Do You Really Need a Marketing Agency or Can You Run Your Own Social Media?
If you’re a trade business owner, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: “Do I really need a marketing agency to manage my social media, or can I just do it myself?”
It’s a fair question. Social media is everywhere, and it can feel like something you should be able to handle in between jobs, emails, and site visits. But before you decide, it’s worth exploring the pros and cons of both approaches — and how working with a marketing agency like GrowUp can make your life a lot easier.
The DIY Approach: What You Gain and What You Risk
Running your own social media might seem appealing. After all, who knows your business better than you do? You’re the expert on your services, whether it’s landscaping, plumbing, or construction. By posting yourself, you save money, keep full control, and can respond to customers in real-time.
But here’s the catch: social media isn’t just about posting pictures of your work. It’s about creating content that builds trust, engages your audience, and converts followers into customers. You need to think about strategy, timing, platform algorithms, hashtags, captions, and tracking what actually works.
For a busy trade business owner, this can quickly become overwhelming. Many DIYers post inconsistently, miss trends, or fail to track results — which means your hard work might not pay off.
Why a Marketing Agency Can Make a Difference
A marketing agency brings expertise, experience, and time to the table — things that are often in short supply for trade business owners. Here’s how partnering with a professional agency can help:
Strategy First: Agencies develop a clear plan for your social media, based on your business goals, audience, and competitors. This ensures every post has a purpose — whether it’s generating leads, promoting a service, or showcasing your work.
Consistency and Frequency: Regular posting is key to keeping your business top-of-mind. Agencies handle scheduling and content creation so your accounts stay active even when you’re on site.
Professional Content: High-quality visuals and well-written captions make your business look trustworthy and professional. Agencies often have designers, copywriters, and social media experts who make your brand shine.
Analytics and Reporting: Social media isn’t about guessing what works. Agencies track metrics, monitor engagement, and tweak strategies based on real data, helping you make smarter decisions.
Time Savings: Perhaps the biggest benefit is freeing up your time. Instead of stressing over Instagram captions or Facebook ads, you can focus on what you do best — running your trade business.
When DIY Works and When It Doesn’t
Running your own social media isn’t a lost cause. If your business is small, you have a small but engaged audience, and you enjoy creating content, DIY can work — as long as you stay consistent and strategic.
But if social media feels like a chore, or you’re struggling to see results, it might be time to get professional help. The difference isn’t just in the content; it’s in the results and the return on your time investment.
Making the Most of Your Partnership
Working with a marketing agency doesn’t mean giving up control. At GrowUp, we work alongside business owners, keeping you involved in the content creation and decision-making process.
You provide insights about your work and your customers, and we turn that into social media content that actually performs. You get the expertise without losing your voice or connection to your audience.
The Bottom Line
Social media can be a powerful tool for trade businesses — but it’s easy to underestimate the time, skill, and strategy required. You can run your own accounts, but doing it well is a full-time job in itself.
Partnering with a marketing agency like GrowUp lets you focus on your trade, while we focus on growing your brand online. It’s not about handing over control; it’s about amplifying your efforts so you get results without the stress.
If you’ve been on the fence about hiring an agency, consider this: the right partnership doesn’t just save time — it can help your business grow faster and reach more customers than you ever thought possible.
Ready to Grow Your Social Media with Less Stress?
Book a free discovery call with GrowUp today, and let’s explore how we can take your trade business’s social media to the next level — without adding more to your already busy schedule.
