Figuring out what to charge is a real headache for anyone managing social media. It’s one of the biggest questions we get. You want to be fair to the client but you also need to, you know, pay your bills. The “per post” model seems simple on the surface. But it gets complicated fast. So let’s talk about how much to charge for social media management per post in 2025. The answer, as you might guess, is kind of messy.
It is a number that depends on a whole bunch of things. What you’re doing, who you are, and what platform you’re on. There’s no magic number. But we can definitely get you in the right ballpark. Let’s break it down so you can build a price that makes sense for you and feels right. This is about giving you confidence when you send that next proposal out.
Why Per-Post Pricing Is So Tricky
Charging by the post seems easy for everyone to understand. The client gets X posts for Y dollars. Simple. This model can work for very small clients or businesses that just need a basic presence online. They just want something going out.
But this is where the trouble normally starts. A “post” isn’t just a post is it. It’s the idea, the writing, the picture or video, the research, the scheduling. All that stuff. It is often the case that the work behind the scenes gets completely ignored in a per-post price.
Also this model doesn’t really account for the big picture. The game plan behind the posts. Or community management. Or looking at the numbers to see what worked. You risk becoming just a content machine, not a real manager for their accounts. It’s a trap many fall into.
Key Factors That Change Your Per-Post Rate in 2025
Okay so if you’re going to charge per post you have to think about a few big things. These are the sliders you can move up or down. They are what will determine your final price. Don’t just pull a number out of thin air. You need to be able to explain it.
The Platform Makes a Huge Difference
Not all social media platforms are created equal. The effort for one is way different than for another. It’s a point that is often missed by clients who just see it all as “social media”.
Here’s a general breakdown:
X (Twitter): Typically the cheapest. Posts are short. Often text-only. They are fast to create. But a good strategy requires many of them.
Facebook / Instagram (Static Posts): These are in the middle. They need a good image or graphic. And the caption writing is more involved. Hashtag research is a thing here too.
LinkedIn: The writing here has to be more professional. Longer-form content often does better. It’s a different kind of audience and takes more thought.
Instagram Reels / TikTok / YouTube Shorts: This is the top tier. Video is king. It takes way more time. Shooting, editing, finding audio, writing captions. This is considered to be the most labor-intensive type of post.
What’s Actually Included in the “Post”?
This is the big one. You have to be super clear about what the client is getting for their money. Scope creep is a real danger. A “post” could include some or all of these things. Each one adds to the final price.
Be specific in your contract.
Copywriting: Just writing the text for the post.
Graphic Design: Creating a custom image or graphic. Are you using templates or making something new each time?
Video Production: This is a big category. Is it simple editing of client-provided footage? Or are you shooting and editing from scratch?
Hashtag Research: Finding the right mix of hashtags for reach.
Scheduling: Putting it into a scheduler for a specific time.
Strategy: The actual thought behind why this post exists. This is generally hard to put a price on per post, which is a flaw in the model.
Your Experience Level Matters
Where are you in your career? Your price should reflect what you bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. People pay for the peace of mind that comes with experience.
A beginner might be learning the ropes. An expert knows what works and gets results faster.
Beginner (0-1 year): You’re still building a portfolio. Your rates will be lower as you get your footing. You’re mostly focused on execution not deep strategy.
Intermediate (2-4 years): You have a proven track record. You’ve gotten results for clients before. You can offer more of a game plan.
Expert (5+ years): You’re a pro. You think about the big business goals. You can handle difficult clients and complex campaigns. Your rates should be the highest.
The Actual Numbers: Social Media Pricing Per Post for 2025
Alright let’s get to the numbers you came here for. These are general ranges. Your prices might be different based on your location and your specific client’s needs. These are just a starting point for how much to charge for social media management per post.
Simple Posts (e.g., text-based on X, simple photo with caption on Facebook):
Beginner: $35 – $60 per post
Intermediate: $60 – $100 per post
Expert: $100 – $175+ per post
Complex Posts (e.g., custom graphics, carousels, LinkedIn articles):
Beginner: $75 – $125 per post
Intermediate: $125 – $200 per post
Expert: $200 – $350+ per post
Video Posts (e.g., TikToks, Reels – includes basic editing):
Beginner: $125 – $250 per post
Intermediate: $250 – $450 per post
Expert: $450 – $800+ per post
These numbers can go up or down. A national brand will pay more than a local coffee shop. That’s just how it is. So always think about the client’s budget too.
Is There a Better Way? Other Pricing Models
Honestly, per-post pricing isn’t great for long-term work. It can make you feel like a gig worker. And it doesn’t pay you for all the thinking and planning you do. It’s transactional.
Once you have a few clients, think about moving to a different model. Monthly retainers are very common. With a retainer, a client pays you a flat fee each month. For that fee, you deliver an agreed-upon set of services.
This is better because it gives you a predictable income. And it lets you build a real relationship with the client. You become part of their team. You can focus on getting them results, not just counting posts. Project-based fees for specific campaigns are also a good option.
FAQs on How Much to Charge for Social Media Management Per Post
1. What’s a fair starting rate per post for a total beginner?
For a total beginner, a fair starting point is normally around $35-$50 for a very simple post on a platform like Facebook. This helps you build your portfolio without underselling your time completely.
2. Should video posts always cost more than static image posts?
Yes, almost always. Video creation involves much more work, from planning and filming to editing and sound design. Your price should reflect that extra time and skill. A video post can easily be 3-5 times the cost of a static one.
3. Does the per-post price usually include responding to comments?
Typically no. Per-post pricing is for content creation and scheduling. Community management, which is responding to comments and messages, is a separate service. You should charge for it separately, maybe with an hourly rate or as an add-on to a monthly package.
4. How do I charge for Instagram Stories versus a feed post?
This can be tricky. A simple one-slide story might be less than a feed post. But a multi-slide, interactive story with polls and stickers could be more. A good rule is to price a standard story slide at about 50-75% of a static feed post.
5. Is it better to just charge a monthly fee instead of per post?
For most social media managers, yes. A monthly retainer is better for establishing steady income and allows you to provide more complete service, including strategy and reporting. The per-post model is best for small, one-off projects.
Key Takeaways
Per-post pricing seems simple but it can hide a lot of unpaid work. Be careful.
Your price depends on the platform, what’s included in the “post,” and your experience level.
Video content should always cost more than static images. It’s just more work.
Be extremely clear in your contract about what a “post” includes to avoid problems later.
Consider moving to a monthly retainer model as soon as you can. It’s better for building your business and providing real service to your clients.
