What’s Included in a Social Media Management Package? (Checklist)

Short answer: a standard social media management package includes content planning, post creation (graphics and captions), scheduling and publishing, community management (replying to comments and messages) and a monthly performance report. Higher tiers add short-form video, more platforms and paid ads management. Ad spend, photo or video shoots and influencer fees are usually billed separately. For a small business, packages covering two channels typically cost $400–$2,000 a month (Upwork).

Last updated: October 2026. Written by Abdul Sami, freelance social media manager (SamiSocial360).

What’s included, tier by tier

Here’s how my packages are structured. Most freelancers and small agencies use a similar ladder, so it works as a checklist when comparing quotes.

Want to compare what each price level buys? See social media marketing packages and pricing for 2026.

Agencies can also buy this work as white-label social media services.

Posting schedules are explained in how often a small business should post on social media.

For the do-it-yourself side of this choice, see social media management for small business.

Included	Starter $300/mo	Growth $500/mo	Performance $1,000/mo	Elite Custom
Platforms managed	2–3	3–4	All	All
Posts per month	12	20	30	Unlimited
Reels / short videos	–	4	8	Unlimited
Content strategy and calendar	✓	✓	✓	✓
Captions and graphic design	✓	✓	✓	✓
Community management	–	✓	✓	✓
Meta Ads and Google Ads management	–	–	✓	✓ (full)
A/B testing and optimization	–	–	✓	✓
Reporting	Monthly	Bi-weekly	Weekly	Weekly + strategy calls

All prices in USD, with ad spend paid separately. Full details and an estimator are on the Hire Me page.

How many posts a month is enough?

For context, the typical brand in Rival IQ’s 2026 benchmark posted 3.69 times a week on Instagram (about 16 posts a month) and just under 3 times a week on Facebook (Rival IQ / Quid). So:

• 12 posts a month across a few platforms keeps a professional, active presence. It’s a maintenance level, not a growth push.
• 20 posts plus Reels is close to the typical brand’s cadence and is where organic growth usually starts to show.
• 30 posts plus 8 Reels is for brands actively competing for attention, usually alongside paid ads.

What’s usually NOT included (ask before you sign)

• Ad spend. Management fees cover running the ads, not the money Meta charges.
• Photo and video shoots. On-location production, models and equipment are typically extra.
• Influencer or creator fees.
• Paid tools and stock assets beyond what the manager already uses.
• Extra revision rounds beyond what’s agreed.
• Customer service beyond social comments and DMs, such as order problems or refunds.

Questions to ask when comparing packages

1. How many posts, Reels and Stories exactly, on which platforms?
2. Who creates the content: you, a template, or original design and video?
3. Is community management included, and what’s the response time for comments and DMs?
4. What’s in the report: likes and followers only, or reach, clicks, leads and sales?
5. Are ads included? If so, is ad spend separate, and is there a markup on it?
6. What’s the minimum contract length and notice period?

What the right scope can do

The right package isn’t the biggest one. It’s the one that fits the goal. For Freedom Fast Solutions, a focused content system of founder videos, case-study posts and before/after content grew Facebook views from 50K to 100K and link clicks from 557 to 976 in 30 days (case study).

Related guides

• How much does a social media manager cost in 2026?
• Freelance social media manager rates: US vs Europe
• Social media manager vs in-house hire: the true cost

Frequently asked questions

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