How Much Does a Social Media Manager Cost? 5 Options for Small Businesses
How freelancers and agencies charge, the hidden cost of doing it yourself, and 5 options side by side.
By the Next5 team · · 3 min read
You know you should post more. You also know you do not have the time. So you start asking: what would it cost to hand this off?
The honest answer: it depends on who you hire and what they do. This guide shows how each option charges, what you get, and how to compare them with your own numbers.
What a social media manager does
- Plans what to post (the content calendar)
- Makes the posts: photos, slideshows, videos, captions
- Posts them on time
- Answers comments and messages
- Checks the numbers and changes the plan
When you get a quote, ask which of these are included. Many low quotes only cover posting, not making the content.
How they charge
| Model | How it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | You pay for hours worked | Hours add up fast when content is made from scratch |
| Monthly retainer | A set price for a set number of posts and apps | Extra fees for videos, ads or new apps |
| Per post | A price for each post made | Check if posting and captions are included |
| Agency package | A team handles strategy, content and reports | Long contracts and setup fees |
5 options compared
1. Do it yourself
Cost: $0 in cash. But making a good post can take 20 to 60 minutes. At one post a day, that is 10 to 30 hours a month. Multiply those hours by what your time is worth. That is your real cost.
2. A freelancer
Good for a steady monthly plan. Prices vary a lot by city and skill. Ask for 3 quotes for the same list: number of posts, apps, and whether they make the photos and videos.
3. An agency
Good when you also want ads, strategy and a team. It usually costs the most. Read the contract length before you sign.
4. A part-time hire
Good if you want someone in your shop who can film behind the scenes. Add payroll costs, training and the tools they need.
5. A done-for-you content tool
Good when you mainly need posts made and posted every day. With Next5 you pay $2.99 per slideshow or video. One post a day for 30 days is $89.70. No subscription, no contract.
How to compare with your own numbers
Count the posts you need
For example: 1 TikTok a day = 30 posts a month.
Get the monthly price for each option
Freelancer quote, agency quote, your own hours × your hourly value, tool price.
Divide by the number of posts
Now you have a price per post for each option. It is the fairest way to compare.
Check what is not included
Making the content, posting, comments and reports. Add any extras to the price.
Questions to ask before you hire
- How many posts a month, on which apps?
- Do you make the photos and videos, or do I send them?
- Do I approve posts before they go live?
- What numbers will you show me, and how often?
- How long is the contract? Can I stop any month?
Questions
Is a social media manager worth it for a small business?
It is worth it if the posts bring in more money than they cost. Track calls, bookings or sales from social media for 2 to 3 months to know.
What is the cheapest way to get social media posts?
Doing it yourself costs no cash but a lot of time. A done-for-you tool is often the lowest cash cost per post for daily posting.
Can I manage social media myself?
Yes. Plan the month in one sitting, batch your posts weekly, and check your numbers every week. Our free 30-day calendar helps.
Skip the work. Get the posts.
Give us your website. We make a week of posts for your business, ready to post.
Free to start. No subscription.
