How to Price Your Social Media Management Services

Part of 💼 MODULE 5: Running a Social Media Business (Articles 19–21) in Crash Course: Managing Social Media with AI Tools as a Service

Because you’re not doing all that work for “exposure,” right?

Let’s kick this off with the most awkward, uncomfortable, beautifully necessary topic in the whole freelancing journey: money.

More specifically: how much should you charge to manage someone’s social media?

Now, if you’re anything like I was when I started, your first instinct is to lowball yourself into oblivion — like, “Hmm, maybe $150 a month for posting every day, managing comments, designing graphics, running strategy, tracking analytics, and writing captions that sound like Beyoncé and a Stanford professor had a baby.”

Sound familiar? Yeah. Let’s fix that.

🧠 But First, a Little Mental Rewiring

Before we talk numbers, I want to talk value.

See, social media management isn’t just “posting a few pics.” It’s brand building. It’s reputation protection. It’s lead gen. And sometimes? It’s the literal reason a customer hits “buy.”

And that? That’s not cheap. That’s worth something.

So if you’ve ever thought,

“I’m not experienced enough to charge more…”

Let me lovingly interrupt you with:

“You are learning every single time you create. That’s experience, too.”

Got it? Okay. Onward.

👀 So… What Do Social Media Managers Actually Charge?

Here’s the wild part: there’s no single number. It depends on:

• Scope of work
• Your experience
• Industry/niche
• Geography (yep, it still kinda matters)
• Whether you’re working with AI tools (spoiler: you should be)

But to give you some ballparks:

These aren’t hard rules. I’ve seen folks with 3 months of experience charge $2K+ (with killer systems and confidence). I’ve also seen people burning out at $400/month because they didn’t set boundaries.

So… how do you figure it out?

💡 Step 1: Understand What You’re Offering

You can’t price a mystery. So let’s get clear.

Are you offering:

• Strategy? (aka what to post, when, why, for who)
• Content creation? (graphics, carousels, Reels, memes?)
• Scheduling and posting?
• Community management? (replying to DMs/comments)
• Analytics and reporting?
• Influencer outreach, paid ads, or SEO?

Every one of these is a line item. That means: they cost money.

Tip: Break your services into tiers (more on that below) so people know what they’re buying — and what costs extra.

🛠️ Step 2: Know Your Tools and Time

This is where AI gets fun.

AI tools (like ChatGPT for captions or Canva for designs or Metricool for analytics) can save you HOURS. So yes, charge based on value, not hours — but also be smart about your time.

Rough estimate:

• A solid content calendar for one client = 4–6 hours/week (without AI)
• With AI + templates? Could be more like 2–3

You’re not charging for minutes. You’re charging for:

• Strategy (brain work!)
• Execution (the posting, creating)
• Consistency + results (which come from you)

Know how much time it takes you. Then ask yourself:

“What’s the minimum I’d need to be paid to feel good doing this?”
And
“What would I charge if I believed this work changes businesses?”

That second number? That’s the one to build toward.

📦 Step 3: Create Packages That Actually Make Sense

Clients love options. They want to pick from a menu, not a mystery box.

Here’s a sample pricing structure:

🍃 Starter: $500–$800/month

• 8 posts/month (mix of static + captions)
• 1 story batch/week
• Basic scheduling
• Light engagement

Perfect for: solopreneurs, new brands, “I just need to be consistent” clients.

🌿 Growth: $1,000–$1,800/month

• 12–16 posts/month (carousels, Reels, etc.)
• Full caption writing
• Hashtag research + optimization
• Basic analytics
• Comment/DM responses (up to 15 mins/day)

Perfect for: small businesses, creators who want visibility and strategy.

🌳 Pro: $2,000–$3,500+/month

• Full content strategy
• Daily posting across 2+ platforms
• Reels/TikTok editing
• AI-enhanced analytics + monthly reporting
• Community management
• Consulting calls

Perfect for: established brands, growing startups, folks who want a full-on partner, not a poster.

Reminder: Always note what’s not included — like paid ad management, or TikTok trend scouting. Those are add-ons.

😬 Step 4: Deal With the “But That’s Too Expensive!” Objection

You will hear this. From everyone. Especially early on.

Here’s how you respond with grace, confidence, and zero self-sabotage:

“Totally understand — I might not be the right fit for every budget. What you’re paying for is strategy, consistency, and content that actually works. If you’d like, I can refer you to a few other folks in your range!”

Boom. Boundaries and kindness. (You’re not a robot. You’re a human who respects your work.)

✍️ Step 5: Put It All in Writing

Have a pricing guide. Not a 12-slide PowerPoint with confetti transitions. Just a clean PDF or Notion page that says:

• Here’s what I offer
• Here’s what’s included
• Here’s what it costs
• Here’s how we start

And please — for the love of your time and sanity — don’t skip contracts.
Use tools like Bonsai, HelloBonsai, or simply Google Docs with e-signature. Protect your boundaries.

🧠 Pro Tips from Someone Who’s Been There:

1. Never price based on what you’d pay

You are not your client. You wouldn’t pay $3K for Instagram because you don’t need to — your clients do.

2. Raise your rates every 3–6 months

Even $50/month. Baby steps. You’re learning, you’re improving, and your work is worth more.

3. Add “easy wins” to your packages

Include stuff like “15 story prompts/month” or “1 monthly content audit” — easy for you, BIG value to clients.

🫶 Real Talk: Pricing Feels Hard Because It Is

Look, this stuff brings up a lot.
Imposter syndrome. Guilt. That weird panic that someone will laugh at your rates.

But here’s the thing:
Every time you price fairly, you’re saying:

“My time matters. My work helps people. I’m allowed to earn well.”

That’s not selfish. That’s self-respect.

🧾 TL;DR — Your Pricing Checklist

• ✅ Know what services you offer
• ✅ Estimate your time + tools
• ✅ Use AI to streamline where possible
• ✅ Create 2–3 clear packages
• ✅ Set minimums you feel good about
• ✅ Protect your time + energy with contracts
• ✅ Update your pricing as your value grows

🎤 Final Words: You’re Allowed to Charge Real Money

You’re not “just a social media manager.”
You’re a storyteller. A strategist. A creative problem-solver.

You help people get seen, trusted, and chosen. That’s wildly valuable.

So when someone asks, “How much do you charge?”
Take a breath. Smile. Say your number confidently.
Then sip your overpriced iced latte like the boss you are. ☕✨