Social Media Marketing Cost in Australia

Social media marketing is no longer optional for Australian businesses—it’s essential. Whether you’re running a small café in Sydney or managing a nationwide e-commerce brand, having a strategic presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn can drive awareness, engagement, and conversions.

But with so many options—from DIY strategies and freelancers to full-service agencies—how much should you actually budget for social media marketing in Australia?

In this guide, we’ll break down the typical costs of social media marketing in Australia in 2025, covering what influences pricing and what kind of results you can expect at different budget levels.

1. Social Media Marketing: What’s Included?

Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand what “social media marketing” includes. The cost depends on the services you need, which may include:

Content creation (graphics, videos, photos, captions)
Account management (scheduling posts, community engagement)
Paid advertising (Meta Ads, TikTok Ads, LinkedIn Ads, etc.)
Strategy development and analytics
Influencer outreach or UGC (user-generated content) campaigns
Monthly reporting and performance reviews

Some businesses only need help with ads, while others want end-to-end management—including daily posting and audience interaction.

2. Cost Overview: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Here’s a general breakdown of social media marketing costs in Australia, depending on the type of service provider and service scope.

A. Freelancers & Consultants

Cost: $500 – $2,000/month
Ideal for: Small businesses, startups, personal brands
Services: Basic content creation, scheduling, and reporting

Freelancers are often more affordable and flexible but may have limited capacity. They’re ideal if you only need help with 1–2 platforms or want a more hands-on approach.

B. Small to Mid-Sized Social Media Agencies

Cost: $1,500 – $6,000/month
Ideal for: Growing businesses or those seeking a structured strategy
Services: Multi-platform content, ad management, strategy, reporting

These agencies typically offer monthly packages, often including content planning, posting, light ad management, and performance tracking.

C. Full-Service Digital Agencies

Cost: $5,000 – $20,000+/month
Ideal for: Established brands with high growth or national campaigns
Services: Custom strategy, full creative production, influencer marketing, advanced analytics, paid media buying

Full-service agencies offer a team of strategists, creatives, media buyers, and analysts. Their packages are tailored to larger businesses looking for scale and sophisticated marketing solutions.

D. Paid Ad Spend (Separate from Management Fees)

Recommended Minimum: $500 – $5,000+/month depending on goals

Note: Ad spend (your budget for Facebook/Instagram/TikTok ads) is not usually included in the agency or freelancer’s fee. It’s a separate budget, paid directly to platforms.

3. Pricing Examples by Business Type

To help you visualise what your budget might look like, here are a few typical scenarios:

Local Business or Startup

Platform: Facebook and Instagram
Approach: Freelancer or DIY
Cost: $500 – $1,500/month (including basic ad spend)
Result: Steady content, brand awareness, and modest engagement

Growing E-commerce Brand

Platform: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Ads
Approach: Specialist agency with paid ad focus
Cost: $3,000 – $8,000/month (plus ad spend)
Result: Sales-focused campaigns with data tracking

Corporate or National Brand

Platform: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
Approach: Full-service agency
Cost: $10,000 – $25,000+/month
Result: Full campaign management, integrated marketing, and scalable growth

4. Factors That Influence Cost

Several factors affect the final price you’ll pay for social media marketing:

– Number of Platforms Managed

More platforms = more content creation, engagement, and analytics. Managing Facebook and Instagram is cheaper than handling Facebook + TikTok + YouTube + LinkedIn.

– Content Volume & Quality

Do you need 4 posts a week or 14? Static graphics or high-end video shoots? Content production can significantly drive up costs, especially for reels, stories, and influencer collabs.

– Paid Ads vs. Organic Only

Running paid ads requires media buying expertise, A/B testing, and tracking ROI. Ad campaign management often adds $500–$2,000/month on top of your spend.

– Custom Strategy and Reporting

Agencies that offer in-depth analytics, custom strategies, and monthly performance reviews will usually charge more than basic content posting services.

5. Is Social Media Marketing Worth the Cost?

Absolutely—if it’s done well. The return on investment (ROI) from social media can be significant when:

Your strategy aligns with your business goals
Your content speaks directly to your audience
Your ad campaigns are tracked and optimised
Your agency or freelancer is transparent and proactive

Many Australian businesses see strong ROI, especially through paid ads and influencer marketing—often generating $2–$5 in return for every $1 spent.

6. How to Choose the Right Social Media Marketing Partner

When selecting a freelancer or agency, look for:

Experience in your industry
Transparent pricing and clear deliverables
Case studies or past results
Good communication and reporting
Flexibility to scale services up or down

And always ask what’s included: some may only do content scheduling, while others offer full creative production and growth strategy.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does social media marketing cost in Australia? The short answer: anywhere from $500 to $20,000+ per month, depending on your goals, business size, and marketing partner.

It’s not about choosing the cheapest option—but the one that gives you the best value for your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, investing in the right social media marketing approach can drive significant business growth in today’s digital world.