Start with the job your social channels must do

A social media management package should describe a working process, not simply a number of posts. Before comparing quotes, decide whether the priority is introducing your business, showing products, answering common questions or generating suitable enquiries. That choice affects the formats, production effort and reporting you need.

For example, a boutique launching collections may need current product photography, size information and stock updates. A professional services business may need clear explanations of its process and a reliable route to book a conversation. These are planning examples, not claims about particular clients. A single posting formula will not suit both businesses.

Define planning and creative production separately

A useful proposal identifies channels, audiences, content themes and a calendar. It should explain who researches topics, writes captions and checks factual details. Ask how the team handles time-sensitive offers and how much notice is needed for a campaign.

Then check what production includes. A static graphic, carousel and filmed reel require different inputs. Confirm whether a reel means editing supplied footage or organising a shoot. Agree who provides products, locations, people, photographs and permissions, and who verifies prices or service claims before publishing.

  • Number of original assets, with format and channel stated.
  • Whether adaptations and cross-posts count as separate deliverables.
  • Caption writing, subtitles, covers and accessibility text where supported.
  • Photography, filming, editing and stock or music licensing responsibilities.
  • Editable templates and file handover, if needed.

Use our social media management services as a starting point for discussing your production needs.

Make approvals and community replies explicit

Agree a calendar review date, one main approver and a deadline for feedback. Decide what happens when approval is delayed or an offer changes after scheduling. Set aside a route for urgent corrections so a planned post does not go live with outdated information.

Community management needs its own scope. Ask whether the team monitors comments and direct messages, which hours are covered and who handles complaints or sensitive questions. Prepare approved answers for common enquiries and a handoff route for questions that require your staff. Avoid granting permission to make refunds, promises or specialist claims without a clear process.

Separate advertising spend and measure useful outcomes

Organic posting and paid campaign management are different activities. If advertising is included, the proposal should list the management fee, platform spend, creative variations and landing-page responsibilities separately. Confirm that your business retains access to the relevant accounts and understands the approval process for spend.

Choose reporting measures that match the goal. For awareness, review reach alongside the audience and content context. For enquiries, record which messages or form submissions were relevant and what happened after follow-up. A useful report explains the period covered, the work completed, what was learned and the next decision. Avoid comparing unlike periods without noting campaign changes or seasonal offers.

If a campaign needs a dedicated destination, discuss website and landing-page development before launch so visitors have a clear next step.

Questions to ask before choosing a package

  1. Which business goal and channels does this scope support?
  2. What exactly counts as one post, reel or adaptation?
  3. Who supplies footage, photography and factual information?
  4. When do approvals happen, and how many revisions are included?
  5. Are replies included, and when is your team responsible?
  6. Are paid campaigns and advertising spend separate?
  7. What will the report measure, and who records enquiry quality?
  8. Who owns the accounts, assets and handover files?

Compare answers side by side before comparing the fee. A smaller scope that your team can support may be more useful than a large calendar with missing inputs. Share your channels and content goals to discuss a manageable plan.