99social Blog

Is it worth paying for social media management? And how to get it signed off

3 min read

Social media is free to use, so paying someone to manage it can feel like an unnecessary expense. But free platforms don't make free content, and doing it badly costs more than you think.

Here's what you get for your money, how to measure the return and how to make the case to your boss, business partner or finance team.

A business owner reviewing marketing plans and budgets at his desk
💷 The short version

You're paying for time, skill and consistency

A managed service gives you regular, professional content and someone to handle replies, for less than the cost of doing it yourself properly.

Set clear goals, track the results and review after three months.

What you're paying for

What a social media manager actually does

It's more than just posting.

1

Strategy

A plan built around your goals and customers.

2

Content creation

Copywriting, graphics and video in your brand style.

3

Scheduling

Posts go out at the right times, every week.

4

Community management

Replies to comments and messages.

5

Reporting

What's working, what isn't and what's next.

6

Expert advice

Platform changes, trends and what your competitors are doing.

How to get it signed off

If someone else holds the budget, these five steps make the conversation easier.

Step 1Show the current cost

How many hours does social media take now, and who's doing it?

Step 2Show the gap

What are competitors doing that you aren't? Here's how to learn from competitors.

Step 3Set clear goals

More enquiries, bookings or followers, with numbers attached.

Step 4Propose a trial

Three months with no long contract keeps the risk low.

Step 5Agree a review

Look at the results together and decide what's next.

A manager reviewing social media results on a laptop
🤝 Done for you

Plans from £99+VAT a month

No long contracts, a dedicated UK-based account manager and content you approve.

See the real cost of doing it yourself or get started.

Paying for social media FAQs

Is paying for social media management worth it?

For most businesses, yes, if it frees up your time and keeps your feed consistent. The return comes from enquiries, bookings, sales and a stronger reputation over time.

How do I measure the return?

Track enquiries, website visits, bookings and sales from social media, and compare them with the monthly cost. Our guide to measuring social media ROI explains how.

How do I persuade my boss to pay for social media?

Show what it costs to do in-house, what competitors are doing, and set clear goals and a review date. A short trial with no long contract reduces the risk.

How long before we see results?

Expect to see engagement improve within a few weeks, with enquiries and sales building over three to six months.

How much does it cost?

Our plans start at £99+VAT a month. Here's a cost versus results breakdown.

Affordable social media management

Ready to grow your social presence?

We handle your social media so you don’t have to. From £99+VAT a month, our UK team creates your content, schedules your posts and grows your audience, so you can focus on running your business.

  • No contracts
  • Dedicated account manager
  • Live within 10 working days
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