How much does social media management cost in the UK? (2026)
UK social media management prices in 2026: agency packages from £199 + VAT, a £358 median, freelancers £450 to £800 a month, and how to get a fair quote.
By James Olawale · · 3 min read
Social media management for a UK small business usually costs between £200 and £800 a month. Entry-level agency packages start around £199 a month plus VAT, the median across 26 published UK packages is about £358 a month, and a freelancer looking after a small business account typically charges £450 to £800 a month. Strategy-led agency work sits higher, from about £500 to £1,500 a month and up. These are published prices, not a survey, so always compare quotes for the same written scope.
Below: what each option costs, what a package usually includes, what pushes the price up, and how to get a fair quote.
Social media management prices in the UK at a glance
| Who does it | Typical price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level agency package | from £199 a month + VAT | Wrise |
| Median of 26 published packages from 11 UK providers | about £358 a month | One of One Group |
| Strategy-led agency services | about £500 to £1,500+ a month | One of One Group |
| Freelancer, small business account | £450 to £800 a month (Bark figures) | Wise |
| Software that plans and posts for you | from about US$19 a month | Tool pricing pages (see below) |
Prices were checked in October 2026. Many UK agencies quote before VAT, which is 20%, so check whether a quote includes it.
What a monthly package usually includes
A typical small business package covers one or two platforms (usually Instagram and Facebook), a set number of posts a week with captions and graphics, scheduling, and a short monthly report. Often extra: photo or video shoots, reels editing, paid ads (and the ad budget itself), and replying to comments and messages.
What pushes the price up
- More platforms. Each one adds work, even when posts are reused.
- Video. Reels and TikToks take longer than graphics.
- Shoots. Someone coming to your shop or site is the biggest jump.
- Ads. Managing paid ads is usually a separate fee on top of your ad spend.
- Strategy and reporting. Monthly calls and detailed reports cost more than posting alone.
Freelancer, agency or software?
A freelancer suits most small businesses that want a person. Ask to see accounts they run now, and agree the scope in writing.
An agency makes sense when you need strategy, shoots and ads together.
Software is the cheapest way to post consistently. Some tools only schedule posts you make; others plan, write and design them for you to approve. None of them will reply to your DMs for you.
We make one of these tools, so read this with that in mind. Scala plans and designs a week of Instagram and Facebook posts from your own photos (and X on Growth), emails your customers and checks how you show up on Google. It costs US$19, US$79 or US$249 a month, billed in US dollars; checkout shows the total, including any tax, before you pay. It doesn't reply to messages, run ads or come to your shop. For other options, see our comparisons.
Marketing emails: the UK rules
If your social media manager also sends emails, the UK's PECR rules need consent, or the "soft opt-in" for people who bought from you and were offered an opt-out each time (ICO guidance). Every email needs a way to unsubscribe.
How to get a fair quote
- Write the scope. Platforms, posts a week, reels, replies, reporting and how you approve posts.
- Ask three people for the same scope. It's the only reliable comparison.
- Ask whether VAT is included.
- Keep your accounts in your name. Give access through Meta Business Suite, not your password.
- Agree what you'll measure. Reach, enquiries and bookings, not followers alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a social media manager cost per month in the UK?
Published UK packages start around £199 a month plus VAT, with a median of about £358. Freelancers looking after a small business account typically charge £450 to £800 a month.
Do UK social media agencies charge VAT?
Most VAT-registered agencies add 20% VAT, and many quote prices before it. Ask for the total.
What's included in a £300 a month package?
Usually one or two platforms, a set number of posts a week with captions and graphics, scheduling and a monthly report. Shoots, ads and replies are often extra.
Is software cheaper than a social media manager?
Usually. Tools that plan and design posts start at around US$19 a month, but they don't reply to messages or run ads for you.
