If you run a business in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, social media is often where customers first meet your brand. Sooner or later, most owners ask the same question: how much should managing it actually cost? The honest answer is that it depends on what you need. This guide explains what drives the price, so you can compare proposals with confidence.
What affects the cost of social media management
- Number of platforms. Managing Instagram alone takes less time than Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook together.
- How much content you need. The number of Reels, carousels, posts and stories each month is usually the biggest factor.
- Production. Using your existing photos and videos costs less than planning new shoots, filming and editing.
- Strategy and reporting. A content plan, monthly review and clear reporting take time, and they are what turn posting into results.
- Community management. Replying to comments and messages every day is a separate commitment from creating content.
- Paid campaigns. Managing Meta or Google ads is often priced separately from organic content.
What is usually not included
Advertising spend is almost always paid separately, directly to the platform. Stock music, models, locations and other third-party costs are also normally extra. A good proposal lists these clearly, so there are no surprises later.
Monthly plan or one-time project?
Ongoing social media management is usually billed monthly, because consistency is what builds an audience. One-time work, such as setting up your profiles, designing launch posts or creating templates, is better priced as a project with fixed deliverables.
What Storylev charges
As a reference point, Storylev’s monthly plans start from AED 3,500 for the Essential plan, AED 6,500 for Growth and AED 10,000 for Complete. A one-time social media launch setup starts from AED 1,500. These are starting fees for a defined scope; the final fee is confirmed in a written proposal. You can compare the plans on our pricing page.
Questions to ask before you choose an agency
- How many pieces of content are included each month, and in which formats?
- Who plans the content, and how many review rounds do we get?
- Is filming or photography included, or do we supply the material?
- Is advertising management included, and is ad spend separate?
- What will you report on each month, and how will we measure progress?
- Who owns the accounts, files and designs if we stop working together?
The bottom line
The cheapest option is rarely the best value, and the most expensive is not automatically the best either. Look for a clear written scope, realistic content volumes and a partner who understands your customers. If you would like a recommendation for your business, get in touch and we will suggest a starting point.