In today’s digital-first world, having a strong social media presence is no longer optional — it’s essential. However, managing content, engagement, and paid campaigns across multiple platforms is time-consuming and requires strategic expertise.
That’s where a social media marketing agency can help. Whether you’re a startup building brand awareness or an established business aiming to scale, working with an agency can deliver impactful results — but what does it actually cost?
In this guide, we’ll break down common pricing models, average costs, what affects pricing, and how to choose the right agency for your business.
1. What Does a Social Media Marketing Agency Do?
Most social media agencies offer services such as:
- Strategy Development – Customised plans aligned with your business goals
- Content Creation – Graphic design, video production, and copywriting
- Publishing & Scheduling – Using platforms like Hootsuite or Buffer
- Community Management – Responding to comments and messages
- Ad Campaign Management – Running paid ads across platforms
- Analytics & Reporting – Insights to refine and improve performance
Some agencies focus on organic content, others specialise in paid advertising — many offer a combination of both.
2. Average Monthly Costs in Australia
| Business Size | Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) | Typical Services |
|---|---|---|
| Solo / Small Business | $500 – $2,000 | Basic content, strategy, 4–8 posts per month |
| Medium Business | $2,000 – $6,000 | Strategy, content, ads, community management |
| Enterprise / Corporate | $6,000 – $20,000+ | Full-service, multi-platform, campaign management |
Hourly rates range between $80–$250, depending on the agency’s expertise and location.
3. Common Pricing Models
Monthly Retainer
Most popular model — consistent monthly fee for a fixed scope of services.
Example: $3,000/month for content + ad management on two platforms.
Project-Based
One-off projects like campaign launches or audits.
Example: $1,200 for a 1-month launch campaign.
Hourly Rate
Ideal for flexible support or consultation.
Example: $150/hour for Facebook Ads setup.
Performance-Based
Less common — pricing tied to results like leads or ROI.
Example: $1,000 base + 10% of sales from ads.
4. Factors That Influence Cost
- Number of Platforms – Managing 1 vs. 5 platforms affects workload
- Content Volume – More posts, more cost — especially if video is involved
- Paid Ads vs. Organic Only – Ad management is more resource-intensive
- Reporting Frequency – Weekly reports cost more than basic monthly ones
- Community Engagement – Active monitoring and responses add to scope
- Agency Reputation – Established agencies charge premium rates
5. What Does a $2,000–$4,000 Package Include?
A mid-range package may offer:
- Strategic planning session
- 8–12 custom posts/month
- Captions + hashtags
- Branded graphics and visual content
- Basic ad campaign management (up to $500 ad spend)
- Monthly analytics report
- Coverage for 1–2 platforms (e.g., Facebook + Instagram)
Perfect for growing businesses seeking consistent content and moderate ad performance.
6. Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of
- Ad Spend – Usually separate from agency fees
- Premium Tools – Scheduling or analytics platforms may incur extra charges
- Licensing – Stock images/videos sometimes billed separately
- Production – Custom photo/video shoots are rarely included
- Rush Work – Urgent posts or frequent revisions may cost extra
Always request a clear proposal that outlines deliverables and exclusions.
7. Is Hiring an Agency Worth It?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Option | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Marketer | $5,000 – $8,000+ | Includes salary, super, and overheads |
| Social Media Agency | $2,000 – $6,000+ | Strategic, scalable, experienced team |
| DIY (Business Owner) | $0 | Time-intensive, limited expertise |
A professional agency can bring greater efficiency, ROI, and consistency — while saving your internal team time and stress.
8. How to Choose the Right Agency
- Review Their Portfolio – Look for work in your industry or niche
- Ask for Case Studies – Validate results they’ve delivered
- Clarify Communication – Will you get weekly updates? Monthly calls?
- Start with a Trial – A 3-month contract allows for evaluation
- Know What You’re Paying For – Understand the full list of deliverables
Final Thoughts
So, how much does a social media marketing agency cost?
Anywhere from $500 to $20,000+ per month — depending on your business needs, platforms, and campaign scope.
Rather than focusing solely on price, prioritise value. A good agency won’t just post content — they’ll build your brand, engage your audience, and help you drive real business growth.
If you’re ready to take your social media to the next level, partnering with the right agency can be one of the smartest investments you make.