1. What every social media manager invoice must include

A compliant social media manager invoice has eight parts: your business name and contact info, a unique invoice number, issue date, payment due date, the customer's name and address, an itemized list of work, the total amount due, and accepted payment methods. If you're collecting sales tax, that line is required too.

2. Set your line items

Most social media managers structure invoices around these 4 categories:

Monthly retainer — billed by flat.
Content packages — billed by flat.
Ad management — % of spend — billed by pct at a ~$15 default.
Content shoot day rate — billed by day.

3. Set payment terms

The standard for social media managers is Net 30 — payment due within 30 days of the invoice date. Most social media managers also require a 50% deposit upfront before starting work. Spell out late-fee terms (most states cap monthly late fees around 1.5%) and accepted payment methods on the invoice itself.

4. Licensing & legal disclosures

No license required. FTC disclosure rules apply for influencer collaborations.

5. Send and follow up

Send the invoice the same day work is completed (or upon milestone for larger projects). Use software that tracks opens and lets the customer pay by card or bank transfer in one click — the average social media manager-class invoice gets paid 2× faster when the customer can pay online without leaving their inbox.

Average invoice

$2,200

Standard terms

Net 30

Typical deposit

50%

BLS code

11-2021

State-by-state social media manager invoicing guides

State rules differ on sales tax, statutory late fees, and contractor disclosure requirements. Pick your state for a guide tuned to local law.

How to Invoice as a Social Media Manager: Step-by-Step Guide