Social media manager invoice template
A worked example for social media managers in the it and digital category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A social media manager invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Social media managers typically allow 14 days to pay. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example social media manager invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with 14 day terms. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
J. Fletcher
Social media manager
21 Harbour View
Plymouth
PL1 6HJ
Bill to
Brightwater Marketing Ltd
2nd Floor, 15 Queen Street
Manchester
M2 5HX
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- 15 October 2026
- Terms
- 14 days
- Reference
- Social media manager work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social media management, October 2026: 3 platforms, 16 posts, community replies | 1 month | £850.00 | 20% | £850.00 |
| Content shoot day, product and behind the scenes | 1 day | £380.00 | 20% | £380.00 |
| Paid social campaign management (ad spend paid by client directly) | 1 month | £300.00 | 20% | £300.00 |
- Subtotal
- £1,530.00
- VAT at 20%
- £306.00
- Total
- £1,836.00
Typical rates for social media managers
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | £30 to £70 |
| Typical day rate | £250 to £500 |
| Payment terms | 14 days |
| Deposit | Not usually taken |
| VAT flat rate sector | Advertising (11%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do social media managers usually invoice?
Social media managers invoice a monthly package in advance stating the platforms, number of posts and whether community management is included, with content shoots and paid campaign management as separate lines. Ad spend should be paid by the client directly on their own ad account so it never passes through the manager's invoice. Terms are 14 days with direct debit common for small clients.
Social media managers in this example give the customer 14 days to pay. Hourly rates run from £30 to £70. A full day is typically £250 to £500.
What should a social media manager put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, social media managers should:
- State the platforms, post count and engagement hours included in the monthly fee.
- Have clients pay ad spend directly to the platform; list only your management fee.
- Invoice content shoots and video edits separately from the monthly package.
- State the minimum term and notice period; one month's notice is usual.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do social media managers charge VAT?
You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, digital and IT services are standard rated at 20% for UK clients; services to business clients outside the UK are generally outside the scope of UK VAT, so note that on the invoice and charge none.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for social media managers is usually “Advertising” at 11% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- How much do social media managers charge?
- Monthly packages of £400 to £1,500 for small businesses in 2026 depending on platforms and post volume, with content shoots at £250 to £500 a day and paid campaign management at £250 to £800 a month plus the client's spend. Hourly rates of £30 to £70 apply to ad hoc work.
- Should a social media manager put ad spend on the invoice?
- No. Set up the client's own ad account with their card and manage it as an admin. Ad spend on your invoice inflates your turnover towards the VAT threshold and leaves you funding the client's advertising. Charge only your management fee.
- Do social media managers charge VAT?
- Only once registered, above £90,000 turnover, which most freelancers do not reach. Once registered you charge 20% to UK clients, which small businesses that are not registered cannot reclaim. The flat rate sector is advertising at 11%.
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Cite this page: “Social media manager invoice template”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/social-media-manager