If you are delivering ads, UGC, or social for clients with AI in the stack, $500/month is not a retainer. It is a favor.

The work is not the prompt. The work is:

• translating a messy brief into a content system

• keeping brand voice consistent across 20 assets

• revisions without burning the margin

• showing up every week so they do not have to think

A simple floor that actually holds:

• Setup (one-time): $750–$1,500 — onboarding, voice doc, first 10 assets

• Monthly: $1,500–$4,000 — 12–30 assets, 1 revision round, a 20-minute weekly check-in

• Rush / extra revision: 25% on top

If a prospect cannot pay the floor, they are not a client. They are a time leak.

Price the process. Deliver the process. Do not sell "AI".