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Social Media Management Proposal Template

A retainer proposal for freelance social media managers, ready to copy. After the template: how to scope a month so it can't creep, and why account ownership belongs in writing.

Updated September 30, 2026

The template

Social media management proposal template
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL: [Client company]
Prepared for: [Client name]
Prepared by: [Your name]
Date: [Date]   Valid until: [Date + 30 days]

1. WHERE THINGS STAND
[E.g. "You post on Instagram when there's time, roughly twice a month, and LinkedIn hasn't been updated since spring. Most new customers say they found you through a friend, and you'd like social to become a second, steadier source."]

2. GOALS FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS
- [E.g. Post consistently on Instagram and LinkedIn]
- [E.g. Grow enquiries that mention social]
- We'll agree on the numbers to track at kickoff and review them monthly.

3. MONTHLY SCOPE
Channels: [Instagram, LinkedIn]
Content:
- [12] feed posts per month ([8] graphics, [4] short videos from footage you supply)
- [Number] stories per week
- Captions and hashtags written for each post
Community:
- Replies to comments and messages on [weekdays, within 1 business day]
- [Optional: 30 minutes a day engaging with relevant accounts]
Planning and reporting:
- A monthly content calendar sent for approval by the [20th] of the previous month
- A monthly report: what was posted, what performed, and what we'll change

4. NOT INCLUDED
- Paid ads management and ad spend (can be added)
- Photo or video shoots (you supply raw content, or we add a shoot day)
- Influencer outreach
- Crisis communications beyond flagging issues to you immediately

5. APPROVALS
You approve the monthly calendar within [3] business days. Approved posts go out as scheduled; changes after approval may move a post to the next slot.

6. INVESTMENT
Monthly retainer: [price], invoiced at the start of each month.
Setup (first month only): [price], covering account audit, profile updates and templates.
Minimum term: [3] months, then month to month with [30] days' notice.

7. ACCESS AND OWNERSHIP
You own your accounts and all content created for them. I'll be added as a manager or collaborator, never as the owner, and my access is removed when we stop working together.

8. NEXT STEPS
Accept this proposal and I'll send the setup invoice and a kickoff questionnaire.

Scope a month in numbers

Retainers creep when the scope is described as an activity ("manage our social media") rather than a quantity. Count posts per channel, stories per week, and response times. When the client asks for more, you can show what that adds to the month and quote it.

Don't promise follower counts

You control consistency, quality and responsiveness. You don't control the platform's algorithm. Promise the work, agree on what to measure, and review it monthly. That keeps the conversation about improving results rather than defending a number you never controlled.

Put account ownership in writing

The client should own their accounts, with you added as a manager or collaborator. It protects them if you part ways, and it protects you from being blamed for access you never should have had. Say so in the proposal, and don't take over as owner even if they offer.

Retainer terms that keep it steady

Example numbers only: a $300 setup fee and $1,200 a month for two channels. Price from the hours the monthly scope really takes you.

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