How to Compare Social Media Management Fees: Scope, Filming and Internal Time + Free Template
A social media management fee becomes meaningful when you know what the business receives and how much work remains in-house. “Twelve posts” might mean twelve original pieces or repeated publication of the same content across platforms. Standardise the definition before comparing prices.
This guide helps Hong Kong businesses scope Facebook, Instagram and other social management work, including content, filming, approval, responses and reporting.
Separate original content from publishing actions
One original video published on two platforms is one content asset and two publishing actions. Specify whether resizing, alternative subtitles and re-editing count as additional work. For carousels, define the slide allowance and who supplies research and copy.
Deliverable | Illustrative monthly quantity | Definition |
Original static / carousel content | 4 assets | Up to five slides per carousel, including copy and design |
Original short videos | 4 assets | Up to 30 seconds each; footage source specified separately |
Publishing to two platforms | Up to 16 actions | Eight assets on both platforms, not 16 original assets |
Filming | One half-day | Hours, location, talent and travel to be agreed |
Report and review | One | Results, explanations to test and next-month experiments |
This is an example scope, not a fixed service package. If videos use client-supplied footage, call the work editing. If filming is included, specify scripts, production arrangements and delivery of usable source material. These differences can matter more than a small increase in post count.
Confirm five workstreams inside the fee
Separate strategy, copy and design, filming and editing, community responses, and performance review. Paid media also requires separate treatment: organic management does not automatically include advertising management or platform spend.
For responses, define operating hours, languages, channels, questions the agency can resolve and issues that require escalation. Refunds, personal information, complaints and quotation requests need a named internal owner. “Inbox included” is not a sufficient service definition.
Free monthly social media scope and acceptance template
The template covers content counting, responsibilities, approvals, cost comparison and reporting decisions. It includes a completed monthly example. Assign every asset an ID so its brief, versions, published links and outcomes stay connected.
Add internal time to the fee comparison
This fictional calculation illustrates procurement; it is not a market price survey or Allua quotation. Assume internal time costs HK$250 per hour:
Monthly cost | Option A | Option B |
Management retainer | HK$12,000 | HK$16,000 |
Additional filming | HK$4,000 | Included |
Internal coordination and materials | 10 hours × HK$250 = HK$2,500 | 4 hours × HK$250 = HK$1,000 |
Comparison total | HK$18,500 | HK$17,000 |
Media spend is excluded. If the deliverables are equivalent and the time assumptions hold, B has the higher retainer but lower total effort cost. Allocated internal time is not necessarily additional cash expenditure. Replace estimates with actual records and check location, talent, transport, licensing and rush charges.
For a first engagement, a provisional two-to-three-week onboarding period can cover brand information, access, direction and first approvals before a rolling monthly calendar begins. This is a planning suggestion; agree dates against actual workload and approval requirements.
Set approval deadlines before scheduling posts
Track at least five states: brief, first draft, consolidated feedback, approved and published. Name one internal approver and agree how late feedback changes the schedule. A quantity target should never trigger automatic publication of unapproved material.
For example, next month's opening content could have direction approved by the 20th, drafts by the 24th, consolidated changes by the 27th and final approval before month-end. Adjust for holidays, events and legal review. Give urgent content a separate allowance and approval route so it does not repeatedly disrupt planned work.
Make the monthly report answer what changes next
Choose metrics by purpose. Educational content may be assessed through viewing and saves; traffic content through link clicks and landing-page activity; enquiry content through forms, messages and qualified enquiries. Do not simply add metrics with different platform definitions and describe them as one consistent outcome.
Select two or three testable hypotheses each month. For example, compare whether product demonstrations generate more qualified enquiries than offer graphics while holding other conditions as similar as practical. Record sample limitations. Also report missing deliverables, reasons and recovery dates so operational quality remains visible alongside performance.
Frequently asked questions
Are more posts always better?
No. Establish purpose and production quality first, then assess a frequency that the audience and approval team can sustain.
Should the contract guarantee follower growth?
Do not make a follower guarantee the main selection criterion. Ask about acquisition methods and relevance, then examine meaningful engagement and enquiry quality.
Does the company still need to supply material?
Usually it must provide product information, brand rules, offer conditions and factual approval. Responsibility for filming, interviews and research depends on the contract.
What should be returned at termination?
Platform and advertising access, source and finished assets, copy, calendars, reports and unresolved conversations. Third-party music and stock remain subject to their licences.
Ask Allua to assess a workable monthly scope
Share your platforms, objectives, available materials, filming needs and internal capacity so Allua can assess quantities, responsibilities and acceptance criteria. Exploresocial media marketing orsubmit your management brief.
Verify third-party online information before use. Services and prices are subject to a formal quotation. Please contact us with corrections.
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