Startup cost: $100 - $2k

Starting a social media management side hustle for small businesses can range from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $2,000. At the low end, costs may cover basic tools like scheduling apps and simple graphic design software. At the high end, the budget may include paid advertising, analytics tools, and professional design software. Essential expenses include subscription fees for necessary tools, while optional costs may include hiring freelancers for content creation. Hidden fees could arise from platform transaction fees or unexpected software upgrades. Initial costs tend to grow as one commits due to the need for more advanced tools and services. To take this side hustle seriously, a friend should budget around $500 to $1,000.