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Free social media management contract template (Word)

Reviewed by Clausery editors · · 3 min read

A contract between a social media manager/freelancer/agency and a client covering platforms, posting cadence, content approval, KPIs/reporting, fees, IP rights and termination.

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A social media management contract defines what platforms the manager will run (Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube), how often they post, content approval workflow, paid-ad spend handling, KPIs (engagement, followers, leads), reporting cadence, fees, content ownership and what happens if posts go viral or cause PR issues.

Social media moves fast. A clear content-approval workflow (e.g. client approves posts X days in advance), a right to decline unethical content requests, and clear ownership of created content are essential.

What to include#

  • Manager and client. Social media manager/agency name; client name and brand; accounts/platforms being managed (handles listed); agreement start date and term.
  • Scope and services. Platforms, posting frequency (posts per week/stories/reels/Reels), content creation (photo, video, captions, graphics), community management (DMs/comments response time), paid ads management (and ad-spend pass-through).
  • Content approval and KPIs. Approval workflow (shared calendar, approval SLA e.g. 48 hours), KPI targets (growth, engagement rate, leads), and monthly reporting.
  • Fees and payment. Monthly retainer or per-project fee, setup/onboarding fee, paid-spend billing (separate budget), payment terms, and rate for extra content beyond scope.
  • IP, cancellation and liability. Content ownership (typically client owns final approved content; manager retains portfolio rights), client brand guidelines/trademarks, confidentiality, termination notice (typically 30 days), and liability for account access/social-media crises.

How to fill it in#

  1. Step 1: Do an audit first

    Start with an audit of existing accounts and set realistic baseline KPIs before promising growth.

  2. Step 2: Lock the content approval process

    Define who approves, turnaround times, and what happens if client delays approvals (posts go out as drafted or delayed).

  3. Step 3: Handle ad spend separately

    Client pays ad spend directly or via a clear pass-through; do not co-mingle funds.

  4. Step 4: Get account access securely

    Use business manager/partner access rather than sharing passwords; document access handover at end.

  5. Step 5: Include crisis clauses

    If a post triggers PR issues, have an agreed escalation and take-down process.

Retainer agreement

Social media management is often a monthly retainer.

Independent contractor agreement

For freelance managers.

Graphic design contract

For visual assets that pair with social content.

Free contract templates

Full template library.

Questions

Who owns the social content?

Client typically owns approved posted content; manager retains portfolio rights and sometimes reusable templates.

Do I guarantee follower growth?

Avoid guarantees — algorithm changes make specific growth promises risky; commit to effort, posting cadence and best practices.

Can I run ads under this contract?

Specify whether ad management is included, and who pays ad spend (always the client).

What about negative comments/PR?

Define response protocols and who is authorised to respond on behalf of the brand during crises.

How long is the contract?

Month-to-month with 30-day notice is common; some agencies offer discounts for 3/6/12-month terms.

Browse all templates →

These are general templates, not legal or tax advice. Have anything unusual reviewed for your jurisdiction.

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