Guide: 2024 Social Media Marketing Pricing

Discover the average social media marketing pricing for 2024 Social media marketing effectively promotes your business online through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat, and Reddit—but what makes it worth the investment? The goal is to create content that builds and connects with your audience. Social media experts, whether agencies or freelancers, handle planning, creation, scheduling, and monitoring to boost followers, drive website traffic, and increase sales. Their expertise can be valuable, but how much does it cost? Let’s explore the budget considerations! To estimate your social media budget, consider the average monthly fees in the UK for small to medium-sized businesses, which range from £300 to £800. This covers the services of a dedicated professional or agency, tailored to your business needs. Here’s the breakdown based on UK professionals: Average social media management rates: Average cost per month = £300 - £500 Minimum cost per month = £125 Maximum cost per month = £800+
The average price of social media marketing is £300 - £500 per month in the UK. Considerations Before hiring a social media expert, identify your pain points and goals to ensure you find the right match. The cost will vary based on the quality and expertise needed. Agencies may offer a team of specialists, while a freelancer handling all tasks might be more budget-friendly.
Factors influencing costs Social media marketing costs can vary greatly, influenced by factors such as: Service complexity Hourly rates vs. package deals Professional's experience Service Complexity The cost of social media marketing depends on the complexity of the services you need and the frequency of posts, as more content requires more time to create and schedule. Most business owners choose a monthly package ranging from £300 to £500, which includes content creation and basic feed support, though more comprehensive packages are available. The advantage of social media marketing is its flexibility—you can start with a smaller plan and adjust services as your needs evolve. Hourly rates for social media management For businesses seeking flexibility, hourly rates might be ideal. In the UK, these rates range from £40 for beginners to over £120 for experienced professionals, offering precise budgeting for those with variable social media needs. Package deals for social media management Many agencies provide bundled packages that cover everything from setting up social media accounts and planning content to managing ads and delivering detailed analytics. These customizable bundles are scalable, with options to add services as your business expands. Prices typically range from £400 to £1,500, depending on the scope of services. Hourly rates vs packages for social media management Should you opt for hourly or package rates on your social media journey? It depends on what's included and your goals. If you're just testing the waters, hourly rates might be a good start. But if you're confident in the value of social media, have a larger budget, or want a comprehensive approach, a package deal is likely better. Keep in mind that building an audience takes time, so while a package may cost more upfront, it often leads to better long-term results.
Factors affecting the cost of social media marketing There are many factors that will affect social media marketing pricing. Your social media marketing goals When used effectively, social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. Defining your goals—such as increasing page followers or boosting sales for a specific service—will help focus your efforts. Since businesses often have varying goals that shift over time, a tailored strategy for each objective is necessary. A social media marketer can be valuable in advising which goals are achievable through social media and helping to develop strategies to reach them. Social Channels If you're a startup, you might not have established social media channels yet or might be unsure which platforms will best reach your target audience. Social media marketing can assist in getting you started or advancing your current efforts. The cost will increase with the amount of content needed and the frequency of posts. However, effective social media marketing should deliver a strong return on investment if executed properly. Facebook With 2.7 billion users, Facebook is a prime platform for social media marketing. Your chosen expert should be proficient in Facebook overall, but particularly skilled in managing Facebook Ads and digital advertising budgets. X (Twitter) X focuses on concise messaging and strategic imagery. Users can like or retweet your posts, but using hashtags effectively can significantly expand your reach. To succeed, you'll need to carefully craft your content and choose the optimal timing for your posts. Instagram Social media marketing on Instagram revolves around creating compelling image and video content. Each post should include engaging copy, effective use of hashtags, and relevant tagging. Instagram also allows for product sales and brand page development. Hiring a social media marketer with expertise in Instagram can be highly beneficial for businesses with physical products, especially in the fashion or beauty sectors. Youtube With users consuming more video content than ever, it's an excellent medium for promoting your services. For instance, a mechanic might create a ‘how-to’ video on changing a tire. Videos can be monetized, generating income per view, and you can also include your contact details in the description to help potential customers find you. Monthly Content Creation Social media marketing primarily involves creating and scheduling content. Depending on your business needs, you might post daily across all feeds or even hourly. Your agency or freelancer will analyze your analytics to determine the best posting times based on follower activity. The frequency of your posts—daily, weekly, or monthly—can affect the cost of social media marketing. Customer Service If you run an online business or eCommerce store, consider including customer support in your social media marketing package. This service covers responding to customer messages and comments on your page. Managing this yourself can be time-consuming, so many businesses opt to hire a social media marketing expert for this task. Paid Advertising Most social media platforms offer paid advertising options, like Facebook Ads. Creating effective campaigns requires technical skills and a good grasp of budgeting; otherwise, you risk wasting money on ineffective or rejected ads. Thus, mastering paid advertising is crucial for social media marketing. Your expert will help you define your target audience and budget, with costs set in advance and reach adjusted according to your budget. Generating stats & reports In addition to creating content for your social media, your selected freelancer or agency will need to track statistics and generate reports on campaign performance. This includes metrics such as the number of new followers gained, the reach of your paid ads, and the conversions achieved. This comprehensive service helps you understand what’s effective and what isn’t, providing valuable insights for optimizing future posts based on past performance. It also offers an opportunity for your expert to suggest ideas for upcoming content. How to save money with a social media marketing company Savvy business owners understand that effective spending isn't about the amount, but about the strategy behind it. Here’s how to maximize your investment: Content Calendar Optimisation Align your posting schedules with organic trends on various platforms to boost engagement without incurring extra costs. In-House vs. Outsourcing Evaluate if your in-house team can handle certain social media tasks, like content creation or community management, to reduce reliance on external resources. Analytics for Efficiency Regularly analyse your data to identify which strategies offer the best returns, allowing you to concentrate on what works and cut down on ineffective spending. DIY Content Creation Tools Utilise platforms and services that offer templates and creation tools, so you may not need a professional for every step. Incorporating these practices into your decision-making can lead to smarter, more cost-effective social media marketing.
Choosing a social media manager based on your budget Your budget should be the cornerstone of your social media marketing strategy. For a small business with a local focus, your investment may not need to match that of a medium-sized company targeting national visibility. Start by establishing clear, realistic budget limits, and then find professionals who can customize their services to fit those needs. While cost is important, it should always be weighed alongside quality and results. Compare social media marketing agencies Ready for a social media marketing agency but not sure where to find one?
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