If you’re asking what church social media should cost, you’re probably already stretched. Someone has been posting when they can, the Facebook page has gone quiet, and your leaders want to know whether paying for help is worth it. This guide sets out the real options for UK churches and Christian charities, what each one costs and what you actually get.
What are the options for managing church social media?
There are four common routes, and many churches mix them.
- Do it yourselves: a staff member or minister posts alongside everything else. It costs nothing extra but often slips when the week gets busy.
- A volunteer or small team: free in money, but it needs training, a plan and someone to approve posts.
- A freelancer: usually paid by the hour or by the month. Quality and reliability vary, so ask for examples and references.
- An agency: a fixed monthly fee for planning, design, scheduling and reporting, with cover for holidays and sickness.
What should a social media price include?
A fair price should tell you exactly what you get each month. Compare like with like by checking:
- How many posts a month, and on how many platforms
- Whether posts are designed for you or just scheduled from your own graphics
- Who writes the captions, and whether they sound like your church
- Whether comments and messages are watched, and who replies
- Short videos (Reels, Shorts) included or charged extra
- A monthly report that shows what worked
- Who approves every post before it goes out
How do the costs compare?
| Option | Typical cost | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do it yourselves | Free (staff time) | Very small churches with a confident poster | Gaps when people are busy or away |
| Volunteers | Free, plus training and tools | Churches with a willing, skilled team | Burnout, consent mistakes, no approval step |
| Freelancer | Varies widely | A short project or a specific skill | No cover if they’re unavailable |
| Agency (our plans) | From £195 a month | Churches that want consistency without the workload | Check what’s included and the contract length |
Our social media management plans start at £195 a month for 12 custom posts across up to two platforms, with Growth at £345 and Impact at £595. Churches and Christian charities with an income under £100,000 can apply for the Mission Rate, which takes 25% off monthly plans. You can see every price on our pricing page.
From our team: the biggest hidden cost isn’t money, it’s the hour every Monday someone spends deciding what to post. A simple monthly plan, made once, saves most of that time whoever does the posting.
How do you choose the right option?
- Be honest about time. Count the hours your team really has each week, not the hours you hope for.
- Decide what success looks like. More visitors on a Sunday? More people at a community event? Write it down.
- Start small. A three-month trial on one or two platforms tells you more than a big plan that never starts. Our guide on which platform suits churches best can help you pick.
- Keep approval with you. Whoever posts, your church should approve what goes out in its name.
- Get the facts first. Our free Social Media Health Check reviews your pages and Google listing and gives three clear next steps.
If you need to win over your leaders first, read how to make the case for digital to your PCC or trustees.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth paying for church social media?
If posting has become irregular, or relies on one tired volunteer, paying for help usually buys consistency, better design and time back for ministry. Start small and judge it on results after three months.
Can we just use volunteers?
Yes, and many churches do. Give volunteers a simple plan, a shared photo folder, clear consent rules and someone to approve posts. Volunteer time is free, but it isn't unlimited.
Do agencies lock you into long contracts?
Some do. Ask before you sign. Our monthly plans run month to month, with no long contract.
Last checked: November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.
