How Much Should I Pay Someone to Manage My Social Media?

In today’s digital age, having a strong social media presence is crucial for any business or brand. With millions of users on various social media platforms, it’s a great way to reach and engage with your target audience. However, managing social media accounts can be a time-consuming and overwhelming task, especially for busy business owners. This is where hiring a social media manager comes in.

But how much should you pay someone to manage your social media? The answer to this question depends on various factors, such as the level of expertise, the volume of work, and the type of services you require. In this article, we’ll discuss the average cost of hiring a social media manager and other factors to consider when determining the right price for your business.

The Average Cost of Hiring a Social Media Manager

According to a survey by the Freelancer’s Union, the average hourly rate for a social media manager is between $35 to $350. This wide range is due to the varying levels of expertise and experience that social media managers possess. For instance, a beginner or entry-level social media manager may charge around $35 to $50 per hour, while an experienced and highly skilled manager may charge $100 or more per hour.

The volume of work is another factor that can affect the cost of hiring a social media manager. If you only need someone to manage a few social media accounts and post a few times a week, the cost will be lower compared to someone who needs to manage multiple accounts and post multiple times a day.

Additionally, the type of services you require can also impact the cost. Some social media managers may offer basic services such as content creation and scheduling, while others may provide more comprehensive services such as social media strategy development, paid advertising, and analytics tracking. The more services you require, the higher the cost will be.

Bringing the Work In-House: DIY Social Media Management Tools

If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, you may consider bringing the work in-house and using a DIY social media management tool. These tools allow you to manage your social media accounts yourself, without the need to hire a social media manager. One such tool is Planable, which offers a low-cost solution for businesses looking to manage their social media accounts efficiently.

Planable allows you to schedule and publish posts on various social media platforms, collaborate with team members, and track analytics. The tool also offers a user-friendly interface and customizable templates, making it easy for even non-technical users to manage their social media accounts effectively.

Other Factors to Consider When Determining the Right Price

Aside from the level of expertise, volume of work, and type of services, there are other factors to consider when determining the right price for hiring a social media manager. These include:

1. Industry and Target Audience

The industry you’re in and your target audience can also affect the cost of hiring a social media manager. For instance, if you’re in a highly competitive industry, you may need a more experienced and skilled social media manager to help you stand out from the competition. Similarly, if your target audience is on a specific social media platform, you may need a manager who is well-versed in that platform.

2. Location

The location of the social media manager can also impact the cost. Social media managers in major cities or countries with a higher cost of living may charge more compared to those in smaller cities or countries with a lower cost of living.

3. Contract or Freelance

Deciding whether to hire a social media manager on a contract or freelance basis can also affect the cost. Contract-based managers may charge a higher hourly rate, but they may also offer more comprehensive services and be more readily available for your business. On the other hand, freelance managers may charge a lower hourly rate, but they may also have other clients and may not be as readily available.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of hiring a social media manager can vary greatly depending on various factors. It’s essential to consider the level of expertise, volume of work, type of services, industry and target audience, location, and contract or freelance basis when determining the right price for your business. Ultimately, the cost should align with your budget and the value that the social media manager can bring to your business. Whether you choose to hire a social media manager or use a DIY tool like Planable, having a strong social media presence is crucial for the success of your business in today’s digital world.