How to set your rates as a social media manager

Tacoma

When I quit my job and started freelancing last year, I set my rates to low. Literally just about every other social media manager I know has done this so that’s okay.

1. Determine your services: Social media marketing means different things to different people. Does the client have to provide you with photo and video content or will you film content for them? If you are also creating content, then you need to charge more for that. For example, I only offer three services

Social media management

Content creation

Social media management + Content creation

2. Do market research: What are other social media managers in your state charging? Are you in a city or a more rural area? For example, I live in Tacoma, Washington. Tacoma and Seattle are more expensive areas so marketing services are going to be at LEAST $1000+ monthly.

3. Just pick a number and start: You really aren’t going to know what to charge until you just do it. I personally always recommend that social media managers who are also creating content should charge a minimum of $1200 monthly. I charged my first client $600 monthly. I raise my prices after every completed contract since then.

4. Adjust your pricing after every completed contract: Every completed contract contributes to your value and experience. Do not sell yourself short. A good rule of thumb is to review your prices every three to six months. Now, my package minimums look something like this (as of Dec 2023)

💰Social media management: $1500 minimum

💰Content creation: $1200 minimum

💰Social media management + Content creation: $2000 minimum

Setting your rates is difficult but you’ll get a lot more clarity after you me first real contract is complete! Do not sell yourself short and make sure to deliver on what you promise.