“How much does it cost to run Instagram?” is one of the questions we hear most often. To judge any answer properly, you first need to understand what the price is made of. Otherwise a cheap offer ends up costing a lot, and an expensive one may include things you don’t need.
What makes up the price?
“Instagram management” is not one job but several. Check which of them are included in each offer.
- Strategy and content plan: who we talk to, about what and with what goal. Without it, posts go out just “so the page isn’t empty”.
- Content production: design, copy, photos, Reels. This is usually the largest part of the price: a mobilographer’s or videographer’s shoot, editing and graphics all take time.
- Page management: publishing posts and Stories, replying to comments and DMs, handling negative feedback.
- Targeted ads: getting the content in front of the right people. It can be a separate service or part of the package.
- Analytics and reporting: what worked, what didn’t and what we change next month.
A cheap offer often includes only “publishing posts”: a ready-made template, images from the internet, no strategy and no report. This kind of service has its place, but you shouldn’t expect a flow of customers from it.
Is the ad budget included in the price?
Usually not, and this is an important difference. The service price pays for the team’s work. The ad budget is paid directly to Meta (Instagram and Facebook) and is planned separately. When comparing offers, ask whether the ad budget is included in the amount. Otherwise you are comparing different things.
Who runs it: a freelancer, an in-house SMM specialist or an agency?
Each option has its place. The right choice depends on the size of the business and the goal.
Freelancer
Cheaper, and you can start quickly. But one person rarely does strategy, design, video, copy and ads equally well. If they get sick or move to another project, the page stops.
In-house SMM specialist
Knows the business well and is always nearby. But they need a salary, a workspace and equipment, and for video and design you will still have to find extra people or contractors. Managing them and evaluating results is also on you.
Agency
Strategy, design, video, copy and paid ads in one team. The work runs under a contract, with a monthly report. The downside: the price is higher than a freelancer’s, and you need to keep the team regularly updated about your business.
A short rule: if you just need the page “not to be empty”, a freelancer is enough. If Instagram should bring customers, strategy, content and ads need to work as one system.
6 questions to ask before you agree
Whoever you work with, get clear answers to these questions:
- How much content, and what kind, goes out each month: how many posts, Stories, Reels?
- Who shoots the photos and videos, and is it included in the price?
- Is the ad budget included in the price, and who manages it?
- Which metrics are tracked, and when and in what form will the report come?
- Can you show past work?
- Is there a contract, and on what terms can the cooperation be ended?
Be careful with promises like “10,000 followers in the first month” or “guaranteed sales”. Results also depend on the product, price, competition and sales team, and no one can guarantee them in advance.
How much does it cost at Damar?
Our SMM service starts at $1,500. It includes strategy and a content plan, design, photo and video content, Reels, page management, targeted ads setup and a monthly report. The final price depends on the goal and the volume of content. The ad budget is separate.
Whether you need full SMM or only part of it, for example only paid ads or video, we’ll decide together at the first free consultation.