The Social Scoop is your go-to guide for the latest in social media and digital marketing, designed by Southern Social Packed with trends, strategies, and expert insights, this report helps local businesses boost their online presence and grow their brand Inside, find must-know updates, success stories, and a breakdown of our 2025 services and pricing. Stay ahead Stay social Stay successful
From the Founder
It’s Time to Invest in Social Media Management with a 3rd Party Agency
How to Trim Your Personal Budget
2024 Client Highlights
25 Trending Video and Carousel Ideas
Why Your Restaurant Need Us On Your Content Team
PennePazze x Southern Social | Growth Overview
Lifeboost x Southern Social | Growth Overview
Karee Hays x Southern Social
Packages for 2025
Understanding the True Cost of Creating an Instagram Reel
Recent Work with Hallson Hospitality Co.
5 Common Questions Clients Ask an Agency
Let me keep it real: social media is hard, y’all
It’s not just posting pretty pictures and hoping someone clicks It’s a full-time, multi-person, strategic machine that requires serious time, creativity, and business acumen to run well especially if you’re trying to actually grow something
So why does it cost what it costs? Because we’re not just managing your feed We’re building your brand voice, creating video content, generating leads, protecting your reputation, tracking trends, managing influencers, responding to your DMs, designing graphics, analyzing performance, and showing up every single week with new ideas that actually move the needle
And no offense, but you can’t do all that with one intern, or your cousin’s girlfriend who “likes Instagram.” We get it hiring a full-time, in-house team to handle all of this is expensive But that’s why Southern Social exists We’re your third-party CMO team on deck, every week, acting like a true partner who gets it We know what’s trending, what’s working, and how to show up with content that converts and still feels true to you.
And while people may love to say “social media is dying” every time a platform pivots or politics get messy the truth is, it’s not going anywhere It’s evolving faster than ever And if you’re not showing up with strategy, you’re getting left behind by the brands who are.
Your business deserves to be seen And your story deserves to be told the right way That’s what we do That’s who we are That’s why you work with Southern Social
Let’s stop treating social like an afterthought, and start treating it like the growth engine it actually is f r o m t h e f o u n d e r
keisha
Keisha Olds CEO & Founder, Southern Social Editor, The Social Scoop
As we head into the back half of 2025, the need for a strong social media presence has never been more vital for businesses striving to stay ahead. Southern Social offers an innovative, results-driven approach to social media management that provides exceptional value while driving return on investment (ROI) and business growth
why NOW is the time to invest
In today’s ever-evolving digital world, now is the time to invest in a social media marketing strategy that works for you. Social media is no longer just about posting; it’s a key player in building connections with customers and reaching new audiences
2025 offers exciting opportunities for businesses to elevate their online presence and foster meaningful relationships with customers. By partnering with an expert-driven agency like Southern Social, you can leverage new strategies, trends, and tools designed to maximize brand visibility, engagement, and conversions what
makes southern social unique?
At Southern Social, we provide personalized, handson management of your social media channels Here’s what sets us apart:
1. TAILORED STRATEGIES FOR YOUR BRAND
No two businesses are the same, and neither are our strategies We take the time to understand your brand’s voice and audience, crafting a custom approach that fits your unique needs and goals
2. FULL-SERVICE SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM
Our skilled professionals range from content creators to graphic designers, photographers, and videographers We offer comprehensive services from social media strategy and content creation to paid ads and analytics reporting
NOW:
The Time to Invest in Social Media Management with a
3rd Party Agency
3. ENGAGEMENT OVER LIKES
We focus on creating interactive content and building lasting connections Engagement is at the core of what we do turning followers into customers
4. PROVEN ROI
With over 10 years of experience, we have helped businesses boost brand awareness, increase sales, and build long-lasting customer loyalty through actionable strategies that deliver measurable results
5. TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION
With monthly strategy calls and data-driven reporting, we ensure you’re always in the loop on how your investment is performing.
consider us your extended CMO team
Don’t have a dedicated Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)? With Southern Social, consider us your extended CMO team. We provide high-level strategy and execution, from brand development to media buying, becoming the CMO extension your business deserves
ROI opportunities with just $3,500/month
An investment of $3,500/month in social media management unlocks numerous ROI opportunities:
BOOST BRAND AWARENESS:
With strategic, consistent content and paid social media ads, we help your brand stand out and stay top of mind with your audience
ENHANCE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AND LOYALTY
By fostering meaningful interactions, we help create lasting relationships that increase customer retention
INCREASE LEADS AND SALES
Through targeted campaigns and conversion-driven strategies, we drive high-quality traffic that leads to sales
COMPELLING CONTENT CREATION
Our team creates visually stunning content that not only looks great but drives conversions with every post
STRATEGIC MEDIA BUYING
Our media buying experts maximize your reach, with a portion of the budget allocated to ads for optimal results on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS
Receive in-depth reporting that highlights your ROI, from engagement to conversions, helping you refine and optimize your strategy.
custom proposals for every business
At Southern Social, we understand that each business is unique While $3,500 is our base rate for a partnership, we tailor our services to fit your needs and goals Depending on the scope of work and level of support required, prices can range from $3,500 to $10k+ per month.
ready for growth?
Investing in social media management with Southern Social is more than an expense; it’s an investment in your business’s future. Let us help you maximize the full potential of social media marketing and see real results.
Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? Get in touch with us today and let Southern Social transform your social media strategy and deliver measurable growth to your business
Disclaimer: All proposals are customized based on your business’s needs Prices range from $3,500 to $10k+ per month, depending on the level of service required
H O W T O
Y O U R P E R S O N A L
budget trim
If You're Hesitant to Spend $3,500 on Social Media Management, Here Are 5 Ways to Trim Your Personal Budget and Invest in Your Business
We get it spending $3,500 per month on social media management can feel like a significant investment, especially when you're trying to grow your business. However, if you truly want to elevate your brand, increase your revenue, and expand your reach, investing in professional social media services is one of the smartest decisions you can make in 2025
If you're worried about finding room in your budget, here are five practical ways to trim your personal expenses so you can afford to invest in the growth of your business:
1
cut back on subscriptions you don’t use
We all have subscriptions that we may have forgotten about or don’t use regularly. Whether it's streaming services, gym memberships, or subscription boxes, evaluate your recurring expenses and eliminate the ones that aren’t serving you For example, canceling a few unused subscriptions could free up $50–$150 a month That’s money you can reallocate into your business to ensure it thrives
reevaluate dining out and takeout
Dining out and ordering takeout can quickly add up, especially if it's a habit Cutting back on eating out or opting for cooking at home can save you hundreds of dollars per month Instead of grabbing lunch every day, meal prep in advance or look for budget-friendly recipes Even trimming your dining out budget by just $100–$200 a month can significantly free up cash for your business investment.
2
Investing in Your Business: The Long-Term Return
3
simplify your entertainment expenses
While entertainment is important, you can cut back on non-essential activities and still enjoy life Instead of spending on expensive concerts, movies, or events, consider free or low-cost alternatives like hiking, local events, or game nights with friends By reducing entertainment spending, you could save $50–$200 monthly, giving you more flexibility to invest in business growth.
shop smarter for groceries and essentials
4
Dining out and ordering takeout can quickly add up, especially if it's a habit Cutting back on eating out or opting for cooking at home can save you hundreds of dollars per month Instead of grabbing lunch every day, meal prep in advance or look for budget-friendly recipes. Even trimming your dining out budget by just $100–$200 a month can significantly free up cash for your business investment
5
reevaluate yourtransportation costs
Consider reviewing your transportation budget Are you paying for parking, an expensive car payment, or gas costs that could be reduced? If possible, look into alternatives like public transportation, carpooling, or working from home more often If your car payment is high, downsizing or refinancing could free up funds. Saving even $100–$300 a month can help you allocate that to your marketing efforts
At Southern Social, we understand that running a business requires careful financial management, but sometimes, making the right investments like in social media marketing is essential for long-term growth The $3,500/month you spend on social media management will pay off in brand visibility, customer engagement, and sales growth It’s not just an expense; it’s an investment in your future
By trimming a few personal expenses, you’re making room to help your business succeed. Remember, the money you invest today can lead to substantial returns tomorrow Let’s start the conversation and explore how we can help your business thrive in 2025!
featured work
25 trending video and carousel ideas
Behind-the-Scenes Videos
Show the process of how products are made or services are offered to create transparency and build trust
User-Generated Content (UGC) Features
Showcase customer testimonials or repost user content to build social proof and community
Product Demos and Tutorials
Short, practical videos showcasing how to use products or services, with step-by-step instructions
Before-and-After Transformations
This works great for industries like beauty, fitness, home décor, and design
New Year Resolutions & Goals
Encourage your audience to set goals, and align your offerings to help them achieve them.
Seasonal or Holiday-Themed Content
Align your messaging with current holidays or seasons, with creative content like product bundles or festive offers.
Influencer or Partner Collaborations
Partner with influencers or other brands for joint campaigns, increasing your reach.
Customer “Shout-Out” Videos
Create videos where you thank customers or feature their stories to build relationships
Q&A or AMA (Ask Me Anything) Sessions
Engage with your audience directly by answering their questions about your products, services, or industry
How-to Guides/Pro Tips
Share expert tips related to your niche that provide value to your audience
Product Unboxing and Reviews
These videos resonate with customers, showcasing new or featured products in real-time.
Client Case Studies
Create carousel posts or video case studies showing the impact of your product or service on real clients.
Time-Lapse Videos
Capture long processes (like building a product or setting up a service) in a quick, engaging way
Trendy Sound Challenges/Content
Participate in popular social media trends or challenges, giving your brand a fun and relatable edge
Day-in-the-Life
Show a day in the life of an employee, business owner, or customer to humanize your brand
Product Comparisons
If you sell multiple products, compare them to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions
Community Impact Stories
Share how your business gives back to the community, whether through charitable donations or local partnerships
Social Responsibility or Sustainability Initiatives
Highlight any eco-friendly or sustainability practices your business follows, as consumers are increasingly drawn to ethical brands
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Reels or carousels that feature happy customers and their feedback are very effective for trust-building Service Spotlights
Highlight specific services in more depth, showing what makes them unique
Trending Topic Discussions
Create short videos around trending topics or news relevant to your business that spark conversation
Exclusive Offers/Flash Sales
Create urgency with short, engaging videos announcing special sales or limited-time offers
Behind-the-Brand Storytelling
Tell your origin story or the “why” behind your business, helping customers connect on an emotional level.
Interactive Polls & Questions
Use Instagram stories or TikTok to ask your audience for feedback or to vote on their preferences.
Virtual Tours of Your Business
Give a sneak peek of your physical space, store layout, or office to make the audience feel like they’re visiting in person.
Creating content that resonates with your audience’s current needs and concerns, especially around the new year, will help build relationships and drive sales in Q1.
ACTION camera, cocktails
Why Your Restaurant Need Us On Your Content Team
By The Social Scoop
SOUTHERN SOCIAL’S MEDIA MAGAZINE
Let’s taco ‘bout something serious: if your restaurant’s social feed is spicier than a plain baked potato, we’ve got beef (And we know just how to shoot it slow motion fork pull and all)
Welcome to the world of restaurant content creation where your menu doesn’t just need to taste good it needs to look scroll-stopping, droolworthy, and trend-savvy That’s where we come in cameras a’blazing, TikTok trends in tow, and a full content production plan so juicy it could be plated next to a medium-rare filet
418 14 264 500
WHY CONSISTENT CONTENT SHOOTS ARE THE SECRET SAUCE
You can’t post a blurry burger photo from 2019 and expect your reservations to be full Today’s diner scrolls before they stroll your Instagram feed is your storefront If it’s not engaging, consistent, and optimized for conversion (hello, non-follower reach), you’re leaving money and mouthwatering moments on the table
Our secret weapon? Monthly or bi-monthly shoots that stack your social shelves with fresh, vibrant content We’re talking:
Branded photos that bring your food to life
Short-form video content designed to trend on Reels & TikTok
Trending audios synced to your vibe and your vibe only
Signature cocktails that clink in all the right ways
Pinsa moments that prove asking for ranch is a criminal offense (… looking at you, PennePazze fans)
We’re Not Like the Other Agencies…
We’re not here to hand you a vague list of what you need to do. We’re your CMO sidekick, production team, hype squad, and restaurant whisperers all rolled into one. Here’s what sets Southern Social apart:
We plan every shoot like it’s opening night. From mapping out shot lists to planning model bookings, influencer invites, and trend research we obsess over the details.
You show up. Your chef shows up. That’s it We handle everything else
No dancing required. (Unless you want to Then we’ve got the ring light ready)
Real conversions. We don’t just chase views We create content that engages, entertains, and sells.
Your chef’s got the flavor. We’ve got the flair. Let’s make your restaurant famous.
From luxury date-night dining to grab-and-go smoothie bowls, we work with restaurants all over Nashville and we’ve seen it all. We’ve turned empty patios into packed happy hours, new menu items into viral videos, and sleepy Instagram pages into marketing machines
The Bottom Line?
If you're not investing in regular content, you're not just falling behind you're missing out. Your food deserves more than a few iPhone snaps and a blurry Story share
We bring the strategy. The style. The social sparkle.
So, if you’re ready for your Pinsa to go viral (sans ranch, please), your cocktails to clink across feeds, and your tables to stay full it’s time to call in the pros
PennePazze Growth Overview
By The Numbers
Our collaboration's impact is best understood through the lens of data, which illustrates the growth trajectory Lifeboost has experienced:
10K
WEBSITE TRAFFIC
Over 10,000 new clicks to the Lifeboost website, guiding coffee enthusiasts to their next best cup.
1.5M
Approximately 15 million unique accounts reached, spanning a diverse demographic of coffee lovers.
10M ACCOUNT REACH
SOCIAL MEDIA IMPRESSIONS
An astonishing 10 million impressions, making Lifeboost a ubiquitous name in premium coffee circles.
10K
FOLLOWER GROWTH
An increase of over 10,000 new organic followers on Instagram, cultivated through authentic and engaging content.
42.4%
ENGAGEMENT AND ACTIVITY
A 424% increase in overall profile activity and engagement, indicating a thriving community of interactive followers.
karee hays x southern social
PHOTOGRAPHY
buttermilk ranch x southern social PHOTOGRAPHY
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT PACKAGES FOR 2025
At Southern Social, we know that social media isn’t just a trend it’s the heartbeat of your brand’s online presence That’s why we’ve designed our 2025 social media management packages to be as dynamic and flexible as your business. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, our team is here to help you turn your social media dreams into a reality.
If you’re ready to outsource your social media management and content creation in 2025, here’s a fun and easy breakdown of what you can expect to budget and the services we offer:
THE ESSENTIALS PACKAGE
Perfect for small businesses or brands just beginning their social media journey, the Essentials Package gives you everything you need to build a consistent presence with minimal fuss
Content Creation: 8-10 posts per month, including static posts and carousels
-
Monthly Content Creation: X hours of video/photo content creation (TBD based on client needs and brand)
Captions and Hashtags: Engaging, optimized copy to connect with your audience
Scheduling and Posting: We make sure your posts go live at peak times
Weekly Analytics and Reporting: Performance insights straight to your inbox
Assigned Account Manager: Your go-to person for all things social
W H O ’ S I T F O R ?
This package is perfect for businesses that want to start strong with the basics content creation, posting, and consistent brand engagement without the need for heavy video production
THE GROWTH PACKAGE
Ready to take your social media to the next level? The Growth Package offers a mix of dynamic content and engagement strategies to increase visibility and strengthen connections with your audience
I N C L U D E S :
PRICING RANGE: $3,000 - $5,000 PER MONTH
Platform Management: Up to 3 platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.)
Content Creation: 15-20 posts per month, including video reels, carousels, and branded graphics
Monthly Content Creation: X hours of video/photo content creation (TBD based on client needs and brand)
Community Engagement: Building relationships with your followers through thoughtful responses
Weekly Analytics and Reporting: Easy-to-understand performance reports
Assigned Account Manager: Your personal strategy guru
Marketing Emails and Strategy Calls: Weekly calls and email updates to keep your campaigns on track
W H O ’ S I T F O R ?
Perfect for businesses looking to grow their audience with more engaging content, increased community interaction, and a smarter social strategy
For those who want it all premium content, extensive strategy, and fullservice social media management our Premium Package is a one-stopshop for social media domination
Content Creation: 25+ posts per month, including high-quality video shoots, professional photos, and all the bells and whistles
Monthly Content Creation: X hours of video/photo content creation (TBD based on client needs and brand)
Media Buying: Separate media buying services, billed separately
Influencer Marketing: Outreach and partnerships with influencers and bloggers
Weekly Analytics and Reporting: Advanced reports with insights that drive your next move
Assigned Account Manager: Your dedicated partner in success
Marketing Emails and Strategy Calls: We’ll meet with you weekly to discuss performance and opportunities
This package is ideal for businesses with big goals and big visions, looking for a tailored, all-in-one approach to social media that includes content, strategy, and influencer collaborations.
We get it sometimes you need a little extra! Here’s a list of additional services we offer to elevate your brand:
Media Buying: Separate pricing for media buying, including the agency fee plus your ad spend Influencer Marketing: Reach outs, collaborations, and management of blogger/influencer relationships
Additional Photoshoot Hours: If you need more shoot time than what’s included in your monthly retainer
Email Marketing: Content creation, campaign setup, and ongoing management to nurture your email list and keep your audience engaged
Website Design & Maintenance: Custom website design or ongoing maintenance to ensure your site is optimized, functional, and looking fresh
What to Expect When Outsourcing to Southern Social
TIMESAVING
We handle the content creation, scheduling, engagement, and strategy, so you can focus on what you do best
Ready to Elevate Your Brand?
From professionally produced videos to creative graphics, we’ve got your brand covered CREATIVE CONTENT
TAILORED STRATEGY
We align our efforts with your business goals to deliver content that resonates with your target audience
HANDS-ON SUPPORT
Each client gets an assigned Account Manager, ensuring you always have the guidance and support you need to succeed
Weekly calls and marketing emails to keep you updated and in the loop about your social media performance CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION
If you’re ready to transform your social media and take your brand to new heights in 2025, Southern Social is here to help! Let’s collaborate on a strategy that brings your brand’s vision to life.
Understanding the True Cost of Creating an Instagram Reel:
THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES WORK THAT POWERS YOUR CONTENT
Ever wonder why a 15-second Instagram reel costs as much as a fancy dinner? Here's the secret sauce behind that quick scroll-worthy content!
In the world of social media, we often see the end product the finished Instagram Reel quickly scrolling past us, yet few people understand the extensive work behind each piece of content. If you've ever wondered, "It’s just one reel; why does it cost so much?" this article breaks down the steps, resources, and people involved in creating just one Instagram video, offering a clearer picture of why pricing in the social media industry can seem high but is, in fact, well-justified
the concept & strategy phase:
Every video starts with a clear strategy. At Southern Social, we begin by collaborating with the client to understand their goals and audience This phase involves the Social Media Manager (SMM), who will work closely with the client to ensure the content aligns with their branding, marketing objectives, and campaign direction. Research into trending formats, hashtags, and styles also happens here, ensuring the content stands out and reaches its target audience
2
pre-production planning
Once the concept is agreed upon, the preproduction phase takes place This includes selecting locations, props, and talent (if applicable) for the shoot This step is critical in ensuring that the vision for the reel is executed flawlessly The videographer, along with the SMM, will assist with this planning, which often involves coordination with models, securing locations, and sometimes even managing permits if shooting in specific locations.
3
the shoot: videography
With everything in place, it’s time to shoot the content The videographer takes the lead in capturing highquality footage Depending on the complexity of the video, this can involve multiple camera angles, lighting setups, and retakes to ensure the final product is polished During the shoot, the SMM is often on set to ensure the video aligns with the approved creative direction.
post-production: editing
After the footage is captured, the editor steps in This is a crucial stage where the video is carefully pieced together, music or voiceovers are added, and graphics are designed to match the brand’s aesthetic At Southern Social, the editor ensures that the video is optimized for Instagram’s specifications and delivers the highest quality possible This includes color correction, sound design, transitions, and adjustments to pacing all aimed at creating a video that holds viewers' attention and drives engagement.
final review & delivery
Once editing is completed, the video undergoes a review process The SMM, client, and editor often collaborate to make final tweaks After receiving approval, the video is then uploaded to Instagram, optimized with captions, hashtags, and engagement strategies in mind
why the cost?
The cost of creating a single Instagram reel encompasses the combined efforts of multiple skilled professionals It’s not just the time spent shooting, but the hours dedicated to conceptualizing, coordinating, and refining the final piece At Southern Social, every video is a result of the work put in by:
The Social Media Manager (SMM): Who ensures the content aligns with the brand’s strategy, audience, and goals
The Videographer: Who captures the footage, often with specialized equipment and expertise
The Editor: Who turns raw footage into a polished, shareable video
The Client's Involvement: Clients also contribute time and feedback during the process, which is factored into the project cost
When you break it down, it becomes clear that the costs are not just for a few minutes of video but for hours of professional labor, high-end equipment, and thoughtful strategy This work is essential for businesses to stand out in a crowded social media landscape, and agencies like Southern Social charge based on the time, skill, and resources involved
At the end of the day, time is money, and each piece of content requires a blend of creative direction, technical expertise, and meticulous attention to detail. So next time you see a well-crafted Instagram reel, remember that behind it is an entire team working to ensure it drives results and that is the value you are paying for
So, How Much Does Each Piece of Content Cost?
The cost for creating one video can range from $150 to $1,000 per reel.
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the work that goes into producing just one Instagram reel, let's break down the cost in simpler terms
At Southern Social, a typical 10-15 second Instagram reel takes approximately 1-2 hours to create from start to finish. This includes planning, shooting, and editing, along with time spent in meetings and incorporating client feedback The cost for creating one video can range from $150 to $1,000 per reel, depending on several factors:
Props, Models, and Location/Venue: If your reel requires a specific setting or talent, that adds to the cost
Time and Complexity: A simple, straightforward video may take less time, while a more complex shoot with special edits or effects may take longer Goals of the Video: If the goal is to capture highend content or align with a bigger campaign, it may require more detailed planning and resources
This pricing reflects the time and expertise of the team involved Social Media Managers, Videographers, and Editors along with any additional resources necessary to bring your vision to life
While this cost may vary based on your specific needs, each video is an investment in your brand’s social media presence and its ability to engage your audience By carefully crafting each reel with attention to detail, we ensure that it delivers real value whether it’s increased engagement, more followers, or a boost in sales.
In short, the cost of creating a high-quality reel is a reflection of the time, creativity, and resources required to produce content that works for your brand And, when you consider the impact a wellexecuted video can have, the investment quickly pays for itself.
hallson hospitality co x southern social
FAQ5 Common Questions Clients Ask an Agency
How do you measure success for my social media campaigns?
SOUTHERN SOCIAL ANSWER:
Success is measured by engagement rates, reach, impressions, follower growth, and audience interaction For advanced campaigns, we track lead generation, website clicks, and conversions
How much involvement is required from me?
SOUTHERN SOCIAL ANSWER:
Minimal involvement is required! We’ll handle strategy, creation, and posting You’re welcome to review and approve content, share updates, or join content planning sessions as needed
How long does it take to see results?
SOUTHERN SOCIAL ANSWER:
Organic social media efforts often take 3–6 months to build traction, but you’ll notice improvements in brand awareness and engagement almost immediately. Paid strategies may deliver quicker results depending on goals and budgets
Can you guarantee follower growth or sales?
SOUTHERN SOCIAL ANSWER:
While we can’t guarantee specific numbers, our strategies focus on cultivating an engaged and loyal audience that leads to meaningful growth and sales over time
Will I own the content created for my brand?
SOUTHERN SOCIAL ANSWER:
Yes, all content created as part of your retainer is yours to use across your organic social platforms. If you decide to use this content for media buying or paid advertisements outside of Southern Social, a fee per piece of content will apply Southern Social also retains the right to use the content for collaboration and promotional purposes on our own social channels
