What Do Businesses Actually Mean When They Say “We Do Social Media”?
When someone says they “do social media,” it could mean anything from posting stock photos to producing full-scale branded video campaigns. That’s why prices in the industry can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Many business owners assume all social media management is the same—but the reality is very different.
Social media is a broad term. Some agencies only schedule generic posts, while others build strategic systems that grow brand awareness, authority, and lead flow. At Showcase Phoenix, we focus on authority-based systems that position your business as the trusted local expert, not just another name in the feed.
What You Get With Low-Cost Social Media Services ($100–$500)
At the lowest tier, you’re paying for quantity, not quality. This level typically includes generic Canva graphics and templated posts created by a virtual assistant.
For $100 to $500 a month, you might get one to three posts per week. They’ll usually feature your logo, a slogan, and some seasonal messaging. It looks professional on the surface, but these posts rarely get engagement because they don’t feel personal or authentic.
If you’re a startup with no online presence and you just want to fill your page with something, this can be a quick fix. But don’t expect it to drive meaningful results. People scroll past graphics that look like ads. They’re on social media to connect, be entertained, or learn something new, not to see another stock image with a caption that says “Trust Us.”
The Middle Ground: Done-With-You Social Media ($1,000–$3,000)
This is where social media starts to make a real impact. In a done-with-you setup, you collaborate with a professional team that helps plan, edit, and post content you create together.
At this level, there’s more strategy and customization. You’ll work with an editor, an account manager, and sometimes a creative director. The team will guide you on what videos to film, what photos to capture, and how to tell your story effectively.
This approach delivers higher engagement because the content actually reflects your business—your people, your process, your expertise. When customers see the real you, they’re more likely to connect and trust you. For many local businesses, this is the sweet spot: a balance of affordability, quality, and collaboration.
Showcase Phoenix focuses heavily in this space. Our “Blue-Collar Authority System” helps Phoenix businesses film consistent, short-form video content that builds both trust and visibility. You still play a role, but we handle the heavy lifting, strategy, editing, and distribution.
The Premium Option: Done-For-You Social Media ($3,000–$5,000+)
The done-for-you model is the top tier of social media service. You get a full production team that plans, films, edits, and posts everything for you.
This option is ideal for business owners who understand the value of their time. Instead of worrying about content ideas, lighting, or editing, you show up and film. The agency handles everything else, from camera gear and professional editing to post scheduling and analytics.
In this setup, you get a guide on-site during filming to coach you through talking points and ensure your brand message stays consistent. The goal is to produce authentic, high-quality video that highlights the owner, the face of the business, as the local authority. Because let’s face it: people don’t connect with logos, they connect with people.
The investment reflects the scope. Between production gear, editing labor, and the creative strategy behind every video, there’s significant work involved. But the payoff is huge, stronger engagement, higher-quality leads, and long-term brand authority.
How to Choose the Right Social Media System for Your Business
The right choice depends on your goals, budget, and time commitment.
If you’re brand-new and just need visibility, Tier 1 might hold you over temporarily. But if you’re serious about growth and want your business to stand out in the Phoenix market, you’ll need more than generic graphics. You’ll need strategy and storytelling.
Done-with-you (Tier 2) is great if you’re ready to participate in content creation but don’t want to manage the details. Done-for-you (Tier 3) is for those who want a professional team to build and maintain their brand presence entirely.
At Showcase Phoenix, we specialize in Tiers 2 and 3 because they actually move the needle, generating qualified leads while building long-term authority. Our clients don’t just get likes; they get consistent opportunities and brand recognition across the Valley.
Why Social Media Is a Long-Term Investment, Not a Quick Fix
Social media isn’t a campaign, it’s an asset you build over time.
Too many businesses quit after a few months because they don’t see immediate returns. The truth is, organic social media takes time to mature. You’re creating content that continues to work for you months or years later. Every video, every post, every story builds brand equity that reduces your cost per lead over time.
If your marketing budget is so tight that $3,000 makes you nervous every month, scale down until it’s sustainable. The goal is consistency. Social media compounds when you show up regularly and provide real value to your audience. That’s when trust turns into leads, and leads turn into loyal clients.
When you invest strategically, your social media becomes more than marketing, it becomes your most powerful sales asset.
Ready to build an authority-driven social media system for your business? Book a discovery call with Showcase Phoenix and let’s create content that actually converts.
