How Much Does Social Media Management Cost in 2025?
If you are wondering how much social media management costs in 2025, you are not alone. Whether you are launching a new business or maintaining an existing brand, keeping your online presence consistent and professional is more demanding than ever. As platforms grow more competitive and algorithms evolve, many businesses are outsourcing their content creation and platform engagement. But what should you expect to pay, and what exactly are you paying for?
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The average price of social media marketing in 2025
Across the UK, businesses are paying between £300 and £800 per month for basic content management. This includes services like writing captions, scheduling posts, and maintaining a steady content flow. For businesses seeking a fully managed approach, including branded photography, regular reels, copywriting, reporting, and platform engagement, the monthly investment often starts around £1,000 and can rise to £1,500 or more depending on volume and goals.
At Alexander Thomas, I offer two core options. For £500 per month (scheduling only, no images or videos created, copywriting only), clients receive consistent copywriting, platform scheduling, and strategy support. For £2,000 per month (basic), I deliver a complete visual and written package that includes four professional photographs and 2 edited video reels weekly, ready for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Common UK social media pricing packages
| Package level | Typical contents | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Two posts per week across two platforms. Basic captions and no platform engagement or custom visuals. | £300 to £350 |
| Growth | Three to five posts per week. Custom captions per platform. Includes reporting and platform-specific tweaks. | £450 to £550 |
| Premium | Daily content including video and photography. Full platform engagement, visual storytelling, and performance tracking. | £1500 or more |
This structure gives you a guide to what most businesses are working with. Pricing may differ based on industry, but content creation, strategy, and reporting are typically included in the upper tiers.
What affects the cost of social media management?
Number of platforms
The more platforms you want to manage, the more time and work is involved. Content that works on LinkedIn may not perform the same on TikTok. Resizing images, rewriting captions, and adapting voice and tone for each channel adds hours of work every week.
Content volume and complexity
Posting twice a week with written captions is far simpler than running five reels, three carousel posts, and live video engagement. Visual content, especially professional video and branded imagery, requires planning, shooting, editing, and delivery. The more complex your content plan, the more skilled input you need.
Your business objectives
If your goal is to grow visibility slowly, you may only need a lighter strategy. However, if you are launching a campaign, targeting specific conversions, or aiming to increase traffic to your website, you need focused content, retargeting, data analysis, and content testing. These services require more strategy and time and therefore cost more.
Level of experience
Hiring a freelance social media manager with experience can save you significant time and bring immediate clarity to your brand. Those who also offer photography, videography, and design deliver more cohesive content across all platforms, which is essential for brand trust and conversion.
Community management and engagement
Responding to DMs, comments, mentions, and taking part in conversation threads builds audience loyalty. It also improves reach through platform signals. Businesses that only post but do not engage often see reduced performance, which can limit their return on investment.
Does standard pricing include visuals?
No. Most lower-priced packages focus only on writing and scheduling content. Visual content is usually provided by the business or quoted separately. If you want consistent branding, custom photography, or regular video content, you should expect this to be included only in higher-end or custom packages.
Why consistency is critical in 2025
A Sprout Social report showed that businesses who post consistently enjoy three times the reach and four times the engagement growth of those who post occasionally. Social media platforms reward regular contributors. This is not just about frequency, but also about showing up with quality and intent.
Content creation is a full-time job
From planning to scheduling, writing to editing, social content is not something that can be done in twenty minutes a week. Topics must be researched, visuals must be produced, captions need to be written with SEO in mind, and then content has to be published at optimal times. Add in platform engagement and analytics reporting, and it quickly becomes a daily job.
My view on the real value of this service
As someone who works closely with business owners, I often see the workload of content creation get pushed aside. Many people begin with good intentions and realise after a few weeks that they cannot maintain quality and consistency while also running a business. That is where outsourcing makes sense. From writing and planning to community engagement and publishing, the service I offer saves my clients time, energy, and delivers consistent results.
Authenticity still matters
In a landscape increasingly filled with AI-generated content, what stands out is genuine, relatable communication. Social media is no longer a place for perfectly polished content alone. People engage with real moments, honest tone, and stories that feel human. Brands who succeed in 2025 will be those who balance authenticity with structure and strategy. It is not about looking perfect. It is about being consistent, relevant, and human.
The Value of Social Media Management in Real Results
Many businesses hesitate to invest in ongoing social media content creation, but the results speak for themselves.
A recent study comparing accounts with and without professional social media management revealed a dramatic difference in performance. Brands that used structured management services saw:
3.5 times higher reach
4 times faster follower growth
Over triple the interaction rate
More than 3 times the average conversion rate
These improvements were not tied to ad spend alone. They were achieved through consistent organic posting, strategic content planning, and regular audience engagement.
We have visualised these differences in a graph below to show the direct comparison. If you are wondering whether social media management is worth the cost, the data makes it clear: consistent, optimised content pays off.
Graph: "Impact of Social Media Management on Customer Engagement"
Ready to take control of your content?
If you are tired of inconsistent posts or struggling to keep up with your platforms, now is the time to take action. I can help you build a consistent, engaging content stream that reflects your business, connects with your audience, and delivers results. Explore more of my work at alexander-thomas.co.uk or get in touch to see how we can build your content strategy together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for social media in 2025?
UK businesses typically spend between £300 and £800 per month depending on how many platforms are involved and whether content creation like Reels or photography is included. Full-service packages can range higher.
Is it worth hiring a freelance social media manager?
Yes—especially if you want high-quality, consistent content that reflects your brand. A freelance social media manager offers flexibility and hands-on support that agencies may not provide.
Do standard packages include content creation?
Many standard packages include writing and scheduling posts, but not all include original photography or video. Check whether visual content is included or charged as an add-on.
What platforms give the best return on content?
Instagram and TikTok are currently the most effective for visual content. LinkedIn works well for B2B, while Facebook remains valuable for community-based businesses. The best platform depends on your audience.
If the business is busy, do we still need to make content all the time?
Yes. Even when you're busy, consistent content keeps your brand relevant. A 2024 Sprout Social report found that 68% of consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that show up regularly. If you're not present, you're forgotten.
Do you offer lifestyle photography for social media?
Yes. I provide natural, on-location brand and lifestyle photography that aligns with your marketing goals. These images are ideal for web, social, and campaign use.
What makes alexander-thomas.co.uk different?
I offer full production—photography, videography, editing, and social media management—in one streamlined package. I work on-site across Glasgow, Edinburgh and the UK with consistency, fast turnaround, and a personal approach.
Can I tailor a package to suit my business needs?
Absolutely. Whether you're after a simple posting service or full video, brand photography, and monthly strategy, I build bespoke content packages based on your goals and budget.
