Costs and pricing
Part of Social media audit cost UK: how much should you pay?
Social media audit cost UK: how much should you pay?
UK social media audit costs range from £750 for a basic profile review to £5,000 for a full competitive and paid media analysis. See what drives the price.
What to take away
- UK social media audits are usually priced as one-off projects, not monthly retainers.
- The cheapest quotes cover a profile and content review only.
- Competitor benchmarking, paid media checks and a data protection review push the price up.
- London agencies charge more than regional firms for the same brief.
- Ask for a fixed scope and a written statement of work before you approve any audit.
- A written brief keeps quotes comparable.
What a UK social media audit includes
A social media audit is a structured review of your accounts, content and competitors. It is separate from ongoing social media management, which usually runs on a retainer, as explained in our guide to social media agency retainer vs project.
Auditors start with your objectives, then check profile setup, posting frequency, tone, engagement and conversion paths. They should also test paid campaigns, tracking and audience data. If the auditor handles personal data, your contract needs a lawful basis and clear retention rules under the UK GDPR guidance from the ICO.
Competitor benchmarking is where UK auditors earn their fee. They compare your output with named rivals in your sector, not generic global accounts. A restaurant in Manchester should be measured against other Manchester venues, not a national chain. That is a reason to check local agency experience.
When comparing quotes, use the ONS business activity, size and location data to see how many similar firms trade in your area. That helps you judge whether a competitor sample is representative.
Auditors should check paid and organic claims against the CAP Code published by the ASA. A review that ignores advertising rules leaves you exposed to complaints.
How London agency pricing tiers compare
The table below shows illustrative bands prepared in March 2025. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote.
UK social media audit pricing tiers
Basic review
- Fee
- £750–£1,200
- Usual buyer
- Sole trader
- Competitors
- Three
- Paid media
- No
- Workshop
- No
Standard audit
- Fee
- £1,200–£2,500
- Usual buyer
- Growing brand
- Competitors
- More than three
- Paid media
- Yes
- Workshop
- No
Full audit
- Fee
- £2,500–£5,000+
- Usual buyer
- Ecommerce or multi-site
- Competitors
- Named rivals
- Paid media
- Yes
- Workshop
- Yes
| Tier | What it includes | Illustrative fee (GBP) | Usual buyer | | Basic review | Profile setup, content sample, three competitors, summary slide deck | £750 to £1,200 | Sole trader or small business testing a channel | | Standard audit | Above plus paid media check, analytics review, keyword and hashtag analysis, action plan | £1,200 to £2,500 | Growing brand with two or more channels | | Full audit | Above plus audience research, content analysis, GDPR review, quarterly roadmap and workshop | £2,500 to £5,000+ | Ecommerce, hospitality group or multi-site business |
These are not regulated prices. London agencies often quote at the top of each band because senior strategists cost more. A regional agency may deliver the same scope for less. The gap is widest when the brief includes workshops and face-to-face presentations.
A checklist to compare social media audit quotes
Compare social media audit quotes
- Confirm the number of profiles, platforms and markets in scope.
- Ask how many competitor accounts are benchmarked and how they are chosen.
- Check whether paid media, tracking and landing pages are included.
- Request a data protection clause that covers audience data and retention.
- Ask for a written statement of work with deliverables, dates and revision limits.
- Confirm who presents the findings and whether a workshop is included.
- Ask for the raw data, not just the slide deck.
Worked example: a London agency quote
In this illustrative example dated March 2025, a London agency quotes £1,800 for a standard audit. The scope covers four platforms, six named UK competitors, a paid media review and a two-hour findings workshop. The agency estimates 12 working days from kick-off to final report. The quote includes a written statement of work and a data processing clause. The fee is payable in two stages: 50% on kick-off and 50% on delivery.
You can adapt that statement of work using our checklist on how to brief a social media agency.
What changes the price
More platforms, languages and regions add days to the project. If the agency cannot get analytics or ad account access, they bill for setup time. A director-led audit costs more than a junior-led review. Regulated sectors such as finance and health need extra checks. Rush fees are common when you need the report within a week. Travel costs appear if the agency visits your premises.
Common questions
How much does a social media audit cost in the UK?
Using the illustrative bands dated March 2025 in this article, expect £750 to £1,200 for a basic review and £2,500 to £5,000+ for a full audit with competitor benchmarking. London quotes sit at the higher end.
Do I need a social media audit before hiring an agency?
Not always, but it helps. An audit gives you a baseline and a written brief. That makes it easier to compare agency proposals and avoid paying for work you do not need.
What is the difference between an audit and social media management?
An audit is a one-off diagnostic. Social media management is ongoing delivery. Some agencies credit the audit fee against a later retainer, so ask.
Can I do a social media audit in-house?
Yes. Use the checklist above and spend money on a strategist to review your findings. In-house work is cheaper in cash but slower.
