There’s a special kind of exhaustion that comes with doing your own marketing.

You’re posting on social media at 11pm or posting a blog like this at 8pm whilst watching Selling Sunset and wondering why your competitors seem to be everywhere while you’re struggling to stay visible.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Most business owners start by doing their own marketing, it’s cost-effective, you understand your business better than anyone else and it gives you control about what you say. But there comes a point when DIY marketing stops being a smart move and starts holding you back (and don’t panic thats a good thing!).

But bear in mind these warning signs

You’re consistently inconsistent. Your social media goes quiet for weeks, then you post three times in one day. Your email newsletter gets sent “when you have time.” Your content strategy exists only in your head. Inconsistency doesn’t just waste the effort you do put in it actively damages your credibility.

Marketing is always last on the list. When a client calls, marketing plans get shelved. When there’s a fire to fight, content creation waits. You know marketing matters, but somehow it never feels urgent enough, until you realise your pipeline has dried up and panic sets in. Argh!!

You’re missing opportunities. That podcast invitation sits unanswered in your inbox. You see competitors launching campaigns you wish you’d thought of. You know you should be doing video, LinkedIn, email automation, SEO but you’re already overwhelmed with what you’re doing now.

Your marketing doesn’t reflect your business growth. Your website still looks like it did three years ago. Your messaging doesn’t match the calibre of clients you now serve. You’ve evolved, but your marketing hasn’t kept pace, and it’s starting to cost you premium opportunities.

You’re spending money without strategy. You’re boosting posts because that’s what the button tells you to do. You’re paying for tools you barely use. You tried Google Ads once and it didn’t work, but you’re not sure why. Without expertise, marketing spend becomes marketing waste.

Here’s what many business owners don’t realise

DIY marketing has a hidden cost. It’s not just the revenue you’re not generating, it’s the opportunity cost of your time. Every hour you spend figuring out Instagram algorithms or writing website copy is an hour you’re not spending on strategy, client relationships, or business development. Working ON your business is just as important as working IN your business.

Calculate what your time is actually worth. If you’re invoicing at £90 per hour but spending five hours a week on marketing tasks someone else could do better and faster, you’re losing money even before considering the inferior results.

Outgrowing DIY marketing isn’t a failure – it’s a sign of success.

It means your business has reached a stage where professional marketing isn’t a luxury; it’s the lever that will unlock your next phase of growth.

The question isn’t whether you can afford to invest in proper marketing support. It’s whether you can afford not to.

If some of these warning signs are resonating with you, it might be time for a chat! Get some support leaving you free to do what you do best.

Ready to Evolve your business Together? Let’s talk 07825 240631