Can You Really Do Your Own Digital Marketing in 2025?
Let’s be honest — marketing used to feel like something only big agencies could handle. But these days? Everyone from your local barista to your cousin’s side hustle is on Canva, running ads, and building their brand — all from their phone.
So, do you actually need a marketing agency anymore? Or can you just roll up your sleeves and give it a go yourself?
Spoiler alert: both answers are right. Here’s why.
Real Talk: Meet Caoimhe from Sydney
Caoimhe Stewart is 27, lives in Sydney, and gave her first market day a red-hot go last year. She’d put $450 and weeks of prep into launching her activewear label, BEAU, at the Glebe Markets. But the weather had other plans — rain ruined her signs and soaked over 40 garments.
So what did she do? She went on TikTok, shared her experience, and poured her heart out. That video blew up, and the response from total strangers was overwhelming. People backed her brand, and it gave her the confidence to keep going.
She’s still running BEAU, managing everything herself — from designs to social posts. That’s DIY marketing in action.
Why More People Are Doing It Themselves
A 2025 report by Taradel found that 71% of small business owners prefer self-serve marketing tools over hiring agencies. And honestly, who can blame them?
There’s no shortage of tools now that make marketing feel doable, even if you’ve never studied it:
The beauty? You’re in control. You know your audience best, and when you’ve got the tools and time, you can absolutely make it work.
But Let’s Be Real — DIY Isn’t Always Enough
Here’s where things can go sideways:
You’re juggling 10 things already. Social media posts go out late. Ads don’t quite hit the mark. SEO? Forget it. And analytics? You’re not even sure what to look for.
That’s where agencies still shine. They bring structure, strategy, and consistency. They can spot what’s missing, optimise what’s working, and scale your efforts.
It’s not about replacing your voice — it’s about helping it reach the right people, in the right way.
Real Wins, Real Results
DIY marketing works — especially when it’s authentic. Take these examples:
🧼 Organic skincare company
Used personalised video content and saw 150% growth in online sales.
📚 Local bookstore
Struggled with foot traffic until they leaned into social and email marketing. It worked.
So, What’s the Sweet Spot?
Truth is, you don’t have to pick sides.
💡 Use DIY tools when you want to move fast, test ideas, and keep costs low.
📈 Bring in pros when you’re ready to scale or when your time’s better spent elsewhere.
Sometimes it’s a Canva post. Sometimes it’s a full-blown campaign with paid ads and landing pages. You get to choose what fits your budget, your energy, and your goals.
Author Notes:
You can do your own digital marketing, and many are smashing it. But just because you can doesn’t mean you always should.
Do what works for you. Back yourself. And when you’re ready for backup, whether it’s strategy, content, or just someone to take the stress off, the pros will be there for you.
Need some coaching? Plum’s here when you’re ready.
Sources:
- Taradel 2025 Small Business Marketing Report
https://www.taradel.com/blog/2025-research-shows-diy-marketing-and-self-service-platforms-on-the-rise - Caoimhe Stewart’s story – News.com.au
https://www.news.com.au/finance/small-business/had-a-good-cry-27yearold-left-in-tears-after-failed-market-day/news-story/ddafa4733b1ea2c64318c3a60b33ab8e - BuzzBoard – Small Business Wins: Digital Marketing Success Stories
https://www.buzzboard.ai/small-business-big-wins-inspiring-stories-of-digital-marketing-success/ - BuzzBoard – Real Results for Local Businesses
https://www.buzzboard.ai/real-results-inspiring-digital-marketing-success-stories-for-small-businesses/
