Social media manager contracts aren’t one-size-fits-all. Learn why you need more than one contract to scale your SMM business, stop scope creep, and protect your revenue.

Why One Contract Isn’t Enough for Social Media Managers

As a lawyer for small businesses, and especially for social media managers, I see this mistake all the time:

You start with one monthly retainer client, and before you know it, you’re offering strategy calls, VIP days, audits, or even coaching… all under the same contract you downloaded two years ago.

Here’s the problem: your business has evolved, but your contracts haven’t.

That’s where things start to break down.

The Hidden Risks of a One-Size-Fits-All Contract

On paper, a single social media contract seems like it should work. But here’s what really happens when you try to stretch one agreement across multiple offers:

• Different services, different risks. A coaching client has very different refund and cancellation needs than a retainer client. A VIP day has different timelines than a 6-month contract.
• Scope creep sneaks in. Without precise language, clients will (often unintentionally) start asking for extras. “Just one more caption” turns into hours of unpaid work.
• IP confusion. If you’re creating content or strategy, your contract should clearly outline who owns what. Without it, you risk losing control of your original work.

The truth? Protecting your business isn’t just about legal safety. It’s about creating boundaries that let you scale with confidence.

The 5 Contracts Every Scaling Social Media Manager Needs

If you’re ready to diversify beyond monthly retainers, here’s the contract lineup I recommend (hint: I created these in collaboration with my friend and social media agency owner and coach, Samantha Schmidt):

1. Social Media Services Agreement

For long-term retainer clients where you manage accounts, schedule content, or run strategy month after month.

2. Strategy Call Terms & Conditions

For one-off consulting or planning calls. Covers scope, payment, and cancellations.

3. VIP Day + Audit Agreement

For intensives or audits where you’re delivering value in a short, focused timeframe.

4. Social Media Coaching Agreement

For mentorship or coaching programs – different expectations, different risks, and a contract to match.

5. Content Creation Contract

For deliverables-only projects like Reels, TikToks, blog posts, or graphics.

Each of these contracts was built for what actually happens inside that service. Together, they cover the full client journey of a modern SMM who’s ready to scale.

Spotting Scope Creep Before It Costs You

Most social media managers don’t realize they’re dealing with scope creep until they’re already burnt out.

It usually looks like this:

• You booked a 60-minute strategy call that turned into outlining their entire launch plan.
• You signed on for “content creation” but now you’re ghostwriting DMs and pulling analytics.
• Clients keep asking for “quick revisions,” but you never capped them in your agreement.
• Weekend messages turn into urgent requests.

Sound familiar?

But the good news is that you don’t have to be the “bad guy.” Your contract does that for you.

When your terms are clear from the beginning, you can point back to what’s already signed, no guilt, no awkward conversations, no unpaid work.

Your Business Is Built to Grow. Your Contracts Should Too.

If you’ve been nodding along thinking, “Oh no, I’ve outgrown my contract,” you’re not alone.

That doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means your business is working. You’re booked. You’re growing. You’re ready to expand into bigger offers.

Now it’s time to back that growth with contracts that actually support you.

👉 You can grab the individual contract template you need OR save 30% with the Social Media Contract Bundle—five lawyer-drafted, customizable contracts built specifically for SMMs who wear more than one hat.

Want More Support?

If you’re not ready to purchase yet, I’ve created a free resource with my friend and SMM coach Sam Schmidt:

From Booked Out to Built Out: The Legal Prep Kit for Scaling Social Media Managers

Inside, you’ll find a quick self-assessment, contract match guide, and real-world scope creep red flags. Think of it as your roadmap to scaling with confidence, before you ever hit “send” on your next proposal.