How much does social media management cost in the UK?
Ask three people what social media management costs and you will get three very different answers. That is because the price depends on who does the work, how many platforms they cover and what is included. Here is a plain guide to what you are paying for, with our own prices as a reference point.
The three ways to get it done
Do it yourself: Free in money, expensive in time. It suits very small businesses with someone who enjoys it and can post every week without fail. The risk is that it slips whenever work gets busy, which is exactly when you most need to be visible.
Hire a freelancer: Usually the lowest monthly cost for outside help. A good freelancer can be excellent, but you are relying on one person for strategy, design, writing and scheduling, and cover can be thin when they are ill or on holiday.
Use an agency: You pay more than you would for most freelancers, and in return you get a team: someone planning, someone designing, someone checking the numbers. You should also get a process, so content is planned and approved before it goes out.
What changes the price
Number of platforms: Running Instagram and Facebook is less work than running Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Pinterest. Each platform needs its own formats and its own rhythm, so most pricing steps up with the number of platforms.
How often you post: Three thoughtful posts a week costs less than daily posts with reels and stories. More is not always better. Consistency matters more than volume.
Who makes the content: Photography, video and graphic design take time. Check whether content creation is included or whether you are expected to supply everything.
Community management: Replying to comments and messages is often where enquiries are won. Ask whether it is included and how quickly replies go out.
Reporting: A monthly report that explains what worked, in plain English, is worth paying for. A page of numbers with no explanation is not.
What we charge at Funnal
We publish our prices, so here they are. Our social media management comes in three packages: Starter at £399 per month for 2 platforms, Growth at £649 per month for 3 platforms, and Premium at £999 per month for 5 platforms. Every package is planned a month ahead, and you approve the calendar before anything is posted.
If you also need a website, email or paid ads, our packages bundle services into one monthly fee starting at £895 per month.
How to judge a quote
Ask what a normal month looks like: How many posts, on which platforms, and who writes and designs them? If the answer is vague, the service probably is too.
Ask who approves the content: You should see posts before they go live, at least for the first few months.
Ask what happens if it is not working: A good provider will change the plan, not just carry on. Check the notice period too.
Compare like with like: A cheaper quote for one platform and four posts a month is not better value than a higher quote for three platforms, weekly posts and replies to every message.
Want to know what social media would cost for your business? Say hello and we will give you a straight answer, or see our social media packages.
Written by the Funnal team. Illustration: Funnal.
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