Are you struggling to manage your social media presence while trying to run your business? You’re not alone.
Many business owners face the same dilemma: how to balance the time-consuming task of managing their social media with their other responsibilities.
If you’re new to the realm of social media management, this guide might be a good starting point.
One solution is to hire someone to take care of it for you. But how much should you pay for social media management?
And where do you even start?
Our comprehensive guide on social media marketing cost in the UK could help you answer those questions.
The Quick Answer to “How Much Should I Pay Someone to Manage My Social Media?”
The cost of hiring someone to manage your social media can vary greatly, typically ranging from £300 to £5,000 per month. This price depends on several factors such as the size of your business, the number of social media platforms to be managed, the complexity of your social media strategy, and the experience level of the social media manager. It’s important to clearly define your social media goals and budget to find the best fit for your needs.
| Service | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic social media management | £300-£500 per month | Basic services for managing social media accounts, suitable for small businesses or startups. |
| Newbie social media manager | £25-£35 per hour | Entry-level social media managers typically charge this rate for 10-20 hours of work per month per client. |
| Social media specialist salary | £6,000 per month | This is the average salary for a full-time social media specialist, who handles all aspects of social media management. |
| Social media manager freelance rate | £14-£35 per hour | This is the typical hourly rate for freelance social media managers, who work on a contract basis. |
| Highly-rated social media managers | £35-£350 per hour | Highly-rated or experienced social media managers can charge this rate, with most falling between £50-£85 hourly. |
| Social media managers with 1-5 years of experience | £15-£50 per hour | For social media managers with a few years of experience, this is the typical hourly rate. |
| Intermediate to advanced social media managers | £50-£250 per hour | Intermediate to advanced social media managers and creators often charge this rate, depending on their level of expertise and the complexity of the work. |
Determining Your Needs
Business Size
Every business has unique needs when it comes to social media management. The size of your business plays a significant role in determining the cost of managing your social media.
Smaller businesses usually have lower budgets and require less extensive social media management, while larger corporations typically require a more comprehensive approach and bigger budgets.
You may want to check our social media management services tailored for different business sizes.
Social Media Goals
It’s essential to identify your social media goals before deciding how much to pay someone to manage your accounts.
Goals can include increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or generating leads.
Your goals will help you determine the type of services and level of engagement needed to achieve them.
Related: Future Trends In Social Media Marketing In The UK
Understanding the Costs
Hourly Rate
The cost of social media management varies depending on the agency or freelancer you work with. Hourly rates can range from £15 per hour to more than £100 per hour.
Be sure to understand the scope of work involved and how many hours of work are required each month to calculate the overall cost.
Monthly Packages
Most social media management agencies offer monthly packages that include a range of services.
These packages can cost anywhere from £199 per month for smaller businesses up to £50,000 per month for larger corporations.
The price will depend on the number of social media platforms managed, the frequency of posts, and the level of engagement required.
Factors Affecting Pricing
Experience Level
The experience level of the social media manager can impact pricing. Entry-level professionals may charge less than experienced or advanced social media managers who have a proven track record of success.
Type of Services
The type of services offered by the social media management agency will also impact pricing. For example, creating custom content or running paid advertising campaigns may incur additional costs.
Comparing Social Media Management Agencies
Local Businesses
Local businesses often have smaller budgets and require a more cost-effective social media management solution.
When comparing agencies, consider the size of your business and wallet size to find an agency that fits your needs and budget.
Big Corporations
Larger corporations typically have more resources to invest in social media management. When comparing agencies, consider the level of service and expertise required to meet your organisation’s goals and stay competitive within your industry.
Value Proposition
Unique Value
When comparing social media management agencies, consider their unique value proposition. Look for agencies that offer a comprehensive approach, including content creation, strategy, and analytics, to ensure you receive the best return on investment.
True Value
It’s essential to determine the true value of the services provided by a social media management agency.
Consider factors such as the agency’s reputation, client testimonials, and case studies to help you gauge the true value of their services.
Competitors
Same Services
When comparing agencies, consider the range of services offered by your competitors. Choose an agency that provides similar services to ensure you remain competitive within your industry.
Same Industry
It’s essential to work with a social media management agency that has experience in your industry. This will ensure they have a deep understanding of your target audience and can create content that resonates with them.
Packages and Pricing Plans
Monthly Packages
Many social media management agencies offer monthly packages that include a range of services, such as content creation, posting, and engagement.
Be sure to compare different monthly packages to find the best fit for your business needs and budget.
Social Media Packages
Some agencies offer specialised social media packages tailored to specific platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
These packages can be more cost-effective if your business primarily uses one or two platforms.
Strategies for Maximising Reach
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your social media efforts, it’s critical to understand the strategies to maximise your reach and engagement.
You might find it beneficial to explore strategies for maximising organic reach and boosting engagement on social media in the UK.
Content Creation
Social Media Content
Social media content creation is an essential aspect of any social media management package. Be sure to choose an agency that creates engaging, high-quality content that aligns with your brand and appeals to your target audience.
You might also consider an agency that offers social media advertising services to further boost your online visibility.
Marketing Materials
In addition to social media content, some agencies also create marketing materials, such as blog posts, newsletters, and graphics.
Consider whether you require these additional services and if the agency can provide them within your budget.
Scaling Your Business
Scale Your Business
As your business grows, your social media management needs may change. Choose an agency that can scale its services to accommodate your business’s growth, ensuring a long-term partnership that benefits both parties.
Scaling Your Company
When comparing agencies, consider their ability to scale their services to match the growth of your company.
This will ensure you continue to receive the level of support and expertise needed as your business expands.
Selecting the Right Agency
Tips for Choosing the Right Agency
- Research and compare different social media management agencies.
- Assess the agency’s experience, reputation, and client testimonials.
- Evaluate the agency’s unique value proposition.
- Compare packages and pricing plans.
- Consider the agency’s ability to scale its services as your business grows.
Steps for Social Media Success
Finally, to navigate through the maze of social media management, it’s essential to have a roadmap. Our 7-step small business formula for social media success will guide you on this journey, making the process easier and more efficient.
In Summary
Determining how much to pay someone to manage your social media depends on several factors, including your business size, goals, and budget.
It’s essential to research and compares different social media management agencies to find the best fit for your needs.
Consider the agency’s experience, unique value proposition, and ability to scale its services as your business grows to ensure you receive the best return on investment.
FAQs
Is it worth paying for a social media manager?
Yes, hiring a social media manager can be worthwhile. They can effectively manage your online presence, create engaging content, and analyse performance, allowing you to focus on other crucial aspects of your business. This investment can help you optimise your social media marketing efforts for the best results.
How do I determine my social media management budget?
Your budget will depend on your business size, goals, and the level of service required. Consider your overall marketing budget and allocate a portion to social media management.
Is it better to hire an agency or a freelancer for social media management?
Both options have their pros and cons. An agency may provide a more comprehensive approach and a broader range of services, while a freelancer may offer more personalised attention and lower rates. Assess your needs and preferences to determine which option is best for you.
How often should my business post on social media?
The ideal posting frequency will vary depending on your business and target audience. It’s essential to strike a balance between maintaining an active presence and not overwhelming your followers. A social media management agency can help you determine the optimal posting schedule for your business.
What types of content should my business share on social media?
Your business should share a variety of content on social media, including promotional material, educational content, behind-the-scenes insights, and engaging visuals. The content should be relevant to your target audience and aligned with your brand identity.
How can I measure the success of my social media management efforts?
Success can be measured through various metrics, such as engagement (likes, comments, shares), website traffic, and conversions (sales, leads, sign-ups). A social media management agency can help you track these metrics and adjust your strategy accordingly to maximise results.
