How much does social media marketing cost for a small business?

WebFX's social media pricing page, last modified in November 2025, gives an average of $100 to $5,000 a month for management and breaks it down by business size: $100 to $1,000 a month for businesses with 1 to 10 employees, and the same for 11 to 50.

Cloud Campaign says most small businesses pay $1,000 to $3,000 a month for ongoing management, with solo freelancers starting near $500 and full-service agencies starting at $5,000. That page shows no date.

The two sources overlap but do not match, which is common. Treat them as ranges to test against real quotes.

At $500 to $1,000 a month, Cloud Campaign says you typically get scheduling and light content on one or two platforms. At $1,000 to $3,000 it lists a managed posting calendar across several platforms, original graphics, written captions and monthly reporting. Above $3,000 it lists original photo and video production, community management, paid social and strategy.

Use that as a checklist. If a quote at $1,000 promises daily video and a full strategy, ask how.

WebFX says tools such as Buffer or Hootsuite start at $100 a month and puts a social media specialist's average salary at $55,000 a year, about $4,500 a month before benefits.

For a small business, DIY usually means the owner or one staff member spends a few hours a week planning, filming, posting and replying. Our short-form video guide gives a one-hour weekly workflow.

If your time is worth more than the cost of help, hiring can be cheaper than doing it yourself.

WebFX shows freelancer costs at $1,001 to $10,000 a month, which looks high next to Cloud Campaign's $500 solo start, so the range is wide and depends on experience and scope.

Ask to see examples for businesses like yours, and clarify who creates the content and who replies to comments.

WebFX lists social advertising at $1,000 to $25,000 a year on average, and its own agency plans charge a management fee on top of required ad spend.

Ad spend is paid to the platform, separate from any agency fee. Our guide to Facebook Ads vs Google Ads helps you choose where to start.

Cloud Campaign notes its figures exclude ad spend, paid tools, stock licensing, influencer fees and production costs for on-location shoots, and advises asking for the all-in monthly cost, not just the retainer.

It also says ongoing management is usually billed as a monthly retainer with a three-month minimum. Plan for at least that long before judging results.

Set a goal before you spend. Pick one or two outcomes, such as booked appointments, store visits or enquiries.

• Track the source. Use links with tracking and ask customers how they found you.
• Review monthly. Note what worked.
• Cut what does not. Drop formats that get attention but no action.

If you want help turning posts into leads, see our short-form video service.

1. Ask for a scope list. Number of posts, platforms and videos each month.
2. Ask who creates the content. In-house, outsourced or you.
3. Ask how results are reported. Enquiries and sales, not only likes.
4. Ask about the contract. Minimum term and notice.
5. Ask about ownership. You should keep your accounts and content.
6. Start small. A three-month trial is common.