So you’re a social media manager, or you want to be one. You’re trying to figure out that big, scary question. The one that keeps you up at night. How much do you actually charge for this stuff? Specifically, how much to charge for social media management per post.
It’s one of those questions that everyone asks but nobody seems to have a straight answer for. Which is a thing that can be really frustrating when you’re just trying to get paid fairly for your work. You see numbers all over the place.
Some people say $50. Others scream that anything less than $200 is a crime. Let’s try to get a real answer for 2025. Because things have definitely changed.
Why Per-Post Pricing Is So Weird
Okay but first. Charging by the post is kind of a weird way to do it. A lot of experienced social media pros don’t like this model at all. And for good reason normally.
It sort of ignores all the other work that goes on behind the scenes. The strategy, the monthly reports, the time spent talking to the client. None of that is in the “per post” price.
It is often the case that clients think this way because it feels simple to them. They want five posts a week, so they want a price for five posts. It makes sense on paper.
But sometimes it’s the only way to price a small project. Or maybe a client just wants to test you out before committing to a monthly thing. So you gotta know your number.
What’s Actually in a Single Post Anyway?
People who don’t do this for a living think you just type a few words and hit “publish”. That’s not it. Not even close. You know what really goes into it.
Every single post you make generally involves a whole bunch of steps. It’s not just a 10-minute job. There’s a lot more that has to be done.
The Hidden Work Checklist
Coming up with the Idea: What are you even going to post about? This means looking at what’s working, what the client wants to talk about, and what their audience cares about.
Writing the Words: The caption needs to be good. It needs a call to action maybe some hashtags and it has to match the brand’s voice.
Making the Picture or Graphic: This could be finding a stock photo, designing something in Canva, or even light photo editing. It all takes time.
Client Approval: You almost always have to send it to the client. Then they have comments. You make changes. This back-and-forth can take hours.
Putting it on the Schedule: You don’t just post it live. You use a tool like Buffer or Later to schedule it for the best time.
Checking on it Later: After it’s posted you have to check for comments and messages. Responding to the community is part of the job too.
See? It’s a lot. That single post is the tip of a very large iceberg. And that’s what your price has to cover.
The Actual Numbers: Social Media Post Pricing in 2025
Alright let’s get to the numbers you came here for. These are general ranges for 2025. Your prices might be a little different depending on where you live and who you work with.
These prices are considered to be for a single static image post with a caption. Things like video or carousels are going to cost more. We’ll get to that.
H3: Beginner Rates ($25 – $60 per post)
You’re just starting out. Maybe this is your first or second client. Your main job is to get content on their feed consistently. You probably are not doing deep strategy.
This person, they’re probably using templates and their main goal is just getting something, anything, up on the feed. For them charging $35 is fair.
Don’t stay at this level for long. As soon as you have a portfolio and some good results, it’s time to raise your rates.
H3: Intermediate Rates ($75 – $150 per post)
You’ve got some experience now. You know what you’re doing. You have a process that works and you can show new clients the results you got for old clients.
At this stage, you’re not just a poster. You’re thinking more about the “why” behind each post. The copy is better the graphics look more professional.
You’re also faster at everything. A client is paying for that skill not just your time. This is where most freelancers will probably find themselves.
H3: Expert / Agency Rates ($150 – $350+ per post)
This is the top tier. You’re a serious professional or part of an agency. You bring a ton of experience and a proven track record of getting business results, not just likes.
These posts are backed by a lot of research and data. The graphics are custom-made by a designer. The copy is written by a professional writer.
Everything is part of a bigger marketing plan. This price seems high but clients are paying for the whole system that makes the post successful not just the post itself.
Factors That Can Change Your Per-Post Rate
Your rate isn’t set in stone. It’s not just about your experience level. A few other things can push your price up or down. Think about these when you make a quote.
The Platform: A LinkedIn post for a B2B company is totally different from an Instagram post for a local coffee shop. LinkedIn content usually requires more research and a professional tone, so it should cost more.
Content Type: A simple text-and-image post is the baseline. A multi-image carousel post takes more work. Video is a whole other beast. A 30-second Reel or TikTok could easily be $250 or more because of filming and editing time.
The Industry: Some industries are just harder. A social media manager for a doctor’s office has to worry about a lot of rules. That requires special knowledge and should have a higher price tag.
Scope of Work: Does your “per post” price include creating the graphic from scratch? Does it include hashtag research? Does it include responding to all comments for 24 hours? Be very clear about what the client is and is not getting for that price. Anything extra costs extra.
FAQs About Charging Per Post
How much should a social media manager charge per post?
It depends on experience. Beginners might charge $25-$60, intermediate managers $75-$150, and experts or agencies can charge $150-$350 or even more for a single post.
Is charging per post a good idea for social media managers?
Short answer: sometimes. It’s good for small, one-off projects or trials. For ongoing work, a monthly retainer is normally better because it covers all the background work like strategy and reporting.
Does a per-post price usually include creating the graphics?
Typically, yes. Most clients will expect the price to include a basic graphic, like one made in Canva. If they want custom illustrations or professional photography, that should be a separate, additional cost.
What about video posts like Instagram Reels or TikToks?
Video is much more work, so it costs a lot more. Don’t use your static post rate for video. A good starting point for a simple Reel could be $150-$400, depending on the editing involved.
Should I offer a package deal instead of a per-post rate?
Absolutely. This is usually the best option. Offer a package like “12 posts per month plus community management and a monthly report” for a flat fee. It’s easier for the client to budget and ensures you’re paid for all your work.
Key Takeaways
Charging per post is simple, but it doesn’t show the full picture of your work.
A single post includes idea generation, copywriting, design, scheduling, and more.
Beginners should aim for $25-$60, but plan to increase that quickly.
Experienced freelancers can comfortably charge in the $75-$150 range.
Experts and agencies charge $150+ because they provide a complete strategy.
Always charge more for video content; it’s a completely different job.
Be super clear about what your per-post price includes to avoid problems later.
Consider moving clients to monthly packages as soon as you can. It’s better for everyone.
