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Clinch · Social media managers

Social media contracts that define the month

A social media retainer is sold as "we'll handle your socials" and delivered as a number of posts on a number of platforms. Unless the contract says which, it also includes community management at weekends, ad budgets on your card, and a crisis on a Sunday night.

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The contract and payment problems you actually run into

01

"Handle our socials" with no numbers

Posts per week, platforms, stories, reels, community management hours: write them into the retainer so extra platforms or formats are a change, not an expectation.

02

Approvals that hold up the calendar

Content sits waiting for approval, then the client complains nothing went out. Set an approval window and say that unapproved content is published or skipped at their risk.

03

Ad spend and account access

Ad budget should be paid by the client directly, never fronted by you. Accounts should be owned by the client, with your access defined and handed back at the end.

04

Results nobody can guarantee

Followers and reach depend on algorithms you don't control. Promise the work, not the numbers.

How it works with Clinch

  1. 1

    Describe the job in a sentence or two: the AI drafts the contract from a template made for your trade.

  2. 2

    Send one link: your client reads and signs on their phone in about 30 seconds, no account needed.

  3. 3

    Collect the deposit at signature, then invoice the balance from the same place.

Contract templates to start from

Social Media Management Agreement TemplateA monthly agreement for managing a client's social media accounts — content cadence, approvals, reporting, and ad spend handling.Influencer Collaboration Agreement TemplateAn agreement between a brand and a content creator covering deliverables, usage rights, disclosure, and payment.Marketing Agency Retainer TemplateA retainer agreement for marketing agencies — channels covered, reporting cadence, ad spend handling, and renewal terms.Monthly Retainer Agreement TemplateA general-purpose monthly retainer agreement for any ongoing freelance service, with clear included hours and renewal terms.

Clauses worth adding

Retainer clauseA monthly retainer clause: fee in advance, included hours, rollover of unused hours, overage rate and notice period.Scope of work clauseA scope of work clause that lists deliverables and exclusions, the foundation that stops scope creep before it starts.Availability and response time clauseAn availability clause setting your working hours, response times and channels, so the client knows when to expect answers.Client responsibilities clauseA client responsibilities clause listing what the client must provide, and by when, for the project to run on time.Warranty and disclaimer clauseA warranty clause: what the freelancer promises (professional work, originality) and what they disclaim (results).Termination clauseA termination clause for freelance contracts: ending for convenience or breach, notice periods and payment for work done.

Free tools

Retainer calculatorMonthly fee, effective rate, overage and a ready retainer clause.Scope creep replyA polite, firm email for when the client asks for 'one small thing'.Rate increase letterTell clients about your new rate, clearly and without apologising.Client offboardingA clean end-of-project handoff email and checklist.

Comparing tools?

Clinch vs HoneyBook for freelancersClinch vs Bonsai for freelancersClinch vs PandaDoc for freelancers

Questions

Who should pay for ads in a social media contract?

The client, directly to the platform, with the budget and who approves changes written down. Your management fee is separate from ad spend.

How much notice should a social media retainer require?

30 days is common, so you can wind down scheduled content and hand back access cleanly.

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Other trades

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General information, not legal advice. For high-stakes deals, have a lawyer review your contract.

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