How to Write a Social Media Manager Proposal [+FREE Template]

A social media manager proposal can be the difference between landing a client and getting overlooked. Being a social media manager is more than just posting pictures and creating clever captions. It also requires juggling strategy, content, ads, influencer collaborations, PR, and more. The role has become one of the most valuable in marketing, with professionals shaping how brands show up online. 

That’s where a strong social media manager proposal comes in. It’s your chance to show potential clients how you’ll help them hit their goals, highlight your skills, and prove you’re the right fit. So what exactly is a social media manager proposal, and how do you create one that wins clients? Let’s break it down.

What is a Social Media Manager Proposal? 

A social media manager proposal is more than just a portfolio. It’s a tailored document that outlines your services, goals, timeline, and pricing in one place. Think of it as part portfolio, part media kit, designed to show clients exactly how you’ll bring value to their brand. 

Since the social media landscape shifts quickly, a clear proposal helps you stay organized, present your expertise with confidence, and set the stage for successful client partnerships. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your efforts:

How to Write a Social Media Manager Proposal in 8 Steps 

In this guide on how to write a social media manager proposal, we’ll cover the eight essential steps every social media manager should include. Perfect for social media professionals looking to grow their career or personal brand, this framework will help you present your services and professional skills. 

1) Introduction 

Start your proposal introduction the same way you would a portfolio, CV, or media kit intro. Present yourself authentically by highlighting standout experiences, skills, and background details that matter most. 

Since you’re framing this around social media management, be sure your intro shows how you approach work and the value you bring to clients. Keep it professional, but let your personality shine so your proposal feels polished and memorable. 

2) Overview 

The next part of your proposal is all about laying out the scope of your work and clearly showing what you’ll do for the client and what you’ll need from them. This is where you establish expectations and make collaborations smooth. Some things to cover in your overview include:

• How you’ll communicate and the best ways for clients to reach you
• The time you can dedicate to the project or agreement
• Any materials or information you need from the client
• Tools or platforms you use in your day-to-day social media work

This section should be concise and flexible, tailored to each client. Think of it as a clear roadmap for how you’ll work together and a space to answer any immediate questions upfront.

3) Social Media Goals 

Next, you will define social media goals based on your client’s pain points. With these goals, you will explain how you plan to solve and overcome these challenges. We recommend creating 3-5 goals and using the SMART goals framework.

What are SMART goals? These are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Based goals. This will ensure you can keep track of your progress. Once you reach your goals, you can aim for bigger ones later on.

4) Timeline 

Now is the time to define what your ideal contract length will be. 3 months, 6 months, a year? This timeline is up to you, but we recommend at least a 3-month contract. When it comes to winning new clients, building these relationships is crucial. Rather than a one-off campaign, a 3-month agreement allows you to understand the brand and those behind it.

5) Scope of Work

This part of your social media manager proposal digs deeper into the specific tasks and responsibilities you’ll take on for your client. It’s where you move from a high-level overview to a clear, actionable plan that shows exactly how you’ll bring value. Think of it as a mini social media content plan, breaking down how you’ll execute each step. By being detailed here, you not only demonstrate your expertise but also set clear expectations. 

This step can include key elements such as:

• Social Media Platforms: Define which social media platforms you will manage for the brand. If your client hasn’t tapped into a network you think they should be on, include this reasoning. 
• Social Media Audit: After acquiring the accounts, conducting a social media audit will ensure the accounts are up to date and include accurate information. 
• Posting Frequency and Formats: How often do you plan to post content? What content topics and formats will you post each week? 
• Content Creation: Define the content creation process. Will your client provide the content, or will you be responsible for creating the content? When carrying out a content marketing strategy, we recommend using a social media management tool to help automate scheduling, offer new ideas, and provide insightful analytics. 
• Hashtags and Keyword Research: Include hashtag bundles and keywords that align with your client’s target audience. These should encompass what the brand does and how it can help solve its potential customers’ issues.
• Analytics and Reports: How will you track your client’s social media analytics? This is a big task, especially if you plan to extract data manually. Creating customized social media marketing reports can help automate data to send to your client.

6) Price Packages 

This step lets you present your client with clear pricing options for your services. Packages can include a set number of platforms, weekly posts, types of content creation, analytics, consultations, reporting, or regular check-ins. You can bundle these services into full packages or offer them à la carte. 

When setting your rates, be confident and don’t undersell yourself. Offering multiple package sizes gives clients flexibility and helps them choose the option that best fits their brand and goals. 

7) Payment 

In the payment step, outline your preferred payment methods and schedule. You can indicate how often you expect to be paid and note any preferred platforms or terms. While details may be further discussed with the client, being clear and upfront about payment helps set expectations and ensures a smooth working relationship. 

8) Closing 

This last step is to wrap up the proposal, with a clear vision of the next steps. The time frame a client needs to respond is up to you, whether you want to set a 2-week response time or keep it open-ended without a time limit. 

After confirming with a client, you can set a meeting with the client to confirm the package, answer any questions, and make sure both parties are completely clear about the collaboration. Again, transparent communication is crucial for a successful partnership.

Social Media Management Proposal Template 

Now that you understand the steps to create a strong social media manager proposal, you can streamline the process with our free, customizable template. It walks you through each section and helps you clearly define your scope of work.

Pairing this with a social media management tool can make scheduling posts, understanding analytics, creating content, and implementing new strategies much easier. This allows you to focus on delivering results for your clients without the daily stress of planning every post.

Complete Your Toolkit With Our Portfolio & Pricing Templates

Your proposal is just the start. To help you present your service with confidence, we’ve also created a customizable social media manager portfolio template and a clear pricing guide you can share with potential clients. Together, these templates work hand in hand with your proposal, giving you a polished, professional toolkit that showcases your value and makes securing new clients easier.

• Social Media Resources

Anniston Ward , 14 May 2024