If you're a UK business owner wondering about social media marketing costs, you're not alone.

Whether you're eyeing TikTok ads or need someone to handle your Instagram full-time, understanding the pricing landscape helps you budget smartly and avoid overpaying.

Let's break down what you can expect to pay for social media services in 2025 and how Social Swan has managed to beat all the typical price structures.

Freelancer vs. Agency: Freelancers usually charge £25-75/hour, while a social media agency cost runs higher but includes team expertise
Number of platforms: Managing one platform vs. five makes a huge difference
Content creation: Just scheduling posts? Or full video production and graphic design?
Posting frequency: Three posts per week vs. daily content

Low cost social media management (£300-600/month) typically covers basic posting and community management on 1-2 platforms.

Mid-tier packages (£800-1,500/month) include strategy, content creation, and analytics.

Premium services (£2,000+/month) offer comprehensive management across multiple channels.

The Social Swan price starts at only £199 and we have a free trial to get you started - take a look at our pricing page here.

Social Media Advertising Costs

Social media ads cost breaks down into two parts: ad spend and management fees.

Ad Spend: This is what you pay Meta, TikTok, or LinkedIn directly. UK businesses typically budget:

Small businesses: £300-1,000/month
Medium businesses: £1,000-5,000/month
Larger brands: £5,000+/month

Management Fees: Agencies typically charge 10-20% of ad spend or a flat monthly fee (£500-2,000) to create, monitor, and optimise your campaigns.

Package Pricing Breakdown

Most agencies offer social media packages pricing like this:

Package	Monthly Cost	What's Included
Starter	£500-800	2-3 posts/week, 2 platforms, basic analytics
Growth	£1,000-1,800	Daily posting, 3-4 platforms, content creation, community management
Premium	£2,000-4,000	Full strategy, unlimited platforms, ads management, influencer outreach

Did You Know?

73% of UK small businesses say they waste money on social media because they don't have a clear strategy.

Many end up paying for tools they don't use or running ads without proper targeting. That's why from the start saves money long-term.

Also, businesses that use Instagram strategically see 4x better ROI than those posting randomly. Check out our to maximize your investment.

What Affects the Price?

Several factors influence social media marketing cost:

Your Industry: Competitive sectors (property, legal, hospitality) require more sophisticated strategies and higher budgets.

Your Goals: Brand awareness campaigns cost less than lead generation or e-commerce conversions, which need constant optimization.

Content Complexity: Stock photos and text? Affordable. Custom photography, video editing, and motion graphics? Budget accordingly.

Response Time: Same-day community management and customer service cost more than next-day responses.

The Bottom Line

Social media marketing price shouldn't be a mystery. For most UK SMEs, expect to invest £800-2,000/month for professional management, plus additional ad spend if you're running paid campaigns.

The key is finding a balance between your budget and your goals. Skimping too much means inconsistent posting and amateur content. Overspending without strategy wastes money.

At Social Swan, we create transparent, flexible packages that grow with your business. Whether you need hands-on management or strategic consulting, we'll find the right fit for your budget.

FAQs

Is social media marketing worth the cost?
Absolutely. UK businesses report an average 250% ROI on social media when done strategically. The key is consistent posting, proper targeting, and tracking what actually works.

Can I do social media marketing myself to save money?
You can, but it's time-intensive. Most business owners underestimate the 10-15 hours weekly needed for quality content, engagement, and strategy. Many find outsourcing more cost-effective than losing focus on core business activities.

What's the cheapest way to start with social media marketing?
Begin with organic content on 1-2 platforms where your audience already hangs out. Focus on consistency over perfection. Once you see traction, consider investing in paid ads or professional management to scale results.