One of the most frequent questions I receive from business owners is: should I hire a community manager or outsource to an agency? The answer depends on your situation, but this article gives you everything you need to decide.

What does a community manager do?

A community manager (CM) is a professional who manages your business's digital presence on social media. Their responsibilities include:

  • Creating and publishing content regularly
  • Responding to comments and messages
  • Analyzing metrics and adjusting strategy
  • Monitoring mentions and industry trends
  • Managing paid advertising campaigns

In-house CM vs freelance CM

An in-house community manager works exclusively for your company, knows it deeply, and is available immediately. The downside is cost: salary, social security, equipment, ongoing training... easily between €1,800 and €2,500 per month for a junior position.

A freelance CM is more affordable (€500–€1,200/month) but typically manages multiple accounts simultaneously, which can affect the attention your business receives.

What does a social media agency offer?

An agency brings a multidisciplinary team: strategists, designers, copywriters, advertising experts, and analysts — all under one roof. The advantages are clear:

  • Scalability: adjust the service according to the season
  • Industry experience: they've managed accounts across multiple industries
  • Professional tools: included in the service price
  • No HR surprises: vacations, sick leave, and turnover are the agency's responsibility

How much does each option cost?

  • Junior in-house CM: €1,800–€2,500/month (company cost)
  • Freelance CM: €500–€1,200/month
  • Basic agency: €149–€300/month (1-2 networks)
  • Advanced agency: €300–€800/month (full strategy + advertising)

Which is the best option for your business?

The answer depends on three factors: budget (under €1,000/month, an agency or freelance is most reasonable), activity volume (intensive daily management may justify an in-house CM), and business stage (in early stages, flexible agency plans let you grow without compromising cash flow).

At Bertronit we offer social media management plans from €149/month, including strategy, content creation, scheduling, and monthly results reporting. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.