Every founder reaches a point where they ask: Should I figure this out myself — or bring in help? Whether you're launching your business, trying to scale, or wrestling with tech decisions, knowing when to DIY and when to hire a digital consultant can save you time, money, and headaches.
At Treelio, we work with startups and small businesses every day — and we’ve seen both paths succeed (and fail). This guide is designed to help you decide what’s right for your stage.
The Case for Doing It Yourself
DIY is a smart move when:
You're in the early MVP or idea-testing phase
You have more time than budget
You want to stay close to the process
You're still figuring out your business model
Benefits of DIY:
Full control of decisions and pacing
Lower upfront cost
Deeper understanding of tools and workflows
Risks of DIY:
Slower progress due to steep learning curves
Potential for costly mistakes (especially in integrations or setup)
Tech debt from quick fixes that don’t scale
If you go the DIY route, focus on low-risk tools with strong documentation and community support. And keep things simple — you can always upgrade later.
The Case for Hiring a Digital Consultant
Hiring a consultant makes sense when:
You’re scaling and need systems that grow with you
You want to avoid costly missteps in setup or strategy
Your team lacks in-house technical or strategic expertise
You’re wasting time piecing together disconnected tools
Benefits of a Digital Consultant:
Faster execution with fewer mistakes
Strategic guidance tailored to your goals
Long-term efficiency through better systems
Training and documentation for your team
What Digital Consultants Actually Do
At Treelio and our consulting brand, 6bridge, we help businesses:
Audit existing tech and workflows
Select and implement the right tools
Automate manual processes
Integrate platforms (CRM, ecommerce, marketing, data)
Offer clear training so teams can own their systems
We don’t sell software. We make your software work for you.
What’s Right for You? A Quick Stage-Based Guide
| Stage | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Idea / Validation | Mostly DIY |
| Post-revenue / scaling team | Hybrid (consultant for core systems) |
| Growing fast / multiple tools in play | Consultant-led setup |
| Plateaued or overwhelmed | Full audit & system refresh |
DIY gives you control. A digital consultant gives you leverage. The key is knowing your stage — and choosing the support that matches your current needs, not someone else’s.
Whether you need a one-time strategy session, an implementation partner, or a long-term tech advisor, Treelio and our sub-brands are here to help.