Three worked examples that put a figure on the question
Here are three illustrative monthly budgets using a hypothetical hourly rate of €60. These are costing exercises, not ALTO27 prices or commercial commitments, and they do not represent market averages. Figures are shown before tax; any applicable taxes should be specified in the quote.
| Example | Illustrative scope | Service calculation | Separate expenses | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focused presence | 4 original posts on 1 platform; supplied photos; content calendar, scheduling and a short report. | 8 hours × €60 = €480 | Ad spend: €0; other expenses: €0. | €480 per month |
| Two platforms | 8 original posts and 8 adaptations for a second platform; supplied photos; calendar, scheduling and reporting. | 16 hours × €60 = €960 | Ad spend: €0; other expenses: €0. | €960 per month |
| Extended production and management | The previous example plus 2 additional short video edits using supplied footage, limited moderation and management of one campaign. | 16 hours + 6 video hours + 4 moderation hours + 3 advertising hours = 29 hours; 29 × €60 = €1,740. | Hypothetical photo shoot: €400; ad spend: €300. | €2,440 for that month |
In the third example, the two videos are additional to the eight initial topics; adaptations of those videos are excluded. The €400 shoot is a one-off expense selected for this exercise, not an obligatory monthly cost. Estimated hours include preparation, creation and the agreed discussions. Content complexity and revisions can change the estimate.
Count original topics before counting posts
Here, an original post means a developed topic with its own copy and visual. An adaptation reworks that topic for another platform: adjusted wording, a different crop or a revised call to action. It takes time, but it is not a new editorial idea.
Eight topics shared across two platforms can therefore result in sixteen published posts. A quote should explain that distinction. Also ask whether a story reuses existing content or requires a new design, and how many slides a carousel includes. A general line for “content creation” without quantities or format limits leaves too many unknowns for a useful price comparison.
Available images affect production costs
Designing a post around a usable photograph and arranging to take that photograph are different services. If you supply recent, consistent images cleared for the intended use, the budget can focus on copy and design. Otherwise, allow a separate amount for shoot preparation, photography, image selection and retouching.
For video, specify who supplies the footage, the final duration, subtitles, delivered formats and included revisions. Editing supplied clips does not automatically include filming. Travel, contributors, paid music and equipment hire should be listed when needed. The same posting schedule can therefore cost more when each topic requires new photography or footage.
Separate publishing, moderation and advertising
Scheduling a post does not mean monitoring comments or handling direct messages. For moderation, define the time available, checking frequency and channels covered. Sales enquiries, customer support and weekend availability need their own explicit scope.
Advertising has two budgets: the work of preparing and managing the campaign, and the money spent on delivery. In the third example, the €180 management fee comes from 3 hours × €60; the €300 ad spend is additional. Ask who pays the platform and who approves spending. An advertising budget does not guarantee a number of sales or enquiries.
Compare quotes using the same budget lines
Before comparing totals, have this table completed for the same month and objective. Separate one-off setup from ongoing monthly work: an initial review, template creation or profile updates may belong to the setup phase.
| Item to check | Complete for your quote |
|---|---|
| Original topics and adaptations | ___ topics; ___ adaptations; ___ platforms |
| Formats and assets | ___ visuals; ___ carousels with ___ slides; ___ videos; images supplied by ___ |
| Revisions and publishing | ___ revision round(s); scheduling ___; reporting ___ |
| Moderation and advertising | Moderation ___ hours; advertising management €___; ad spend €___ |
| Setup and other expenses | Setup €___; photography, travel, tools or partners €___ |
| Financial terms | Subtotal before tax €___; taxes ___; total payable €___; commitment period ___ |
Also check which files you receive, their permitted uses and the cost of additional requests. These details make proposals easier to compare and help avoid unexpected extras after approval.
A short exercise to fit the work to your budget
Write down your main objective, then rank three needs: showing your expertise, presenting your offers and responding to enquiries. Choose a priority platform and list the resources genuinely available this month: photos, news, testimonials or filming time.
If the budget does not cover everything, request two priced options. One might prioritise four well-developed topics using supplied images; the other might include fewer posts and a photo shoot. Make clear what each option pays for and what it postpones. Reducing the topic count is often easier to assess than keeping a volume whose actual content remains undefined.
Prepare a brief that can be priced
Share your objective, proposed platforms, desired volumes, available images and a budget that separates services from ad spend. Include your preferred start date and any known one-off requirements. This gives ALTO27 a basis for reviewing the scope and preparing a suitable proposal.
The worksheet at the end of this guide helps you organise these figures. To arrange the collaboration, see our guide to delegating social media and its editorial calendar template.
FREE PRACTICAL WORKSHEET
Your social media budget brief worksheet
Complete this worksheet to separate deliverables, estimated time, expenses and ad spend before requesting a quote.
Download the worksheetEditable text file · Direct download, no registration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum monthly budget?
It depends on the deliverables and supplied resources. In our example, four original posts on one platform take 8 hours at a hypothetical rate of €60, giving €480 before tax, with no ad spend or photography included. The example illustrates a calculation; it is not an ALTO27 price.
Does publishing on two platforms double the price?
The cost depends on the work required for the second platform. Adapting an existing topic is a different task from creating a separate one. Ask for the number of original pieces, adaptations, formats and any additional coordination to be stated clearly.
Is advertising spend included in management fees?
It should be identified separately from content creation and campaign management. A quote can combine these items, but it should show which amount pays for the service and which amount funds advertising delivery. Photography, filming and other expenses should also be itemised.
Define a scope that fits your budget
Tell ALTO27 about your business, available resources and budget. We can review the content you need and the services to include in a quote.