One of the hardest parts of starting a social media marketing agency is deciding how much to charge for your services. Price too low, and you’ll burn out trying to make ends meet. Price too high, and you risk scaring away potential clients — especially in the beginning.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all number. The right pricing depends on your niche, your experience, the results you can deliver, and the value you bring to the table. This SMMA pricing guide will walk you through the most common pricing models, how to choose the right one, and strategies to ensure you get paid what you’re worth.

Step 1: Understand the Main SMMA Pricing Models

1. Monthly Retainer

This is the most common pricing model for SMMAs. Clients pay you a flat monthly fee for ongoing services such as content creation, posting, engagement, and analytics reporting.
Pros: Predictable income, long-term client relationships, easier to plan workload.
Cons: You need to prove your value month after month to keep clients.
Beginner Range: $500–$1,500/month for small businesses, $2,000+/month for established brands.

2. Project-Based Pricing

You charge a one-time fee for a specific project, such as a 3-month ad campaign or a brand refresh.
Pros: Clear scope, faster payments, great for short-term needs.
Cons: No guaranteed recurring income.
Beginner Range: $750–$3,000 per project, depending on complexity.

3. Performance-Based Pricing

You get paid based on the results you deliver (e.g., cost per lead, % of ad spend, % of sales generated).
Pros: High earning potential if you can deliver big results.
Cons: Risky if you can’t control all factors that impact results.
Beginner Range: Only consider this once you have proven systems.

Step 2: Factor in Your Costs and Time

Before setting your prices, calculate your time investment, tool expenses, and outsourcing costs. A good rule is to aim for at least 3x your costs so you have room for profit and reinvestment.

Step 3: Price Based on Value, Not Just Time

Clients aren’t just paying for hours — they’re paying for the results you deliver. If your work can bring them $10,000 in extra sales per month, charging $2,000/month is still a bargain. Use your sales calls to highlight ROI, not just deliverables.

Step 4: Avoid the “Beginner Trap” of Undercharging

It’s tempting to charge as little as possible when you’re starting out. But low rates attract low-quality clients and make it harder to raise prices later. Offer a founder’s rate for the first 3 months, then increase, or bundle more value instead of discounting.

Step 5: Test, Adjust, and Scale

Your first pricing structure doesn’t have to be permanent. Review every 3–6 months to ensure clients are seeing results, your workload is sustainable, and you’re hitting your income goals. If demand is growing, it’s time to raise your prices.

Example SMMA Starter Pricing Packages

Starter Package ($750–$1,200/month): Social media management + basic content creation
Growth Package ($1,500–$2,500/month): Social media management + ads + analytics reports
Premium Package ($3,000+/month): Full marketing strategy, multi-platform content, paid ads, and lead generation campaigns

Final Thoughts

Pricing your SMMA services is part science, part art. Start with a model that works for your niche, factor in your costs, and always position your services based on the results you deliver — not just the tasks you perform.

CTA

Want our full SMMA Pricing Calculator + done-for-you client proposal templates? Join The Agency Launch Co. Training and set your prices with confidence from day one.