DIY MARKETING VS HIRING AN EXPERT – When to Get Professional Help

Here’s what you can manage on your own and when it’s time to call in the experts:

1. Social Media Marketing

Best for: Engagement, brand awareness, and community building

DIY Approach:

• Post consistently on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
• Be active on at least two platforms.
• Post 3-5 times a week and include fun, quirky ads in your stories.
• Engage with followers and respond to DMs/comments.
• Share customer testimonials, product demos, and behind-the-scenes content.

When to Hire a Pro:

• If you don’t have time to manage it.
• If engagement isn’t growing despite consistent efforts.
• If you need high-converting ad campaigns.

2. Google My Business and Local SEO

Best for: Getting found in local searches (e.g., “Best café near me”)

DIY Approach:

• Claim and fully optimise your Google My Business profile.
• Regularly update your page with photos, offers, and customer reviews.
• Use local keywords in your descriptions.

When to Hire a Pro:

• If you’re not ranking on Google despite optimisation.
• If competitors keep outranking you.
• If you need advanced SEO strategies.

3. Basic Email Marketing

Best for: Building customer relationships and generating repeat sales

DIY Approach:

• Set up a welcome email sequence for new customers.
• Send weekly or monthly newsletters with tips, updates, and exclusive deals.

When to Hire a Pro:

• If your email list isn’t growing.
• If you don’t know how to send bulk emails efficiently.
• If your emails aren’t converting into sales.
• If you need advanced automation (e.g., cart abandonment emails).

When to Find an Expert Like Spiky Carrot

1. You’re Spending Too Much Time on Marketing Instead of Running Your Business

Problem: You’re too busy with marketing tasks.

Solution: A marketing pro takes the workload off your plate.

2. Your Marketing Isn’t Bringing in Enough Customers

Problem: You’re not seeing results despite your efforts.

Solution: A professional can analyse and improve your marketing strategy.

3. You’re Ready to Scale and Compete with Bigger Brands

Problem: You need expert-level marketing to grow further.

Solution: A pro can run ad campaigns, optimise your website, and develop a long-term strategy.

DIY vs Hiring a Pro – Checklist

DIY If You:

• Have the time to manage daily marketing tasks.
• Are comfortable learning new digital tools.
• Have a limited budget and need to start small.

Hire a Pro If You:

• Are overwhelmed and don’t have enough time for marketing.
• Have tried DIY marketing but aren’t seeing results.
• Want to scale your business faster with expert help.
• Need professional branding, SEO, or paid ads.

Final Verdict: DIY or Hire a Pro?

DIY

✔ Ideal for startups and small budgets.

✔ Great if you enjoy hands-on marketing and learning new tools.

Hire an Expert

When your business is growing and you need real marketing firepower to scale faster.

At Spiky Carrot, we specialise in helping businesses like yours gain more visibility, leads, and sales – without wasting time or money.

Ready to level up? Let’s chat!