How Much Does Social Media Management Cost for a Small Business?
If you run a small business and you’re wondering what social media management actually costs, you’re not alone. We are Phoenix Athena Ltd, a digital marketing agency that works remotely with small businesses across the UK and we get asked this all the time. The answer is that it depends on what you need, but this post breaks down the real numbers so you can budget with confidence.
What’s included in social media management?
Social media management means very different things depending on who you ask, so the first job is to know what you’re asking for and what you’re actually paying for. A proper service usually covers:
Content planning and a monthly calendar
Writing captions and designing posts on brand
Scheduling and posting across the right platforms
Community management, so replying to comments and messages
Monthly reporting on what’s working
The important thing here is to always check what you’re paying for. Some cheaper offers only cover posting, with no strategy, no design and no replying to your customers. That’s a very different product to one that actually grows your presence.
How much does social media management cost per month?
Bought on its own, social media management typically runs from around £300 to £1,500 a month with a freelancer or agency. The right number depends on how many platforms you’re on, how often you post, and whether design, video or ads are included.
At Phoenix Athena Ltd, social media management isn’t a standalone tier. It’s built into your package from £1,500 a month, alongside things like your blog and Google Business Profile, with fuller plans from £2,000. That way it flexes to what your business actually needs rather than pushing you onto a plan that’s too big or too small.
Should you do your own social media or hire someone?
You can absolutely run your own social media. Whether you should comes down to time and consistency.
Doing it yourself is fine when you have the time and you enjoy it. The moment posting starts slipping because you’re busy running the business, that’s usually when hiring someone pays off.
Is social media management worth it for a small business?
It’s worth it when:
You’re time-poor and posting keeps falling to the bottom of the list
Your posting is patchy and stops and starts
You’re active on social but it isn’t bringing in enquiries
It might not be worth it just yet when:
You’re very early and still testing whether social suits your audience
You have the time and want to keep it in-house for now
The real value isn’t just more posts. It’s the consistency and the strategy behind them, which is what turns followers into customers.
FAQ
How much does social media management cost for a small business?
It varies with the number of platforms, how often you post, and whether design and ads are included. Freelancers typically start around £300 a month and agencies range higher. Phoenix Athena Ltd builds it into a package tailored to your needs rather than a fixed tier.
How many posts should a small business do a week?
Quality beats quantity. Two to three strong, on-brand posts a week usually beat seven rushed ones.
Which platforms should my small business be on?
The ones your customers actually use. For most local small businesses that’s Facebook, Instagram and Google Business Profile, plus LinkedIn if you sell to other businesses.
Can I hire someone remotely to manage my social media?
Yes. Phoenix Athena Ltd works remotely with small businesses right across the UK, so location is no barrier.
Ready to hand it over?
If you’d rather hand your social media over and get your time back, that’s exactly what we do. Phoenix Athena Ltd manages social media for small businesses remotely across the UK, and locally around Harlow and Essex. Take a look at phoenixathena.co.uk or get in touch for a no-pressure chat about what would work for your business.