That’s a doozy of a question (that we get asked all the time). The short answer: it varies.⁠
⁠
But let’s be real, the short answer is a cop-out.  Let’s break it down.⁠
⁠
The first question you need to ask: what are the deliverables? How many posts are you getting per week / month? Is there any strategy backing those posts? What about industry research? Where is the imagery coming from? Who’s writing the captions? Keeping your hashtags fresh and relevant? Is your social media manager taking the time to engage and nurture relationships on your profiles? What about inbox management?⁠
⁠
We’re just scratching the surface – but this is why it’s tough to get a straight answer!⁠

⁠An average small business account (1-3 profiles) takes somewhere between 5 and 20 hours a month. To show up consistently and well, it’ll be on the higher end of that.⁠ Some social media managers will work by the hour, but a lot of them have flat package pricing for “x” number of posts – and hopefully a few other things are included as well.

You can hire your geeky nephew for $15-ish per hour. He’s probably not going to have much of a strategy, but you’ll have a social media presence.⁠ So the bare minimum is about $250 per month.⁠
⁠
On the other side of the spectrum, you can hire someone who has 5+ years experience and a decent track record for a few thousand dollars a month. (And for that, they darn well better do a freaking phenomenal job.)⁠
⁠
You’re likely going to fall somewhere in between those two numbers… but if you’re just starting out, I’d recommend budgeting somewhere between $600-$1200 a month for social media management.⁠
⁠
How do you know if that’s a smart commitment? Well, it’s 2020. Your business CAN benefit from an intentional, strategic social media presence so that’s not the question. It’s a good idea to spend money on what you can’t do well, and / or what takes you the most time.

If you’re showing up inconsistently, you’re leaving cash on the table – so a good social media manager is worth considering.

If you could use someone in your corner, PLEASE SAVE THIS POST and run through our list of questions as you’re interviewing candidates. Once you find your perfect fit, you’ll never go back!

This year is booked up for social media management services, but if you need a hand pulling your socials together, we can knock out 90 days of strategic, quality content in a single day. (Yes, we eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff so we’re quick.) Drop us a quick message right here—we’ll send you all the details!