What changes the monthly cost
The biggest factors are posting frequency, number of platforms, original photography or video, editing complexity, strategy, approval workflow, reporting, community management, and paid advertising.
Local shoots also introduce production time and travel. Ask whether the quote includes capture, editing, revisions, and usage of the finished assets.
Common service levels
A scheduling-focused service is often the most accessible because the client supplies finished visuals. A content plan adds original capture and editing. A full-service plan may include daily publishing, mixed formats, strategy, reporting, and basic community care.
Compare deliverables and exclusions before comparing totals. A low monthly number may depend on you doing most of the creative work.
What a useful proposal should show
Look for a clear cadence, included platforms and formats, production schedule, approval process, response boundaries, reporting rhythm, contract length, and additional costs. Paid media spend should be separated from organic management fees.
The right investment is the smallest scope that can achieve the goal without creating an unsustainable workload for your team.