If you ask five providers what social media management costs, you will get five very different answers. That is not because someone is lying. It is because the phrase covers very different amounts of work. This guide explains what drives the price so you can compare quotes properly.
The short answer
The monthly cost depends mostly on how much content is produced, how much of it is video, how many platforms are covered, and who does the work. A freelancer working alone, a small agency and a large agency with account managers will charge differently for the same list of posts, because their costs and services differ.
Be careful with any quote that does not say exactly how many posts, of which kind, per month.
What drives the price
- Number of posts per month. More posts means more design, copywriting and scheduling time.
- Format mix. A static graphic is quicker than a carousel, and a well-edited reel takes longer than both.
- Platforms. Instagram and Facebook can share some content, while other platforms need their own formats.
- Content source. Working from your own product photos and footage is different from creating everything from scratch or arranging a shoot.
- Community management. Replying to comments and DMs takes real time, especially if you want fast replies.
- Reporting and strategy. A one-page monthly summary costs less than regular strategy calls.
- Who does the work. A solo freelancer, a small team and a large agency have very different overheads.
Common pricing models
Most providers use one of three approaches.
- Fixed monthly package: a set number of posts and formats for a fixed fee. Easy to compare and budget for.
- Per-deliverable pricing: you pay per post or per reel. Flexible if your needs change month to month.
- Custom retainer: a quote built around your goals, often with strategy and reporting. Usually costs more.
What is usually not included
Read the small print for these. They are commonly excluded or charged separately:
- Paid ad spend and ad management
- Photo or video shoots and models
- Influencer fees
- Revisions beyond an agreed number
- Work on additional platforms
Questions to ask before you sign
- How many posts of each type are included every month?
- Do I approve content before it is published?
- Who replies to comments and messages, and how quickly?
- What do I own if I leave: designs, files, account access?
- Is there a minimum contract period, and how do I cancel?
- What will the monthly report actually show?
Watch out for these red flags
- Guaranteed follower numbers or guaranteed sales
- Prices so low that no time could realistically be spent on your account
- Being asked to hand over your account password instead of being added as an admin or partner
- No clear list of deliverables
How we price it
We price 7Devs social media management as fixed monthly packages, with the number and type of posts spelled out. You can see the current packages on our pricing page, and you can talk to us on WhatsApp if you want a package adjusted for your business.