DIY vs Hiring an Agency: Social Media Management in South Africa

The real cost of doing it yourself

Done properly, social media takes roughly 8 to 15 hours a week: planning, creating, writing, posting, replying and checking results. That time comes from somewhere.

Consistency is the hard part

Canva and CapCut make production easier. Staying consistent for months while running a business is what's hard. The usual pattern is a strong start, a few good weeks, then silence.

When DIY makes sense

You're pre-revenue or very early and every rand counts.

You enjoy creating content and have a feel for it.

You are the brand, for example a coach or creator.

You can realistically commit five or more hours every week.

When a freelancer makes sense

A good freelancer can be great value for one platform. Check their recent work, how they report and what happens when they're on leave.

When an agency makes sense

You have revenue and want social to drive enquiries.

You've tried DIY or a freelancer and it fizzled.

You want planned calendars, reels and stories at a steady standard, with reporting.

What to compare

Compare the monthly fee, the hours you'd save, what's included (design, video, replies, reporting) and the notice period.

Our published plans are Social Media Starter at R3,500/month (1 platform, 8 posts) and Social Media Growth at R5,500/month (2 platforms, 16 posts, weekly stories and reels). Need 3+ platforms or daily content? Get a written quote.

More on pricing: what social media management costs in South Africa.

Frequently asked questions