What You Should Pay for Social Media Marketing in the UK [2025]

In today’s digital-first world, social media is a key driver of visibility and growth for businesses. Whether you’re a startup, local business, or a growing enterprise, knowing what you should pay for social media marketing in the UK can help you plan smarter and avoid overspending. In 2025, as competition rises and strategies evolve, it’s more important than ever to understand pricing structures and what’s included in marketing packages.

If you’re wondering what you should pay for social media marketing in the UK, this guide will walk you through the average costs, what affects pricing, and how to choose the right provider for your business needs.

Why Social Media Marketing Matters in 2025

Social media is more than just likes and shares. It’s about connecting with your audience, driving traffic, and generating leads or sales. In 2025, businesses that neglect social media are losing ground to competitors who invest in it strategically.

But before you hire a freelancer or agency, you need to know what services you’ll receive and what you’ll be charged. Let’s break it down.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Social Media Marketing

Several factors affect the pricing of SMM services in the UK:

1. Business Size and Goals: Small businesses typically have smaller budgets compared to larger enterprises with nationwide campaigns.
2. Platforms Used: Costs vary depending on whether the campaign runs on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or a combination of platforms.
3. Content Creation: High-quality visuals, videos, and professionally written copy increase costs.
4. Ad Spend: A significant portion of the budget is allocated to paid promotions.
5. Agency vs. Freelancer: Agencies often charge higher fees due to team expertise, while freelancers may offer cost-effective solutions.
6. Campaign Complexity: Advanced targeting, analytics, and multi-platform strategies generally cost more.

Average Monthly Costs of Social Media Marketing in the UK

For Small Businesses

Small businesses often focus on local or niche audiences. The monthly cost ranges from £300 to £1,500. This typically includes:

• Strategy development
• Account setup and optimization
• 8-12 posts per month
• Basic reporting and analytics
• Paid ad spend of around £100 to £500

For Mid-Sized Businesses

Mid-sized businesses with broader goals may spend £1,500 to £5,000 per month. These packages include:

• Multi-platform campaigns (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
• 15-25 custom posts per month
• Advanced analytics and reporting
• Paid ad spend of £500 to £2,000
• A dedicated social media manager or team

For Large Enterprises

Larger businesses or enterprises targeting national or international audiences may invest £5,000 to £20,000 per month. This budget covers:

• Comprehensive strategy and planning
• Professional photography and videography
• High-volume paid advertising (ad spend of £2,000 to £10,000+)
• Influencer collaborations
• Full-scale analytics and ROI tracking

One-Off Campaigns vs. Retainer Models

Some businesses may require short-term campaigns, such as launching a product or promoting an event. The cost of one-off campaigns ranges from £500 to £5,000, depending on the campaign’s scale and objectives. Retainer models, on the other hand, are long-term agreements where agencies or freelancers handle ongoing management, typically priced between £500 and £10,000 per month, depending on the scope.

Breakdown of Social Media Marketing Costs

1. Content Creation
   • Basic graphic designs: £50 to £150 per post
   • Video content: £300 to £1,500 per video
   • Copywriting: £30 to £100 per post
2. Ad Management
   • Freelancers: £200 to £1,000 per month
   • Agencies: £500 to £5,000 per month
   • Ad spend: Starts at £100 per month, scaling up based on reach and industry competition.
3. Platform-Specific Costs
   • Facebook/Instagram: Generally cheaper CPC, starting at £0.50
   • LinkedIn: Higher CPC, averaging £2 to £5 per click
   • TikTok: Cost varies depending on video production and ad strategy, with budgets starting at £1,000 for effective campaigns

What’s Included in a Social Media Marketing Package?

A typical SMM package in the UK includes:

• Account Management: Setting up and maintaining accounts across platforms.
• Content Strategy: Planning themes, hashtags, and posting schedules.
• Paid Campaigns: Designing and executing advertising campaigns.
• Engagement: Responding to comments, messages, and managing online reputation.
• Analytics and Reporting: Tracking performance metrics like reach, engagement, and ROI.

Industry-Specific Costs

• E-commerce Businesses: May need larger budgets due to high competition and dynamic product promotion. Monthly costs range from £1,500 to £10,000.
• Professional Services: Industries like law or consulting often allocate £1,000 to £3,000 per month to establish credibility.
• Local Businesses: Restaurants or salons spend £300 to £1,000 monthly to maintain an active online presence.

DIY vs. Professional Social Media Marketing

While DIY approaches are cost-effective, they often lack the expertise required to maximize ROI. Hiring professionals ensures strategic planning, advanced analytics, and targeted outreach, which justifies the cost for most businesses aiming for long-term growth.

Conclusion!!

The average cost of social media marketing in the UK varies widely, influenced by the scale of the campaign, the platforms used, and the expertise of the marketer. For small businesses, starting with a modest budget of £300 to £1,500 per month can yield significant results when executed effectively. Mid-sized businesses and enterprises should allocate higher budgets to accommodate broader goals and competition. By understanding these price ranges and options, businesses can make informed decisions to boost their online presence and achieve their marketing objectives.