How Much Does Social Media Marketing Cost Per Month?

Social media marketing (SMM) is a powerful tool for businesses to engage with their audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales. However, one of the most common questions businesses have is: “How much does social media marketing cost per month?”

The cost of social media marketing varies widely depending on factors like business size, goals, platforms used, and whether you manage it in-house or hire an agency. Below, we break down the key cost components to help you budget effectively.

1. Agency vs. In-House Social Media Marketing Costs

A. Hiring a Social Media Marketing Agency

Many businesses outsource their social media marketing to agencies or freelancers. Costs depend on the scope of work:

• Basic Package (Small Businesses): $500–$1,500/month
  • 3-5 posts per week
  • Community engagement (responding to comments/messages)
  • Basic analytics reporting
• Mid-Level Package (Growing Businesses): $1,500–$5,000/month
  • Daily posting + content creation (graphics/videos)
  • Paid ad management (small budget)
  • Monthly strategy sessions
• Enterprise-Level (Large Brands): $,000–$20,000+/month
  • Multi-platform campaigns (Meta, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.)
  • High-end content production (professional videos, influencers)
  • Advanced analytics & ROI tracking

B. In-House Social Media Team Costs

If you prefer managing social media internally, costs include:

• Salaries:
  • Social Media Manager: $45,000–$80,000/year ($3,750–$6,666/month)
  • Content Creator/Graphic Designer: $40,000–$60,000/year ($3,300–$5,000/month)
  • Paid Ads Specialist: $50,000–$90,000/year ($4,166–$7,500/month)
• Tools & Software: $00–$500/month (e.g., Hootsuite, Canva Pro, Adobe Creative Cloud)

2. Advertising Budget (Paid Social Media Ads)

Paid promotions significantly impact overall costs. Budgets vary based on goals:

• Small Businesses: $500–$2,000/month
• Medium Businesses: $2,000–$10,000/month
• Large Brands: $10,000–$50,000+/month

Average Cost-Per-Click (CPC):

• Facebook/Instagram: $0.50–$2.00
• LinkedIn: $5–$10
• TikTok: $1–$5

3. Content Creation Costs

High-quality content is essential. Costs include:

• Stock Photos/Videos: $20–$100/month (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock)
• Custom Graphics/Animations: $200–$1,000/month (freelancers)
• Professional Video Production: $1,000–$10,000+/month

4. Influencer Marketing Costs

Partnering with influencers can amplify reach:

• Nano-Influencers (1K-10K followers): $50–$500/post
• Micro-Influencers (10K-100K followers): $500–$5,000/post
• Macro-Influencers (100K-1M followers): $5,000–$50,000/post
• Celebrities (1M+ followers): $50,000–$500,000+

5. Additional Costs

• Social Media Management Tools: $50–$300/month (Buffer, Sprout Social)
• Analytics & Reporting Tools: $100–$500/month (Google Analytics, HubSpot)
• Training & Courses: $100–$1,000 (for in-house teams)

Average Monthly Social Media Marketing Costs Summary

Social media marketing costs vary based on strategy, platforms, and business needs. While DIY efforts can save money, hiring professionals often delivers better ROI. Start with a clear budget, track performance, and adjust spending based on results.