Social Media Management Contract Template

Essential sections: Scope, payment, content ownership, termination, confidentiality.

A solid contract protects both you and your client. Here's what to include.

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Contract Must-Haves

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1. Scope of Services

The most important section. Be specific.

Include:

• Platforms managed (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
• Number of posts per week/month
• Content types (images, videos, stories, reels)
• Engagement activities (comments, DMs)
• Reporting frequency

Example:

Service Provider will manage Client's Instagram and Facebook accounts:

• 12 feed posts per month per platform
• 20 stories per month per platform
• Daily comment responses (within 24 hours)
• Monthly analytics report

Explicitly exclude:

• Paid ads (unless included)
• Influencer outreach
• Photography/videography
• Crisis management
• 24/7 monitoring

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2. Payment Terms

Clear payment terms prevent most disputes.

Specify:

• Monthly retainer amount
• Due date (1st of month, upon invoice, etc.)
• Accepted payment methods
• Late payment fee (typically 5% after 14 days)
• When services pause for non-payment

Example:

Client pays $[X] per month, due on the 1st. Payments over 14 days late incur a 5% fee. Services pause after 30 days overdue.

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3. Content Ownership

Who owns the content you create?

Common approaches:

Typical clause:

Upon full payment, Client owns all custom content created for their accounts. Service Provider may use content in portfolio and promotional materials.

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4. Approval Process

How content gets approved:

1. You submit content X days before posting
2. Client has 48 hours to respond
3. No response = approved
4. 2 revision rounds included
5. Extra revisions cost $X

Example:

Content submitted 5 business days before posting. Client feedback due within 48 hours. No response constitutes approval. Two revision rounds included; additional rounds billed at $50 each.

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5. Contract Term

Recommended: 12 months with 90-day termination notice.

Why 12 months? It allows time to:

• Understand the brand
• Implement strategies
• Optimize based on analytics
• Build consistent presence

A 90-day termination clause gives both parties flexibility to reassess.

Alternative terms:

• Month-to-month: More flexible, riskier
• 3-month minimum: Balance of commitment and flexibility
• 6-month: Good for new client relationships

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6. Termination

How to end the agreement cleanly.

Include:

• Notice period (typically 30-90 days)
• How to give notice (email is fine)
• Final payment obligations
• Account access transfer timeline

Example:

Either party may terminate with 30 days written notice. Upon termination, Client receives scheduled content for the paid period. Full account access transferred within 5 business days.

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7. Confidentiality

Protect sensitive information.

What stays confidential:

• Login credentials
• Business strategies
• Customer data
• Pricing information
• Analytics data

How long: 2 years after contract ends is standard.

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8. Liability

Protect yourself from legal issues.

Standard protections:

• Cap liability at fees paid (last 3 months)
• Exclude consequential damages
• No guarantee of specific results
• Client indemnifies you for their provided content

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Contract Template Outline

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

1. PARTIES
   Service Provider: [Your business]
   Client: [Their business]
   Effective Date: [Date]

2. TERM
   Start: [Date]
   Duration: [Month-to-month / 3 months / etc.]

3. SERVICES
   Platforms: [List]
   Deliverables: [Specific numbers]
   Exclusions: [What's not included]

4. FEES
   Monthly: $[Amount]
   Due: [Date]
   Late fee: [Percentage after X days]

5. CONTENT OWNERSHIP
   [Transfer upon payment / License]

6. APPROVAL
   Submission: [X days ahead]
   Response: [48 hours]
   Revisions: [Number included]

7. TERMINATION
   Notice: [30 days]
   Method: [Written/email]

8. CONFIDENTIALITY
   Duration: [2 years post-termination]

9. LIABILITY
   Cap: [3 months fees]

SIGNATURES
_________________  Date: ____
Service Provider

_________________  Date: ____
Client

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Free Contract Templates

Download and customize these templates:

Bonsai includes customizable payment terms, confidentiality clauses, and IP rights sections.

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Common Mistakes

Don't:

• Use vague scope ("manage social media")
• Skip late payment consequences
• Forget termination notice period
• Promise specific results
• Omit revision limits

Do:

• Be specific about deliverables
• Include late fees
• Define clear exit process
• Set realistic expectations
• Cap revisions

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When to Use a Lawyer

DIY is fine for:

• Small retainer clients
• Standard services
• Straightforward terms

Use a lawyer for:

• Contracts over $5,000/month
• Unusual terms
• Corporate clients with legal teams
• International clients

Budget $300-800 for initial legal review.

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External Resources

• Agorapulse's Contract Guide - 7-step contract creation process
• Assembly's 5 Free Templates - Multiple template options
• eForms Social Media Contracts - Specialized contract types

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Related Resources

Freelance Business:

• Freelance Social Media Manager Guide
• How to Get Social Media Clients
• How to Start a Digital Marketing Agency

Pricing & Packages:

• Social Media Management Pricing Guide
• Social Media Marketing Packages Pricing Guide
• How to Price Social Media Services

Client Management:

• Social Media Client Onboarding Guide
• Content Creator Contracts Guide
• How to Prioritize Clients Guide

Related Tools:

• Client Contract Outline Generator
• Business Proposal Generator
• Client Retention Messaging Generator

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FAQ

Do I need a contract for every client?

Yes. Even small projects. A one-page agreement beats no agreement. Contracts prevent misunderstandings.

What if a client won't sign?

Red flag. Clients who refuse contracts often cause the most problems. Consider walking away.

Should I require a minimum term?

Optional. 3-month minimums help profitability. Month-to-month is more flexible but riskier. 12-month terms with 90-day termination clauses offer the best balance.

How do I change terms mid-contract?

Written amendment signed by both parties. Reference the original contract, state what's changing, both sign.