What does a social media marketing agency do?

A social media marketing agency helps businesses manage and grow their online presence across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Agencies develop social media strategies, produce creative content, manage communities, and run targeted social media advertising campaigns.

How do I choose the right social media agency for my brand?

Begin by defining your brand’s goals: are you seeking content creation, community management, influencer marketing, or paid social campaigns? Then review the agency’s portfolio, social media case studies, and client testimonials. Top-rated social media agencies also offer transparent reporting, data-driven insights, and a clear understanding of your industry. Look for an agency (like OOB) with a proven track record and creative flair.

What industries do social media agencies typically work with?

Social media agencies cater to a wide range of industries, from e-commerce and fashion to technology and hospitality. Leading agencies like OOB also work with nonprofits and sustainable brands, showcasing their versatility. No matter the sector, the best social media agencies in Manchester tailor their strategies to meet specific business goals and audience needs.At OOB, we also proudly partner with nonprofits and purpose-driven brands. Regardless of industry, top agencies tailor strategies to your unique business goals and audience needs.

Why should I hire a social media agency instead of managing it in-house?

Hiring a social media agency brings specialised expertise, saving your team time and resources. Agencies stay ahead of trends and algorithms, using advanced tools to deliver impactful campaigns. The top social media agencies bring a creative edge that can set your brand apart while providing scalability as your needs evolve.Hiring a social media marketing agency gives you instant access to expert strategy, creative content production, and the latest trends. Agencies like OOB stay ahead of evolving trends, platform algorithms and use advanced tools to maximise campaign impact. You also save valuable time while benefiting from scalable solutions tailored to your brand’s growth.

How do social media agencies measure success?

Success is measured through metrics like engagement rates, follower growth, website traffic, conversions and ROI. Top agencies use detailed analytics to track performance and provide actionable insights. They also align KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) with your business goals, ensuring measurable outcomes that matter to your brand.

How much does it cost to hire a social media agency in the UK?

Costs vary based on the scope of services, campaign goals, and agency reputation. Some agencies offer affordable packages for startups, while others specialise in high-budget campaigns for global brands. Partnering with one of the top social media agencies in Manchester ensures you get value for your investment through data-backed results and creative campaigns.For tailored pricing, contact OOB for a personalised proposal.

Can a social media agency help with branding?

Yes! Many leading agencies, such as OOB, specialise in both social media and branding. They ensure your visual identity and messaging are consistent across platforms, enhancing your overall brand presence. This dual expertise helps your brand connect more authentically with its audience.See how our branding and social media case studies have helped clients create authentic, high-impact brand experiences.

What are the top social media trends in the UK for 2025?

In 2025, the social media landscape is evolving rapidly. Here are some of the key trends that top social media agencies are helping brands leverage:AI-powered content creation: More brands are embracing AI tools to personalise content and enhance customer experiences. The most effective agencies combine AI with human creativity to deliver standout campaigns.Short-form video dominance: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts continue to drive engagement. Leading agencies are building video-first strategies to help brands stay competitive.Authentic influencer partnerships: Audiences want authenticity. Brands are shifting towards genuine collaborations with creators to build trust and loyalty.Community-first marketing: Building loyal online communities – especially on platforms like LinkedIn and niche social groups — is now a top priority for many UK brands.Social commerce growth: With platforms like Instagram and TikTok Shop, social commerce is booming. Top agencies are helping brands optimise content for both engagement and conversion.Partnering with one of the top social media agencies in the UK can help your brand stay ahead of these trends and maximise impact in 2025.

Social Media Agency Manchester: Top 5 Agencies (2025)

In 2026, the social media landscape is more dynamic than ever, and for Manchester-based businesses looking to cut through the noise, partnering with the right agency can make all the difference. Whether it’s launching a new product, building a standout brand voice, or engaging your community in meaningful ways, the top social media agencies in Manchester are leading the charge with creativity, cultural insight, and measurable results.

With users spending nearly two hours a day on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, there’s never been more opportunity, or more competition, for attention. That’s why showing up with purpose, personality, and platform-specific strategy is non-negotiable.

To help you find the perfect partner, we’ve rounded up Manchester’s top-performing social media agencies, each one equipped to help your brand grow, stand out, and stay ahead.

TL;DR: The Top 5 Social Media Agencies in Manchester 2026

Our Own Brand (OOB) – The Trendsetters 🪐 Based in London, OOB creates viral campaigns and authentic brand engagement through a trend-led, humanistic approach to social. Known for thumb-stopping content, they combine social media expertise with best in class branding and production to maximum impact on social. They are finalists in the UK Social Media Awards 2025.
Smoking Gun – The Sharp Strategists 💥 Smoking Gun blends bold creativity with data-driven strategy to craft trust-building, sentiment-shifting campaigns that spark real-world impact.
Absolute Agency – The Disruptive Storytellers 🎬 With 20+ years of experience, Absolute mixes big-brand storytelling with digital-first creative, branding, and web work.
Harrison Carloss – The Brand Revivers 🧠 Established in 1973, they bring heritage with a modern twist. Their strategic, fresh approach helps brands evolve for today’s digital audience.
Social Trend – The Gen Z Specialists 📱 Experts in Gen Z culture, Social Trend blends short-form content and influencer campaigns with performance-focused strategy to keep brands relevant and future-facing.

What Makes a Top Social Media Marketing Agency?

Manchester’s creative energy is undeniable, but in a landscape full of agencies claiming to be the best, what actually sets a top social media agency apart?

Here’s what you should look for:

Trend-Led Creativity: Great agencies are fluent in the language of TikTok, Threads, Instagram, and beyond.
Platform-First Thinking: They build social strategies that work with, not against, the algorithm.
Impact-Driven Content: Engagement isn’t enough, they drive awareness and action.
Client Retention: Agencies that retain clients long-term are doing something right.
Strategic Brilliance: A good idea is one thing, scalable, consistent results is what separates the pros from the rest.

When searching for the top social media agencies in Manchester, trust your gut. The right agency will feel like a natural extension of your team.

Benefits of Hiring a Social Media Agency in Manchester

Manchester isn’t just the UK’s second city – it’s a creative capital in its own right. Partnering with a local agency gives you:

🎯 Cultural insight into the Northern audience (often overlooked in national campaigns)
🤝 Access to top-tier talent across content, strategy, and production
🏙️ An agency embedded in a vibrant, trend-savvy creative ecosystem
💬 Easier collaboration with boots-on-the-ground support

The Top 5 Social Media Agencies in Manchester 2026

1. Our Own Brand (OOB)

Born in 2018, OOB is an award winning social-first creative agency. They specialise in all things social media, branding and production. Through a trend-led, humanistic approach to social, they deliver viral thumb-stopping campaigns, content and authentic brand engagement. They combine social media expertise with best in class branding and production to create maximum impact. OOB truly understands how a brand should adapt to social in every aspect, ensuring consistency and impact across all channels.

Why OOB Stands Out: 🚀

Top-rated social media agency: OOB has 40+ verified 5-star reviews on Clutch, the leading global platform for agency reviews – a testament to our results and client satisfaction.
Social-first experts: We’re social natives with a trend-led, humanistic approach that consistently delivers thumb-stopping campaigns.
Best-in-class production & design: Our standout production and design-driven storytelling create bold, eye-catching brand experiences that drive measurable results.
Proven performance: Demonstrable success across key platforms – from Instagram, TikTok and Threads to emerging channels – with impressive growth and conversion metrics showcased in client case studies.
Strategic excellence: We don’t just chase trends – we build strategic, scalable social ecosystems that align with your brand and business goals.
Key Clients: SONOS, Tiktok, Knickerbox, Indomie, ZAGG

Ready to work with one of the top social media agencies in the UK? Explore our social media case studies and services, or get in touch today to discover how we can elevate your brand.

2. Smoking Gun

Manchester-based and unafraid to shake things up, Smoking Gun is a powerhouse of bold creativity and data-led precision. With a reputation for changing perceptions and driving real business results, they blend influencer marketing, content creation, and social storytelling into campaigns that create impact.

Why They’re Top Tier:

Creative campaigns rooted in real-world insight and impact
Experts in building trust, shifting sentiment, and sparking action
Ideal for brands facing reputation challenges or looking to lead cultural conversations

3. Absolute Agency

With 20+ years of brand-building under their belt, Absolute Agency is a Manchester staple blending traditional creative with digital-first execution. Their campaigns are known for balancing cinematic storytelling with sharp social relevance.

What Stands Out:

B2B and B2C social storytelling with real substance
In-house design, development, and branding for full-service delivery
Longstanding relationships with both startups and national brands

4. Harrison Carloss

Operating out of the North West since 1973, Harrison Carloss brings serious heritage to the table, but don’t let that fool you. Their social media work is bold, fast, and contemporary, breathing new life into established brands.

Key Strengths:

Bold design meets strategic social
Experts at rebranding and repositioning for a digital-first world
Strong creative direction and messaging chops

5. Social Trend

Social Trend is a Manchester-based agency hyper-focused on Gen Z and youth culture. Known for tapping into emerging trends before they hit mainstream, they craft fast-paced content strategies that resonate on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.

Why They Deserve a Spot:

Masters of short-form video and vertical content
Expertise in building TikTok-native campaigns and creator-led storytelling
Trusted by brands targeting younger audiences and lifestyle niches
Balance of trend fluency and ROI through paid strategy and influencer alignment

Why Choose One of the Top Social Media Agencies in Manchester?

Whether you’re launching a new product or trying to spark more authentic conversations with your audience, Manchester’s top social media agencies bring the perfect mix of:

🎯 Platform fluency
✨ Cultural understanding
📈 Performance-focused execution
🧠 Strategic long-term thinking

Choosing the right agency isn’t just about style – it’s about sustained impact.

Key Factors When Choosing a Social Media Agency

As you explore your options, keep these key considerations in mind:

Industry Experience: Proven wins in your space = faster results
Strong Internal Social Presence: Do they walk the talk?
Creative Confidence: Are they bold? Do their campaigns stand out?
Case Studies & Testimonials: Evidence of results is everything
Clear Communication: You want a partner, not just a supplier
Reporting & Analytics: Insights that actually shape strategy
Adaptability: Social moves fast – so should your agency

✌️ Ready to See What Social Can Do?

Want to see what social can truly do for your business? Contact Our Own Brand, one of Manchester’s top social media agencies, and elevate your brand.

👉 Let’s Talk Strategy

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