People get so wrapped up in their technology that they forget outcomes are the most important piece of any solution deployed in a company.
I’ve been building an AI SaaS that helps people create social content through interviews. While developing the pricing model, I realized most AI companies make the same fundamental mistake.
They price their features instead of their results.
The Enterprise Reality Check
Freemium works for individuals. It doesn’t work for large enterprises.
A large enterprise will never start with a freemium model. They go directly to a salesperson. They need consultative sales, custom implementation, and security assurances that don’t align with low-barrier entry points.
This creates a critical pricing decision point. Individual users and enterprise clients require completely different value propositions.
For individuals, you can lead with accessibility and let them discover value over time. For enterprises, you need to demonstrate proven outcomes upfront.
The Hormozi Value Framework Applied
Alex Hormozi’s value equation reveals why outcome-based pricing works better than feature-based pricing.
Value equals dream outcome times perceived likelihood of achievement, divided by time delay and effort required.
Most AI companies focus on the wrong variables. They highlight technical capabilities (effort) instead of business results (dream outcome).
The most effective approach involves customer testimonials from companies similar to your prospects. Same industry vertical. Same size or revenue level.
This builds perceived likelihood of achievement, which dramatically increases your pricing power.
Practical Implementation Strategy
I’m currently developing what I call an “eternal plan” pricing model. Clients can choose month-to-month flexibility or pay higher upfront costs for lower ongoing fees.
The pricing structure reflects conviction levels. If you’re hesitant about the product’s future, you choose monthly. If you believe in long-term value, you upgrade to the eternal plan for lower total cost of ownership.
The key outcome I highlight is consistency in social media visibility, time saved creating content, increased posting frequency. Growth in engagement metrics.
The Referral Acceleration Method
Referrals remain the best way to get business, especially for AI solutions where trust barriers run high.
You speak generally about outcomes, then rely on individuals within the target account to translate value to their specific business context.
When you’ve done the sale properly, you don’t need complex performance guarantees. A simple cancel-anytime policy reduces friction while demonstrating confidence in your solution.
The Measurement Challenge
Better to focus on what you can measure directly through concrete, quantifiable metrics that provide clear insight into your content strategy’s effectiveness. Content creation time reduction represents a tangible efficiency gain where you can track the hours saved per piece of content, the streamlined workflows that eliminate redundant steps, and the automated processes that free up creative resources for higher-value activities. Publishing consistency improvements demonstrate your ability to maintain regular, predictable content delivery schedules that build audience expectations and trust, measured through on-time publication rates, reduced content gaps, and sustained posting frequency across all channels. Engagement rate increases encompass the measurable interactions that indicate genuine audience connection, including likes, comments, shares, click-through rates, time spent on content, and conversion metrics that directly correlate with business outcomes.
These metrics create a foundation for the bigger transformation without overpromising results you can’t control by establishing realistic benchmarks that acknowledge external factors beyond your influence while focusing on the operational improvements within your direct sphere of impact. This approach builds credibility through achievable goals, demonstrates progressive value delivery to stakeholders, and creates sustainable growth patterns that compound over time rather than relying on unpredictable variables like algorithm changes, market fluctuations, or competitor actions.
Building Your Value-Based Model
Start with the outcomes your AI actually delivers, not the technology that delivers them.
Create pricing tiers that reflect different conviction levels and usage patterns. Give customers choice between flexibility and commitment.
Use client examples from similar companies to build credibility. Focus on measurable interim results rather than ultimate business outcomes.
Most importantly, price based on the transformation you enable, not the features you provide.
Your AI’s genius lies in what it accomplishes for people, not in how cleverly it accomplishes it.
These days, social media marketing services are more than simply a “nice to have.” It’s how clients discover you, get to know you, and determine whether or not to trust you. Knowing the social media management pricing in 2025 can help you make wise decisions. If you’re asking:
“How much should I pay for social media marketing services?”
“How much should I charge for social media management?”
You’re in the right place.
We’re going to walk through everything you need to know about social media management and content creation like what services cost, what affects the price, what to look for in a social media marketing agency, and how to figure out what fits your business.
What Is Social Media Management , Really?
Social media management means someone else is running your social media for you.
Some people offer just a piece of this. Others (like a full social media agency) handle it all.
Why Pricing Matters for Social Media Marketing Services?
You might be wondering, “Can’t I just post myself?” Sure, you can. But:
It takes time (lots of it)
Your content needs to look good
You want results (leads, clicks, sales)
That’s where professionals come in. But not all social media marketing services are equal. Some are overpriced. Some are cheap but deliver poor results. Understanding social media marketing services pricing helps you pick what’s fair and what’s worth it.
What Affects Social Media Management Pricing?
There’s no fixed cost for social media marketing services. It depends on many things:
Factor
How It Affects Cost
Number of platforms
More platforms = more content = higher cost
Type of content
Photos are cheaper than videos. Reels, animations, and carousels cost more.
Post frequency
Posting daily costs more than posting twice a week
Paid ads
If you want to run ads, that’s extra setup and management
Reporting
Some offer basic stats; others give full reports with insights
Who you hire
Freelancer? Agency? In-house team? Each one has different pricing levels
Social Media Management Pricing Breakdown (2025)
Here’s a realistic look at social media management pricing in 2025:
For Small Businesses
2–3 posts/week
1–2 platforms (usually Instagram and Facebook)
Some graphics, basic captions
No paid ads
$300 – $800/month
For Mid-Size Businesses
3–5 posts/week
2–3 platforms (maybe adding TikTok or LinkedIn)
Custom graphics, light video content
Basic paid ad setup and management
Monthly reporting
$1,000 – $3,000/month
For Large Brands or Companies
Daily posting
4+ platforms
Custom graphics and videos
Full-scale ad campaigns
Community engagement
Weekly or biweekly reports and strategy reviews
$5,000 – $15,000+/month
What’s Inside a Social Media Marketing Package?
When you see terms like social media marketing package, it usually includes:
Post planning/calendar
Custom graphics
Caption writing
Hashtag research
Scheduling posts
Basic engagement (replying to comments or DMs)
Monthly reporting
Some agencies of social media marketing services also include strategy sessions or content shoots. Others may bundle in social media advertising for small businesses as part of the deal.
Add-On Costs to Consider
Social Media Video Production Cost
Short-form videos like Reels or TikToks are very popular now. But they take time and skill.
Simple video edit: $100–$300
Full shoot + edit: $500–$2,000 per video
Monthly video content: $1,000–$5,000 (depending on number and length)
Community Management
If you want someone replying to DMs, comments, or mentions daily, that’s an extra service.
Social Media Advertising Cost
Platform ad spend: Paid directly to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
Management fee: 10–20% of social media ad agency spend or flat rate ($300–$1,000/month)
Social Media Agencies vs Freelancers vs In-House Teams
There’s no right or wrong, but here’s how they compare:
Option
Pros
Cons
Freelancer / Social Media Consultant
Lower cost, flexible
May lack full team or tools
Small Agency
Balance of price and quality
May have limited capacity
Large Agency
Full team, all services under one roof
Higher pricing
In-House
Dedicated focus
You pay salary + tools + benefits
If you’re a small business, working with a freelancer or boutique social media marketing firm might give you the best value.
Tool Costs: Don’t Forget These Some teams use tools like:
Sprout Social (analytics & scheduling)
Canva Pro (design)
Buffer, Hootsuite, Later (scheduling tools)
Meta Ads Manager (for Facebook/Instagram ads)
Tools like Sprout Social aren’t free. For example, Sprout Social pricing starts around $249/month. If you’re hiring someone, ask if tool costs are included or if you need to cover them separately.
How Much Should You Charge for Social Media Management (Freelancers)?
If you’re offering social media marketing services, setting your price can be tricky. Here’s a quick guide:
Level
Hourly Rate
Monthly Packages
Beginner
$20–$40
$500 – $1,000
Intermediate
$50–$100
$1,200 – $2,500
Expert / Niche
$100–$200+
$3,000 – $6,000+
Ask yourself:
How many posts am I creating?
Am I writing, designing, and posting?
Are ads or reporting included?
Don’t just charge for time. Charge for value. A single great post can bring in new clients.
Signs You’re Overpaying for Social Media Marketing
Not sure if you’re getting your money’s worth? Watch out for these red flags:
No results: low engagement, no leads
Generic content: nothing that fits your brand
No reports: you don’t know what’s working
Too few posts: once a week is not enough for most brands
No strategy: they post, but there’s no plan
Should You Hire In-House or Work with a Social Media Agency?
One of the most important questions that businesses have when considering social media is this one.
Hiring In-House: The Good and the Not-So-Great
Having a specialized social media specialist on-site or remotely is what it means to bring someone in-house. That sounds good, doesn’t it?
Here’s what’s great about it:
You get someone who knows your brand inside and out.
They’re available during business hours, so feedback and last-minute changes are quicker.
You can shape their content style to match your exact tone and voice.
But, and this is important, there are a few things to think about before hiring.
The not-so-great part:
A full-time salary isn’t cheap. By the time you add in taxes, software, and possible benefits, you’re looking at $3,000 to $5,000+ a month.
One person might not have all the skills you need. They might be great at writing but not so great with design, or good at strategy but clueless about video.
If they quit or get sick, you’re left scrambling.
Hiring in-house is like committing to a long-term relationship. It’s great when it works, but you need to be ready for everything that comes with it.
Working with a Social Media Marketing Agency
Now let’s talk about agencies. When you hire a social media marketing agency, you’re paying for a whole team. usually including a content creator, designer, strategist, and ad expert.
What’s awesome about that?
You get access to multiple skill sets without hiring five different people.
Agencies usually come with experience, they’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.
They already use tools like Sprout Social, Canva Pro, or analytics software, so you don’t have to.
Plus, there’s no onboarding or training needed. They jump in, get to work, and start building your online presence fast.
But of course, there are a few trade-offs:
You might not get quick replies or real-time changes unless that’s part of your package.
Some agencies work with many clients, so you might feel like just one of many unless they offer dedicated support.
And yes.. not all agencies are great. It’s important to check their work, reviews, and results.
Pricing for a solid agency usually starts around $1,000/month. Full-service agencies that offer content creation, video production, ad management, and reporting can charge $5,000 or more . but you get what you pay for.
Which Is the Best Option?
The size of your company, your objectives, and your desired level of involvement all play a role.
It makes a lot of sense to hire a social media consultant or outsource to a social media agency if you’re managing a small or mid-sized business and lack the time (or inclination) to manage social media yourself. Not only do you save money, but you also avoid managing a crew.
But if you’re at the stage where you want full control, daily input, or your social presence is central to your brand, it might be time to build an in-house team. Just know that managing one person might not be enough. Most full strategies need content, design, copywriting, and ad skills, which is tough to find in one hire.
Conclusion:
If you’re a business owner looking to grow, don’t ignore social. But don’t throw money at it blindly either. Take time to understand social media management pricing, what social media marketing services are offered, and what works for your goals.
Here’s what we suggest:
Start with a short-term package (1–3 months)
Focus on 1–2 platforms that matter to your audience
Scale slowly, add ads, more content, more platforms as you grow
Frequently Asked Questions:
In 2025, how much should social media management cost? Depending on your needs, the kind of material you produce, and the number of channels you use, the monthly cost might range from $500 to $3,000.
What is the price of social media marketing firms? While large agencies may charge $10,000 or more per month, mid-sized businesses typically charge between $2,000 and $6,000.
What does an all-inclusive social media marketing package include? Monthly reporting, scheduling, interaction, captions, bespoke visuals, and content planning.
How much does social media video content cost? $100–$2,000 per video, depending on length and quality. Monthly plans with video cost more.
Is it worth paying for social media marketing services? Yes, if it brings real results. Track leads, engagement, or sales to see the return.
What is the social media marketing cost for small businesses? Start with $300–$500/month ad spend. Add $300–$800/month for a management fee.
What’s the average Sprout Social pricing? Sprout Social starts around $249/month. Ask your agency if they include it.
How many posts per week should I expect? Most packages offer 2–5 posts/week. More frequent posting costs more.
How frequently should companies publish content on social media?
For small firms, at least three times a week; for larger brands, every day.
Is it preferable to work with a freelancer or an agency for social media?
Freelancers may be less expensive but may be limited in their scope of work; agencies provide more social media marketing services but are more expensive.
Consider social media management as the full-time task of creating the online identity of your brand. It’s regularly appearing, engaging , and converting regular scrollers into dedicated customers. It is no longer sufficient to operate a U.S. corporation in 2025 by relying solely on instinct.
You need a solid strategy.
So, What Does This Actually Look Like Day-to-Day?
AI social media manager is a mix of being a strategist, a creative, a customer service expert, and a data nerd. Here’s what that actually breaks down into:
Building the Game Plan (The Strategy):
This is the boring-but-critical foundation. A good manager doesn’t just start posting. They sit down and ask: Who are we talking to? What do we want them to feel or do? What makes us different? The answers to these questions become a roadmap that guides every single post, comment, and ad. This strategic foundation is the core of all effective social media management services.
Creating the Good Stuff (Content Creation & Curation):
This is the part everyone sees. It’s writing captions that sound like a human, not a robot. It’s taking photos and videos that make people stop scrolling. It’s also not creating everything from scratch, it’s about being a great curator, too, sharing articles and news your audience will genuinely find helpful.
Keeping the Conversation Alive (Community Engagement):
This might be the most important part. It’s replying to comments, answering DMs, and jumping into conversations. It’s saying “thank you” and “we’re sorry that happened, let’s fix it.” This is how you build a community, not just an audience. It’s what transforms a generic brand account into a trusted friend.
Working Smarter, Not Harder (Scheduling & Tools):
This is where best social media managements tools become a lifesaver. Instead of getting on your phone every three hours, a manager uses social media management software to write a bunch of posts at once and schedule them for the best times to post. It creates consistency without the daily chaos.
Reading the Receipts (Analytics & Reporting):
This is how we know if any of this is actually working. It’s going beyond likes and looking at what really matters: Are people clicking through to our website? Are they asking for more information? This data tells us what to do more of and what to stop doing. It’s the compass for the entire strategy.
“But Do I Really Need This?” (Spoiler: Yes, Here’s Why)
It’s easy to think, “I can handle my Instagram.” And maybe you can, for now. But here’s what you miss when you’re just “handling it” instead of strategically managing it:
You Build Trust and Become the Expert:
Consumers don’t purchase from anonymous companies. They purchase from companies and individuals they trust, like, and know. You establish yourself as the authority in your subject with regular, insightful content. You want to be the first person that comes to mind when someone needs a plumber, a lawyer, or a new coffee shop because you have been of assistance for months.
It’s Your 24/7 Sales and Support Team:
A single post can drive dozens of people to a sale page or get them to sign up for your newsletter. Even better, your social channels are often the first place customers go with a problem. Having someone there to respond instantly with help is priceless customer service that builds insane loyalty.
You’ll Finally Understand Your Customers:
The comments and messages you get are pure gold. They’re free, honest feedback about what people love and what they hate about your business. Without someone dedicated to listening, you’re missing out on your best market research.
The Algorithms Will Actually Work For You:
Social platforms reward consistency and engagement. A dedicated manager knows how to craft content that the algorithms love, meaning more people see your posts without you having to pay for it.
Throwing $50 at a post and hoping it works is a gamble. A skilled manager can create targeted ads for the exact right people, track their performance, and adjust them so you’re not wasting a single dollar. They turn ad spend into an investment.
Choosing Your Path: How to Implement Social Media Management
You’ve got a few options, and the best one depends on your budget and how hands-on you want to be.
Hire Your Own In-House Social Media Manager
This is great if you have the budget and need someone fully immersed in your brand. This person becomes part of the team, sits in on meetings, and can react to things instantly. You can look up “how much do social media managers make” in your area to get a sense of the salary investment.
Partner with a Social Media Management Agency
This is like hiring an entire team of experts for a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee. A good social media management agency or social media management company has specialists for strategy, writing, design, and advertising.
They have observed what works for dozens of social media management companies. Although many of the best social media management firms operate remotely, you can look for local possibilities by searching for “marketing agency near me” or “social media management near me.”
Use Tools and Manage It Yourself (The DIY Route)
Using social media management tools yourself is a good first step if you’re just starting out or have a very tight budget. You can schedule posts and view metrics with the use of tools for social media management platforms. However, keep in mind that a tool is only as good as the plan that uses it. You are still responsible for developing the strategy and producing the material.
What to Ask Before You Hire Anyone
Don’t just hire the first social media management agency you find on Google. Have a conversation. Ask them:
“Can you show me examples of results you’ve gotten for businesses like mine?”
“What does your typical social media management pricing look like?
What’s included in your social media management packages?”
“How will we communicate?
“What do your reports look like?”
Conclusion:
The cost of hiring a skilled social media manager is low. It’s among the best investments you can make for the expansion and sustainability of your company. It restores your time, creates a valuable asset, and guarantees that you’re interacting with the people who matter most rather than merely shouting into thin air.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is social media management?
It’s the process of planning, creating, posting, and tracking content on social media platforms for a business.
Is it better to hire a freelancer or a social media management agency?
A freelancer can be a more affordable personal touch. An agency offers a full team with a wider range of skills.
What are the most important social media manager duties?
Their primary responsibilities include planning, creating content, communicating, analyzing and performance statistics.
How do I get started as a social media manager with no experience?
Manage your own accounts to demonstrate your ability to build an audience before beginning to work as a social media manager. Learn the fundamentals of the platform.
What’s the difference between a social media management company and a digital marketing firm?
A social media management company focuses purely on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. A digital marketing firm or online marketing agency usually offers website SEO, email marketing, and Google ads, often with social media included.
What should I look for in social media management packages?
Find out exactly how many posts you receive each week, which platforms they are for, whether ad management is included, and how frequently you will receive performance results.
Are there any free social media management tools?
For very small organizations, several systems provide free versions To improve scheduling, analytics, and functionality, the majority of serious firms eventually switch to paid social media management software.
How often should a business post on social media?
Quality and consistency are more important than quantity. Posting three times a week is preferable.
Can a social media management agency help with advertising?
Of course. To assist you reach more people, the majority of firms will not only design and oversee your organic postings but also develop and track focused paid advertising campaigns on social media.
How long does it take to see results from social media management?
Building momentum and beginning to see noticeable traction, such as more followers, higher interaction, and increased website traffic, usually requires three to six months.
