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:
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You're in the early MVP or idea-testing phase
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You have more time than budget
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You want to stay close to the process
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You're still figuring out your business model
Benefits of DIY:
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Full control of decisions and pacing
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Lower upfront cost
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Deeper understanding of tools and workflows
Risks of DIY:
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Slower progress due to steep learning curves
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Potential for costly mistakes (especially in integrations or setup)
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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:
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You’re scaling and need systems that grow with you
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You want to avoid costly missteps in setup or strategy
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Your team lacks in-house technical or strategic expertise
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You’re wasting time piecing together disconnected tools
Benefits of a Digital Consultant:
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Faster execution with fewer mistakes
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Strategic guidance tailored to your goals
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Long-term efficiency through better systems
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Training and documentation for your team
What Digital Consultants Actually Do
At Treelio and our consulting brand, 6bridge, we help businesses:
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Audit existing tech and workflows
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Select and implement the right tools
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Automate manual processes
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Integrate platforms (CRM, ecommerce, marketing, data)
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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.
Why Treelio