use on the socials, or do you have to provide it?
• Video editing: Does the freelancer/agency edit reels and other video content?
• Influencer outreach: Does the freelancer/agency reach out to influencers, create influencer campaigns, and manage those relationships?
• How many meetings you get per month with the freelancer/agency (or how hands-on they are with your business).

Keep in mind that this isn’t an exhaustive list; packages and deliverables can range across countries, cities, and industries. 

If you’re looking for an experienced freelancer, my monthly social media management packages range from $500 – $2,500 per month.

My “starter” ($500) package is designed for small businesses that understand the importance of an active social media presence, but don’t yet have the budget for daily content. My top-end packages are for businesses seeking increased growth, visibility, and lead generation. Here’s what’s typically included in a $2,000 per month package.

You’ll work directly with me, Chelsea, who’s been working in marketing for 10 years. Feel free to request a call so we can discuss more about what you’re looking for – and don’t worry, there’s no obligation to go ahead!