Social media can bring a small business a steady stream of customers. It can also eat up 20 hours a month and deliver nothing but a handful of likes. The difference is usually how it is managed. This guide covers what social media management for small businesses actually involves, what it costs in the UK, and how to decide whether to do it yourself or hand it over.
What does social media management include?
Social media management is more than posting. A proper service covers the whole job:
- Strategy: working out who your customers are, which platforms they use and what will make them stop scrolling.
- Content creation: designing graphics, writing captions and, on higher packages, creating short videos.
- Scheduling and posting: publishing consistently, at the times your audience is online.
- Community management: replying to comments and messages so potential customers are not left waiting.
- Reporting: showing what is working each month and adjusting the plan.
Which platforms should a small business be on?
You do not need to be everywhere. For most UK small businesses, these three cover the vast majority of customers:
- Facebook: still the biggest platform for local audiences and people over 35. Great for local services and community-based businesses.
- Instagram: ideal for anything visual, such as food, fitness, beauty, home improvement and retail.
- LinkedIn: the place to be if you sell to other businesses.
It is better to post well on two platforms than badly on five.
How much does social media management cost for a small business?
Our social media management starts at £219 a month plus VAT. Here is what each of our packages includes:
| Package | Monthly price (excl. VAT) | Posting | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Up | £219 | 2 posts a week on Instagram, weekday posts on Facebook and LinkedIn | Custom content, dedicated account manager, 24/7 support, campaign planning |
| Most Popular | £439 | Daily on Instagram, 2 a day on Facebook and LinkedIn | Everything in Start Up, plus monthly reports and an end of month review |
| Premium | £499 | Daily on all networks | Responding to customers, custom video, daily custom graphics, audience growth strategy |
DIY or hire someone? Do the maths
Many business owners try to manage social media themselves to save money. It is worth working out what that really costs.
If you earn £60,000 a year and spend 20 hours a month on social media, that time is worth around £1,000 a month. Our packages start at £219 plus VAT, so handing it over could save you roughly £781 a month, or more than £9,000 a year, and give you those hours back to grow the business.
Doing it yourself makes sense if you enjoy it, have the time and post consistently. Hiring help makes sense if social media keeps slipping to the bottom of your to-do list.
What results should you expect?
Social media builds momentum over time. In the first month you should see a consistent, professional feed and better engagement. Over the following months, the aim is more enquiries, more website visits and a brand that local customers recognise.
Be wary of anyone who promises thousands of followers overnight. Bought followers do not buy from you.
How to choose a social media manager
- Look at their own work. Ask for examples of posts they have created for businesses like yours.
- Ask how they measure success. The answer should include enquiries or sales, not just likes.
- Check the contract. Avoid long lock-ins. A good manager keeps you because the results are there.
- Meet your account manager. You should know who is running your accounts.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to send you content?
No. Our team creates posts for you, using your brand assets and research into your industry. You always have final approval.
Is there a contract?
No. You can cancel at any time.
Can you manage social media for a business outside Hertfordshire?
Yes. We are based in Hemel Hempstead and work with small businesses across the UK.
Hand your social media over
If you would rather spend your time running your business, see our social media management packages. They start from £219 a month with no contract. Or get in touch and we will tell you honestly which package suits you.