How Much Does Social Media Really Cost?
Running a business means keeping an eye on costs, and social media is no exception. You might be wondering: what’s the best way to handle your posts without breaking the bank? Let’s look at three common options—doing it yourself, using scheduling tools, or working with a service that creates voice-matched content for you—and see how they compare in terms of time, money, and results.
Option 1: Doing It All Yourself
Posting manually means you write and share each update directly on your social media accounts. Here’s what that looks like:
- Cost: Free (no extra tools needed)
- Time: At least 30-60 minutes per post if you’re creating content, writing captions, and engaging with comments
- Challenges: Easy to forget or run out of ideas, hard to stay consistent when business gets busy
This can work if you enjoy social media and have spare time. But for many business owners, the hours add up quickly—and that time could be spent serving customers or growing the business.
Option 2: Using Scheduling Tools
Tools like Meta’s built-in scheduler or third-party apps let you prepare posts in advance. Here’s the breakdown:
- Cost: $10-$50/month for basic tools, more for advanced features
- Time: About 15-30 minutes per post (still need to create content and write captions)
- Benefits: Saves time by letting you batch work, ensures posts go out even when you’re busy
Scheduling helps with consistency, but you’re still responsible for coming up with ideas and creating posts. Some business owners find this a good middle ground.
Option 3: Voice-Matched Content Services
Services like Glow Social create posts that sound like you and handle the scheduling. Here’s what to expect:
- Cost: Typically $100-$500/month depending on post frequency and platform needs
- Time: Just a quick review of suggested posts (5-10 minutes per week)
- Advantages: Professional-quality posts without the creative work, consistent posting without the stress
While this option costs more upfront, it often saves the most time and delivers better results because experts are handling the strategy and execution.
Which Option Makes Sense for You?
Think about:
- How much time you can realistically spend on social media each week
- Whether you enjoy creating content or find it stressful
- How important social media is for bringing in new customers
Many business owners start with manual posting, then move to scheduling tools as they grow. Voice-matched services often make the most sense when social media directly impacts sales and you’d rather focus on other parts of your business.
No matter which approach you choose, the key is showing up regularly with content that helps your customers—whether that’s sharing what you offer, giving glimpses of your business life, or demonstrating your expertise.
You’ve got this! Every business is different, and there’s no single right answer. Pick the option that fits your budget and gives you back the most time to do what you do best—running your business.
