If you’re a small business owner in Hastings, East Sussex, you’ve probably found yourself wrestling with these questions. You’ve seen other local businesses using social media to drive traffic, build brand awareness, and even make sales. But, with so many options and pricing structures, how do you make sure you’re not throwing your hard-earned cash down the drain?

In this post, we’re breaking down the costs of social media marketing for small businesses in Hastings and the wider East Sussex area—so you can make an informed decision that works for your budget.

 Written by Indiana Hamilton-Brown: Managing Director of A&I Media
 Years of relevant experience: Twelve
 Published on:  26/02/2025

Breaking It Down: What Impacts Social Media Marketing Costs?

The cost of social media marketing depends on several factors:

1. Who’s doing the work – Are you going solo with DIY, hiring a freelancer, or working with an agency? Each option has its own price tag.

2. The scope of work – Are you just looking for occasional posts or a full-scale strategy with regular content and engagement?

3. Paid advertising – Are you investing in organic reach, or are you running paid ads to boost visibility and sales?

4. Platforms – Different platforms come with different costs (LinkedIn ads might be pricier than Instagram, for example).

Option 1: DIY Social Media Marketing

When you handle your own social media, the only cost is your time. It might seem like a good way to save money, but running social media effectively takes a lot of effort and strategy.

✅ Pros: No upfront costs, full control.

❌ Cons: Time-consuming, overwhelming, and lower engagement if not done consistently.

💡 Tip: If you’re DIY-ing, it’s worth investing in training to improve efficiency. We offer training programs in Hastings and East Sussex to help you get the best results. Let’s chat about training options here.

Option 2: Hiring a Freelancer

📌 Cost: £200-£1,500/month

Freelancers can help with content creation, engagement, and strategy. Prices will vary depending on their experience and your needs. Some freelancers charge per hour, while others offer package deals.

✅ Pros: More affordable than agencies, flexible.

❌ Cons: Quality can vary, and strategic input might be limited.

📌 Good for: Local businesses that want a steady stream of content but don’t need full-scale management.

Local example: Many freelancers in Hastings and Bexhill offer social media services for cafés, salons, and independent retailers. If you’re looking for local support, check platforms like Upwork, PeoplePerHour, or Hastings-based business networks.

Option 3: Hiring an Agency

📌 Cost: £1,500-£10,000+/month

Working with a marketing agency means you get a full-service team handling everything—from content creation to paid ad management.

✅ Pros: High-quality, full-service support. Agencies have experience, tools, and strategic insights.

❌ Cons: Higher costs, and some agencies may use generic approaches.

💡 If you’re considering an agency, make sure they understand small businesses in Hastings and East Sussex. That’s exactly what we do at A&I Media. We work with local businesses like:

• Hastings-based cafés and restaurants looking to attract more customers.

• Local service providers (gyms, salons, photographers) who want more bookings.

• East Sussex tourism businesses needing better online visibility.

Book a free strategy call with us today!

Option 4: Paid Ads on Social Media

📌 Cost: £5-£500/day (or more)

Paid ads are a great way to target local customers. But if not done correctly, you could burn through your budget quickly.

✅ Pros: Fast results, measurable ROI.

❌ Cons: Requires testing and expertise.

💡 Example: A Hastings café could run Facebook ads targeting people within a 10-mile radius. A local gym in Eastbourne could use Instagram ads to attract members with a free trial offer.

Local tip: Paid ads work best when paired with organic content. If you provide value and build trust with your content, paid ads will complement your efforts.

Final Thoughts

Social media marketing doesn’t have to break the bank—but it does require strategy. Whether you choose to go DIY, hire a freelancer, or work with an agency, the key is finding the right balance between cost and impact.

If you’re a small business in Hastings or East Sussex, we can help you grow your brand online. We specialize in affordable, effective marketing for local businesses—without the confusing jargon or high agency prices.