Social Media Management Contract Template — Content, Community & Compliance
Structure social media engagements with clear content workflows, posting schedules, and community management responsibilities that protect your agency.
Contract Template
1. Parties & Agreement
Identifies the social media agency and client entering into a social media management services relationship.
This Social Media Management Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [DATE]:
Agency: [YOUR NAME/COMPANY] ("Agency")
Client: [CLIENT NAME/COMPANY] ("Client")
This Agreement governs social media management services for Client's accounts.2. Social Media Services
Specifies exact services included: content creation, posting, community management, reporting, and advertising management.
Agency will provide the following services: 1. Content Creation: - [X] original posts per week per platform - Copywriting for social media posts - Graphic design for social media content - Video content creation (if included) 2. Content Posting: - Posting schedule: [DAYS/TIMES] - Platforms: [LIST PLATFORMS - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.] - Content calendar development and management 3. Community Management: - Responding to comments and messages within [X] hours - Monitoring brand mentions - Engaging with followers and relevant communities 4. Reporting: - Monthly performance reports - Analytics and insights 5. Advertising Management (if included): - Ad campaign creation and management - Budget management (with Client approval)
3. Content Approval Process
Establishes mandatory approval workflow for content before posting, with timelines and consequences for delayed approvals.
Content Approval Workflow: 1. Agency creates content calendar for Client review 2. Client approves calendar or requests changes within [X] business days 3. Agency creates individual posts for approval 4. Client approves posts or provides feedback within [X] hours 5. Approved posts are scheduled and published Delayed Approvals: - If Client does not approve within specified timeframe, Agency may proceed with posting or skip that post - Delayed approvals do not extend Agency's posting obligations Emergency Posts: Agency may post time-sensitive content with post-approval if Client is unavailable
4. Posting Schedule & Frequency
Defines posting frequency, schedule, and platforms, with flexibility for holidays and special circumstances.
Posting Frequency: - [PLATFORM 1]: [X] posts per week - [PLATFORM 2]: [X] posts per week - [PLATFORM 3]: [X] posts per week Posting Schedule: - Business days: [DAYS/TIMES] - Weekends: [INCLUDED / EXCLUDED] - Holidays: [REDUCED SCHEDULE / AS SCHEDULED] Content Mix: - [X]% promotional content - [X]% educational/informational content - [X]% engaging/entertaining content
5. Community Management
Defines responsibilities for responding to comments, messages, and mentions, with response time commitments.
Agency will monitor and respond to: - Comments on Client's posts - Direct messages - Brand mentions (when possible) Response Times: - Business hours: Within [X] hours - After hours: Next business day - Urgent issues: Escalated to Client immediately Response Guidelines: - Professional and brand-appropriate tone - Escalate sensitive issues to Client - Follow Client's brand voice guidelines
6. Advertising & Budget Management
Clarifies ad spend responsibilities, approval requirements, and reporting on advertising performance.
[OPTION A - Ad Spend Included]: - Monthly ad spend budget: $[AMOUNT] - Included in management fee [OPTION B - Ad Spend Separate]: - Client provides ad spend budget separately - Agency manages campaigns within approved budget Ad Campaign Approval: - Campaigns over $[AMOUNT] require Client pre-approval - Agency will provide campaign proposals for approval Ad Reporting: Included in monthly reports Agency not responsible for ad performance guarantees
7. Content Ownership & Usage Rights
Establishes ownership of original content created by agency and usage rights for both parties.
Original Content Created by Agency: - Agency retains ownership and may use in portfolio - Client receives license to use on their social media accounts - Client may not resell or license content to third parties Client-Provided Content: - Client warrants they have rights to all provided content - Client grants Agency license to use for social media purposes Third-Party Content: - Proper attribution and licensing required - Client responsible for securing rights to third-party content
8. Platform Compliance & Account Access
Establishes requirements for platform compliance, account access, and liability for policy violations.
Client Responsibilities: - Provide accurate business information - Comply with all platform terms of service - Not engage in prohibited practices (buying followers, etc.) Account Access: - Client will provide necessary account access - Agency will use access only for services under this Agreement Platform Policy Violations: - Agency not liable for account suspensions due to Client violations - Client actions that violate platform policies are Client's responsibility Agency will monitor for compliance but cannot prevent Client violations
9. Crisis Management
Defines procedures for handling negative situations, PR crises, or platform issues.
Crisis Response Protocol: 1. Agency identifies potential crisis situation 2. Agency immediately notifies Client 3. Client and Agency determine response strategy 4. Agency implements approved response Response Authority: - Minor issues: Agency may respond per brand guidelines - Major issues: Requires Client approval before response - Platform violations: Client must resolve directly Agency will monitor for crises but cannot prevent all negative situations
10. Reporting & Analytics
Defines monthly reporting requirements including metrics, insights, and recommendations.
Monthly Reports Delivered By: [DATE] each month Reports Include: - Follower growth - Engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares) - Reach and impressions - Top performing content - Advertising performance (if applicable) - Work completed during the month - Recommendations for next month Report Format: [PDF / PORTAL / EMAIL] Client may request additional analysis for additional fee
11. Guarantees & Expectations
Sets realistic expectations about social media results and focuses guarantees on work performed.
Agency Guarantees: - Professional content creation per industry standards - Consistent posting per agreed schedule - Community management per response time commitments - Monthly reporting as specified Agency Does NOT Guarantee: - Specific follower counts (depends on many factors) - Specific engagement rates (varies by industry and audience) - Viral content or viral reach - Business results or sales (social media is one marketing channel) Social media success depends on many factors including content quality, audience, algorithms, and industry
12. Fees & Payment
Establishes monthly retainer fee, payment schedule, and terms.
Monthly Management Fee: $[AMOUNT] Payment Due: 1st of each month Setup Fee: $[AMOUNT] (one-time, due upon signing) Payment Terms: Net [X] days from invoice Late Payment: Services may be paused if payment is [X] days overdue Additional Services: - Extra posts beyond agreed frequency: $[RATE] per post - Video production: $[RATE] per video - Additional reporting: $[RATE] per report
13. Term & Termination
Defines contract term, renewal provisions, and termination procedures.
Initial Term: [X] months, beginning [START DATE] Renewal: Auto-renews monthly unless either party provides [X] days written notice Termination: - Either party may terminate with [X] days written notice - Setup fee is non-refundable - Client pays for services rendered through termination date - Agency will transfer account access and content upon final payment For Cause: Either party may terminate immediately for material breach
14. Limitation of Liability
Limits agency liability to fees received and excludes indirect damages.
Agency's liability limited to total fees paid in the [X] months preceding any claim Agency not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages Agency not liable for lost revenue, lost profits, or business interruption Social media results depend on many factors outside Agency's control Agency not responsible for platform algorithm changes or policy updates
15. Signatures
Executes the social media management agreement with dated signatures.
Both parties agree to the terms above. Agency: _________________ Date: _________ Client: _________________ Date: _________
Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend having a qualified attorney review any contract before use to ensure it meets your specific needs and complies with applicable laws in your jurisdiction.
Pro Tips
- Require content approval before posting—this protects you from client complaints later
- Be clear about engagement expectations—you can't guarantee viral content or specific follower counts
- Document all approvals and communications—social media moves fast, documentation is critical
- Set clear response time expectations—clients may expect 24/7 monitoring if not specified
- Clarify ad spend responsibilities upfront—this is a common source of confusion
- Include crisis management protocols—social media crises happen and you need a plan
Key Features of This Contract
Content Approval Workflow
Establishes mandatory approval process for all content before posting, with approval timelines and consequences for delayed approvals. Requires client sign-off on content calendar and individual posts, protecting agencies from liability if clients later object to published content. Delayed approvals don't extend posting obligations, preventing clients from slowing workflow then complaining about missed posts.
Platform Policy Compliance Protection
Requires clients to provide accurate information and comply with platform terms, excluding agency liability for account suspensions due to client violations. Protects agencies when clients provide false information, use prohibited content, or violate platform policies. Agency will monitor compliance but cannot prevent client actions that violate terms.
Engagement Guarantee Limitations
Focuses guarantees on work performed (content creation, posting, community management) rather than engagement metrics that depend on algorithms and audience behavior. May include "expected engagement ranges" based on industry benchmarks, but avoids specific follower or engagement guarantees that are unrealistic. Protects agencies from being held responsible for factors outside their control.
Crisis Management Protocol
Defines procedures for handling negative comments, PR crises, or platform issues, including escalation requirements and response timelines. Establishes who has authority to respond during crises and what requires client approval. Protects agencies from liability when handling difficult situations while ensuring clients are informed of potential issues.
Advertising Budget Management
Clarifies whether ad spend is included in management fee or separate, establishes approval requirements for ad campaigns, and defines reporting on ad performance. Requires client approval for ad spend above certain thresholds. Prevents confusion about who pays for advertising and protects agencies from unauthorized spending claims.
Content Ownership & Usage Rights
Establishes that original content created by agency remains agency property for portfolio use, while client receives license to use content on their social media. Distinguishes between agency-created content and client-provided content. Allows agencies to showcase work while giving clients necessary usage rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I guarantee specific follower growth or engagement rates?
No. Social media results depend on many factors including content quality, audience behavior, platform algorithms, competition, and industry. Focus guarantees on work performed (content creation, posting, community management) rather than metrics you cannot control.
What if a client's account gets suspended?
Your contract should exclude liability for account suspensions due to client violations of platform policies. If the suspension is due to agency error, you may be responsible, but client actions (false information, policy violations) are their responsibility.
How do I handle negative comments or PR crises?
Include a crisis management protocol that defines escalation procedures, response authority, and client approval requirements. Minor issues you can handle per brand guidelines; major issues require client approval before responding.
Should I include advertising in my social media management fee?
It depends. Many agencies separate ad spend from management fees. If included, specify the monthly ad budget clearly. If separate, require client approval for ad spend and manage campaigns within approved budgets.
What happens if the client doesn't approve content on time?
Your contract should specify that delayed approvals don't extend your posting obligations. You may proceed with posting approved content or skip posts if approval is delayed. This prevents clients from slowing workflow then complaining about missed posts.
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