DIY Digital Ads vs Hiring an Agency: Pros, Cons and Costs 💼

Thinking about running ads but not sure whether to do it yourself or hire an expert

This is one of the biggest decisions small business owners face.

Do you try to learn everything and keep control Or do you pay an agency and hope for strong results

This guide breaks down the real pros and cons of both options. It also shows what they actually cost so you can make the best choice for your business.

DIY: Doing It Yourself

Pros

• Full control over your campaigns

• No ongoing fees or contracts

• You learn valuable skills

• Easy to test and tweak as needed

• Budget goes entirely to the ad spend

Cons

• Time-consuming to learn the platforms

• Risk of trial and error

• No expert guidance

• Mistakes can cost money

• Harder to scale as you grow

What It Costs

• Zero to start

• Your only expense is the media spend such as ten to twenty dollars per day

• Tools like Canva or ChatGPT can help with visuals and copy

Best for

• Early-stage businesses

• Founders who enjoy learning and testing

• Very small budgets with time to spare

Hiring an Ads Agency

Pros

• Expert setup and strategy

• Usually faster results

• They handle targeting, copy, creative and reporting

• Saves time so you can focus elsewhere

• Support from a full team

Cons

• High monthly retainers such as fifteen hundred dollars or more

• Locked-in contracts

• Hard to tell if the work is effective

• Less control over messaging

• Not all agencies are transparent

What It Costs

• Setup fees or onboarding

• Ongoing monthly fee between one thousand and three thousand dollars on average

• Ad spend is usually extra and paid directly to the platform

Best for

• Established businesses

• High-ticket offers

• Teams with no time for marketing

Side-by-Side Comparison

Category	DIY Ads	Hiring an Agency
Cost	Low	High
Time required	High	Low
Skill needed	Medium to High	None
Flexibility	Full control	Depends on agency
Results speed	Slower without experience	Faster with proven strategy
Ownership	You manage it	They manage it

Is There a Better Middle Option

Yes

Platforms like Leedr give you the best of both worlds

• You do not need to learn the tech

• You still control your goals and budget

• You get ads written, designed and launched for you

• No locked-in contracts

• No big agency fees

This model is ideal for busy business owners who want expert-level results without losing control.

If you have time but not money, DIY might be the best place to start

If you have money but not time, an agency could help but be cautious of long-term fees

If you want smart support without the big cost, Leedr offers a flexible done-for-you option

Choose the model that fits your current stage. Focus on what helps you take action now.