The Real Cost of a Social Media Manager (and Why Coaching Might Be the Smarter First Hire) - How much does a social media manager cost?

A client once told me they were ready to hire a social media manager, but when I asked what their brand stood for, they froze.

That moment happens more often than you’d think. Most people assume social media management is just about posting. In reality, it’s about understanding your brand, your audience, and your strategy long before you ever schedule a post.

Here they were, trying to find out how much a social media manager costs, but they couldn't express what their brand stood for.

If you're here because you potentially want to be a social media manager OR you want to hire one, I highly suggest you check out my product store. I currently have two PDF downloads that are available and are great resources for getting started. Find the shop here.

💼 What You’re Really Paying For and How Much Does a Social Media Manager Cost?

Hiring a social media manager isn’t just about paying for posts. You’re paying for thinking — strategy, communication, and consistency. Here’s what that actually includes:

• Researching trends and understanding your industry.

• Creating and editing photos, videos, and captions.

• Monitoring comments and messages (aka public-facing customer service).

• Tracking analytics and adjusting strategy.

• Keeping your brand voice consistent across every platform.

  
  

Average Costs: A qualified full-time manager runs around $50,000–$75,000 per year, plus benefits, tools, and training. Even freelancers charge $1,500–$3,500/month, and that often doesn’t include video or strategy.

It’s not overpriced; it’s the cost of skilled labor, creativity, and time. Some agencies charge $5,000–$10,000 a month depending on the needs, and that's NOT including editing, videography, or photography.

🧠 Why Coaching Can Be a Smarter First Step

If you’re not ready to hand everything off yet, social media coaching can bridge the gap. A coach helps you or your team think like a manager before you’re paying full-time rates. For $50–$300 per session, a coach can help you:

• Build a content strategy that fits your brand.

• Learn to schedule efficiently.

• Understand analytics and what actually moves the needle.

• Develop your tone of voice.

• Create repeatable systems for consistency.

  
  

If you are juggling ideas but unsure where to start, then you’re not alone. Coaching gives you clarity without the cost of delegation.

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⚠️ Before You Hire a Coach — Check Your Foundation

I love when business owners are ready to invest in coaching. It tells me they care about growth. But here’s the truth most people won’t say out loud: if your foundation isn’t ready, you might not get what you think you’re paying for.

When I say “foundation,” I mean the basics that make your marketing work:

• A clear offer (what do you actually sell?)

• A brand voice and look (does your audience recognize you?)

• A few solid photos or videos (can people see what you do?)

• A defined audience (who are you really talking to?)

  
  

If those are fuzzy, coaching can turn into cleanup work. That’s not failure; it’s progress. It means you’re identifying what’s missing before spending money on high-level strategy. A good coach won’t sell you false promises. They’ll help you map out what to fix first so you can hit the ground running later.

🏗️ If You Can’t Afford Either (Yet)

If hiring a manager or coach isn’t in the budget, you’re not behind — you’re just in the groundwork phase. Here’s what you can do yourself right now:

1. Learn your audience. Pay attention to comments, reviews, and repeat questions.

2. Document your tone and color palette for consistency.

3. Capture photos and videos that show your product or personality.

4. Post consistently, even if imperfectly.

   
   

You’ll thank yourself later, and so will the person you eventually hire.

🧩 When to Upgrade

• Hire a coach when you’re full of ideas but need direction.

• Hire a manager when you’ve got a plan but not the time to execute it.

  
  

Growth doesn’t require rushing. It just requires readiness.

💭 FAQs

How do I know if I’m ready for a coach?

If you already know what you sell, who you sell to, and have basic branding materials, you’re ready to go!

What does a social media manager actually do?

They take what’s already working and scale it through strategy, scheduling, and consistent community building.

⚡️ Final Thought

The real cost of social media isn’t money; it’s inconsistency. You’ll either pay with cash (by outsourcing) or time (by learning). But the only unacceptable cost is doing nothing and expecting growth anyway.

If you’re unsure where you stand, that’s exactly what a discovery call is for. We’ll talk about your goals, your foundation, and whether coaching or management is the best next step for you.

Are you ready to start building your brand the right way? Contact us today and set up your free consultation on the website: SocialMediaMediaProductions.com

-Jules from Social Media, Media Productions