How to Chase an Unpaid Invoice as a Social Media Manager

Why social media managers get paid late

• Retainers billed in arrears drift later each month.
• Small business owners see it as discretionary spend when cash is tight.

How to get paid: advice for social media managers

• Bill at the start of each month, and pause posting if the retainer is unpaid by a set date.
• Offer a standing order — it removes the problem entirely.
• Keep admin access in the client's name, with you as a collaborator, so there is no dispute over accounts.

A chasing timeline that works

1. 3 days before due: a friendly heads-up.
2. 1 day overdue: a polite reminder.
3. 7–14 days overdue: a firm reminder and a phone call.
4. 30 days overdue: a final notice with a deadline.
5. Still unpaid: a letter before action, then a small claim if needed.

Your legal options

Your clients are businesses, so the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 applies to every late invoice: you can add statutory interest (8% + base rate) and £40–£100 fixed compensation per invoice, even if your contract doesn't mention it. Calculate what you can claim.