2026 GUIDE

How Much Does Social Media Management Cost for a Small Business?

Market ranges, pricing models, and how to judge a quote.

Basic: $500–$2,000 / month

1–2 platforms, set posts, basic graphics, scheduling, simple report.

Mid-Tier: $2,000–$5,000 / month

2–3 platforms, more posting, custom graphics and some short video, replies, fuller reporting.

Full-Service: $5,000+ / month

3 or more platforms, daily posting, full video production, daily community management.

Ad Spend Is Separate

Ad spend is almost never included in the management fee — it is paid to platforms separately.

Strategy, Content, Replies, Reports

Plan, creation, scheduling, community replies, and monthly reporting — ads are an optional extra.

Retainer, Per Platform, Hourly, Project

Monthly retainer is most common for ongoing work; hourly is $15–$150+/hour for freelancers.

5 Things That Move the Price

Platforms, posting frequency, who makes content, reply speed, and what the work must achieve.

DIY, Freelancer, or Agency?

DIY: $0–$300/month tools + 8–12 hours/week. Freelancer: $400–$1,500/month. Agency: $1,000–$10,000+/month.

Buy the Scope, Not the Price

Read the full 2026 guide and contact Links Optimizer Pro for help choosing your scope.