So you’re looking into the cost to outsource social media management and want an idea about benchmarked pricing, various approaches and key players, and the costs and benefits to your business. You’ve come to the right place. If you’re short on time, skip ahead to the Key Takeaways section.
Questionable pricing tactics are regular features on the evening news, and anecdotally too. Finding the REAL cost from the get go is often difficult.
Does this sound familiar? You’re preparing for an upcoming holiday break and are dreaming of securing flights to a far-flung destination. Out of the blue a friend gives you the inside scoop that *insert airline* has a sale and flights to *insert destination* are extremely cheap.
Just like that, with your newfound awareness you’ve entered The Sales Funnel …the wheels are in motion. After a cursory research session you’re visualising yourself poolside with a beverage garnished with its own petite umbrella.
You hurriedly jump online and begin selecting dates, lo and behold the flights are cheap! Just a few more steps and you’ll be on your way! You can practically feel the sand between your toes. This is when things take a turn.
The flight you’ve selected doesn’t include baggage, hmmm… and there’s a miscellaneous tax, a fee for selecting a seat, a carbon offset charge, some type of ticket insurance. Before you know it you’re looking at a ticket price that’s a far-cry from what your friend had quoted.
But you’ve come this far… and you deserve it, no question! And what about the cute little umbrella drink?! It’s not that much more is it? You know what? you’re doing it! You check out and you’re locked in for the trip of a lifetime …but you’ve been had. If you’d seen the final price tag upfront would you have gone through with it?
Drip pricing (selling a product or service in misleading increments), dynamic pricing (increasing price with demand), and bait pricing (not having adequate supply of discounted items) are all rife in sales today.
We have the same issues in the digital marketing world but this year we say, “no more”. In 2025, umbrella drinks are in, devious pricing tactics are out.
So buckle up, this is Born Social’s exposé on how much it costs to outsource social media management. We’re breaking down the hidden costs, reviewing industry standards and figuring out the right option for your business needs. Cue victory sip. Cheers!
Key takeaways:
What are the factors that influence costs? How do various pricing models and structures play a part? Plus tips for navigating the landscape and finding cost-effective solutions.
1. Providers benefits and costs: On average Freelancers typically charge $100–$200 AUD/hr ($35–$350 USD). Agencies can range from $2,000–$10,000+ AUD/month ($2,500–$10,000+ USD). Note: Output can vary greatly - agencies having greater access to experts and creatives.
2. Annual budgets & Business Size: Small businesses may spend around $6,000 AUD/USD per year, meanwhile the sky's the limit for larger enterprises who can exceed $100,000+ AUD/USD.
3. Pricing models: Options include monthly retainers and social media packages for ongoing support, hourly rates for flexibility, or project-based fees for specific campaigns.
4. Other factors influencing costs: The scope of services, platform selection, content frequency and medium, and strategy complexity all impact pricing.
5. Hidden costs: Software tools, paid ads, and influencer collaborations can add to your budget. From now on, let’s sort these out upfront so there’s no nasty surprises.
6. Finding cost-effective solutions: Our advice? Compare providers, define clear goals, and choose a model that aligns with your business needs.
If after all this you’re still lost at sea you can always reach out for more info, a custom quote, or just a friendly chat. Contact us.
Factors That Influence Social Media Outsourcing Costs
There are so many moving parts that impact the cost to outsource social media management. From the complexity of social media strategy, the number of platforms involved, the frequency, quality and type of content you’re creating, to the players you choose to recruit. Like any online shopping endeavour, the more you add to cart, the higher the price (with a few exceptions ie Annual Contracts).
"Business Size = Different Needs"
Sprout Social suggests most agencies charge between $500 to over $20,000 per month for social media management, depending on factors like company size, goals, and campaign specifics. Below we dive into the outsourced solutions of differing shapes and sizes.
Start-Ups & Growing Brands
For smaller businesses, social media is all about the essentials: we’re talking platform setups, SEO optimisation, regular content creation (possibly opting for lo-fi over top-tier glossier options), audience engagement, and conservative ad campaigns. Costs stay comparably low with entry level scheduling tools, basic reporting, and small-scale ad spend in niche markets.
Brands Scaling Up & More Established BusinessesA level up, mid-sized brands need smarter tools to match more sophisticated strategies. Think advanced scheduling (multichannel), team collaboration software, in-depth analytics, and more and more AI-driven insights to track sentiment and improve performance. While the investment is higher, so is your ROI (return on investment).
Enterprise & Global Brands
Big brands are kind of in a league of their own. Here’s when managing multi-channel campaigns and large-scale content creation becomes a full-blown production, and demands dedicated account managers and expert teams. AI in social media management can help ramp up productivity and mitigate costs but should always be kept in check by subject matter experts. On top of this, big brands often require custom integrations and bespoke elements, as well as enterprise-level analytics. All these things increase costs but also maximise impact.
Scope of Services
“Not in scope” has got to be one of the more soul-crushing phrases in the corporate world. Ensuring you know the lingo and the full extent of services you need before signing on the dotted line is a must!
Intentionally or not, agencies have a tendency to speak in tongues. Below is some roleplay covering key components of outsourced social media management that will add to your overall investment. Plus, we’ve included some handy tips to ensure what you need is always in scope.
So, your prospective social media agency might say,
“your package includes Basic Management” – This generally means scheduling posts, engaging with followers, and keeping your feed active. A low-cost hands-on authentic approach.
Tip: Follow up on specifics: How many posts do I get with basic management? What about product launches or special campaigns?
“We provide regular updates with Analytics & Reporting” – Your agency is tracking performance, audience insights, and engagement to refine your strategy. More data = higher costs.
Tip: Ensure your level of cover matches your follower base. You should be able to scale up easily when necessary.
“We’ll take care of Strategy & Planning” – This should include competitor analysis, content planning, and audience targeting. A bigger-picture approach with a bigger price tag.
Tip: Ensure onboarding is comprehensive and you’re on the same page from the outset. Does your new social media management agency complete a brand book or establish creative guidelines documents with you?
“We manage Paid Campaigns” – Running ads, budget management, and performance optimisation.
Tip: Ask which markets your agency is targeting. Does this align with your business goals?
"We can manage Multiple Platforms: TikTok, Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn" - Assume this to mean creating content, posting, and trend forecasting.
Tip: Ensure all platforms are relevant to you and your industry. Remember beware the cookie cutter!
Pricing Models for Social Media Management with an Agency
As we’ve discussed, how much social media management costs depends on a myriad of factors. How you approach pricing, social media agency packages and billing should also complement your situation. Do you need a full-service agency or just need ad-hoc or one-off support? Understanding the different pricing models can help you find the best fit for your budget and make sure the price is right.
Social Media Flat Rates vs. Hourly Rates vs. Performance-Based Pricing
• Flat Rates – Predictable, all-inclusive pricing. Great for businesses that want a set scope with no surprises. $1000 to $5,000 USD per month (about $770 to $7,700 AUD).
• Hourly Rates – Pay for exactly what you use. Ideal if you need occasional support but not a full-service package. Hourly rates for social media management typically range from $20 to $50 USD (approximately $40 to $100 AUD).
• Performance-Based Pricing – Incentivised pay based on results (e.g., conversions, engagement growth). High risk, high reward and it can be difficult to strike the perfect balance. This structure is more rare and difficult to give indicative estimates.
Social Media Packages vs. A La Carte Services
Packages – A structured set of services for a fixed fee. Best for brands that want full-service management without piecing things together.
A La Carte – Customisable, pay-as-you-go services. Great if you only need content creation or ad management. Pick and mix what works for you, voilà!
Outsourced Social Media Management Real-World Examples
So what does it look like in real life? Here are examples from two of the many happy customers who have outsourced their social media management with Born Social over the years. You can check out our portfolio here too.
Born Social Example: A Small Business Spending $3,000/Month – A Melbourne-based café opted for a basic package. This took them from initial setup and optimisation, to 8 posts/month, community engagement, and light ad management.
Results: 605% increase in following, grown organically, on Instagram across Q3 & Q4, 2024. Cost per result of approx. $20 per website booking.
Born Social Example 2: A Large Corporation Spending $8,000/Month – A national retailer came on board for full-scale management: multi-platform content, influencer collaborations, and high-budget paid campaigns.
Results: Over a 445% increase in content interactions within the first 4 months of social media management. Average 10.72 ROAS over Q4, 2024, and a 15.7x ROAS over Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales..
*Names redacted for privacy.
The right pricing model depends on your goals, budget, and how hands-on you want to be. Need help figuring out what works for you? We can help.
How Much Does Social Media Management Cost Per Month?
Crunching numbers in your marketing budget? You’re probably wondering, “how much does it cost to manage social media monthly?" Here’s a birds eye view of your options and a range of monthly social media packages.
Small Businesses: $500–$2,000/month (basic posting, monitoring, light analytics).
Mid-Sized Businesses: $2,000–$5,000/month (strategy, campaigns, content creation, paid ads).
Large Enterprises: $5,000+/month (multichannel campaigns, advanced analytics, influencer marketing).
How Much Does Social Media Management Cost Per Year?
It’d be easy to take the monthly cost of social media management, multiply it by 12, and call it a day. But in reality signing on for the long haul often means better value. Many agencies reward commitment with discounts (like 10% off for annual retainers). This way you’re locking in a peace of mind, consistency, as well as more budget in your pocket.
| Business Size |
Price Range |
| Small |
$6,000–$30,000 USD ($9,500–$46,000 AUD) |
| Medium |
$30,000–$100,000 USD ($46,000–$155,000 AUD) |
| Large |
$100,000+ USD ($155,000+ AUD) |
Outsource social media management cost as annual expenditure. Here’s what a yearly investment could look like for you.
Hidden Costs of Social Media Management
Licensing Tools and Software
Social media management often comes with extra costs for tools like scheduling platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social) and analytics software (e.g. Google Analytics, Brandwatch). Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $500 USD per month ($40 to $770 AUD), adding up to $300–$1,000 USD annually ($460 to $1,540 AUD).
*GA and some other providers have basic versions for free or introductory trials. Try before you buy is always recommended!
Ad Management Fees and Ad Spend
Ad management can also add extra to your budget. Fees range from $500 to $5,000 USD per month ($770 to $7,700 AUD), plus a percentage of your ad spend (typically 10–20%). Your monthly ad budget itself can vary greatly depending on campaign size, from $500 to $50,000 USD ($770 to $77,000 AUD).
*Don’t forget, ad spend is separate from the management fees, so it’s an important extra cost to consider.
Additional Costs for Revisions and Special Campaigns
Special campaigns or extra revisions can be pricey. Custom projects or seasonal campaigns can run anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000+ USD ($1,500 to $15,000 AUD), and revisions might cost $100 to $300 USD per hour ($150 to $460 AUD).
Tip: agree on the number of revisions included in projects and the preferred handover methods for smooth sailing all year round.
What Else Goes Into the Annual Social Media Marketing Budget?
Beyond agency fees, there are other expenses that can sneak up on you. If you're planning seasonal campaigns, product launches, or special promotions, you’ll likely need extra creative work, influencer partnerships, or a boosted ad spend.
Ad spend is a whole other can of worms. This Gupta media report synthesises billions of impressions and data to show how human psychology, holidays and cultural differences impact costs as well as benchmarking how much social media ads cost in 2025.
Be sure to factor these hidden costs into your overall social media budget to avoid any costly surprises down the road.
Cost Comparison: In-House vs. Outsourcing
To outsource social media management or do in-house? Here’s a rough overview of the costs of each.
| Social Media |
Monthly Cost |
Annual Cost |
| In-House (1 full-time employee) |
$5,000–$8,300 USD ($7,500–$12,500 AUD) |
$60,000–$100,000 USD ($90,000–$150,000 AUD) |
| Outsourcing to an Agency |
$1,000–$10,000 USD ($1,500–$15,000 AUD) |
$12,000–$120,000 USD ($18,000–$180,000 AUD) |
Of course there are many nuances to this comparison. From training costs to turnaround times. If you’re looking to dive deeper into outsourcing, check out our guide on How to Choose and Outsource Your Social Media Agency to find out everything you need to know.
Should You Outsource Social Media Management Overseas?
Outsourcing social media management overseas is enticing from a fiscal perspective but at what cost? We shopped around the globe, checking out local and international agencies and freelancer rates to weigh up the pros and cons.
Outsourcing your social media offshore can result in significant savings for businesses desperate to trim down their marketing budgets. According to Tactyqal, freelancers in countries like India, the Philippines, and Eastern Europe often charge between $15–$25 USD ($23–$38 AUD) per hour for digital marketing services. Agencies in regions such as Poland and Eastern Europe typically charge between $50–$99 USD ($76–$151 AUD) per hour, as noted by Mavlers. These rates are considerably lower than those in major markets like New York or Melbourne, where social media agencies charge between $70–$190 USD ($107–$290 AUD) per hour, with top-rated agencies commanding up to $320 USD ($489 AUD) per hour, according to Planable.
While the financial benefits are obvious, outsourcing overseas is not without certain challenges. Time zone differences generally lead to delays with an increase in online meetings and overtime (if work hours don’t overlap). Plus, language and cultural barriers can also negatively affect content quality and audience engagement. Lastly, offshore teams may lack the local market knowledge essential for crafting messages that resonate deeply with your target audience.
Conclusion
And there you have it! The full breakdown of what it really costs to outsource social media management. We’ve covered everything from small business budgets to enterprise-level pricing, along with the sneaky hidden costs that crop up if you’re not aware. Whether you choose to outsource or bring social media in-house, understanding the true cost of your decision is crucial to building your brand or business.
If you're feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options, don’t sweat it – we’ve got your back. Get in touch with Born Social today for expert advice, bespoke pricing, or a simple chat to help you navigate your social media journey… Speaking of, don’t forget to book that holiday!
FAQS
1. How much does it cost for someone to manage your Instagram?
Prices range from $500 to $5,000+ per month depending on your needs—smaller packages cover content creation and engagement, while larger packages include ads and influencer marketing.
2. What does social media management include?
It includes content creation, posting, audience engagement, analytics, and strategy. Some packages add paid ads, influencer marketing, and more.
3. How much should I pay a social media manager?
For an in-house social media manager, you can expect to pay around $50,000–$85,000 USD/year or $60,000–$100,000 AUD/year depending on experience and location. Rates may vary if you're hiring someone part-time or for specific tasks like content creation.
4. Is it cheaper to hire a freelancer or an agency for social media management?
Freelancers are usually cheaper $50–$130 USD/hour or $70–$150 AUD/hour but with smaller niches. Agencies offer full-service packages starting at $1,200 USD/month or $2,000 AUD/month for a more comprehensive approach.
5. What’s included in a typical social media management package?
Typically, content creation, scheduling, audience interaction, and strategy. Larger packages may include paid ads and influencer campaigns.
6. How much does social media advertising add to the cost?
Ad management fees range from $250 to $2,500 USD/month or $500 to $5,000 AUD/month, as a general rule ad spend adds approximately 10–20% to the budget. However, it’s important to note a solid strategy can lead to exponential ROI.
7. Can small businesses afford professional social media management?
Absolutely! Small businesses can expect to pay $250–$1,500 USD/month or $500–$2,000 AUD/month for basic packages. Good social media agencies will be able to grow with you and scale your investment sustainably.
8. Are there hidden costs in outsourcing social media?
Additional costs may include tools for scheduling, analytics, or paid ads. Be sure to discuss any extra charges upfront.
9. What’s the difference between in-house and outsourced social media management costs?
In-house can cost $3,500–$5,000 USD/month or $5,000–$8,300 AUD/month for a single full-time employee, while outsourcing typically costs $1,000–$10,000 USD/month or $1,500–$15,000 AUD/month with access to a full team.
10. How do I choose the right pricing model for my business?
Flat-rate pricing offers predictability, hourly rates suit one-offs and short term demand, and performance-based is great for confidence in your agency’s abilities. Choose based on the type of work, your goals and budget.