Which Type of Marketing Support Is Right for You - Right Now?

Marketing can be one of the most overwhelming parts of building your practice. With so many options and opinions, it’s hard to know where to start or which options will actually work for you. The best support depends on your stage of business, your learning style, and the time and money you have available.

This guide breaks down the main types of marketing support available and helps you decide which is right for you right now.

DIY (Do It Yourself) – Great When You're Just Starting Out

DIY means managing your marketing tasks on your own, using free or low-cost tools. This approach is common when you’re starting out and working with a tight budget.

When it works best:

• You're just getting started and want to experiment before investing.
• You have time to learn and implement new tools.
• You enjoy creating your own branding and content.

I began in DIY mode, using my background in graphic design to create branding and materials. It saved money but took time. While tools like Canva make it easier, DIY is rarely ‘free’ - your time is valuable. And a professional can often do the job in half the time with far better results.

Done-With-You – Ideal When You Want to Learn a Skill Quickly

Done-with-you fills the space between DIY and done-for-you – if you don’t have the skills but need to learn to do something in your business, hiring someone to work with you and train you to do that task is a great option.

When it works best:

• You want to be able to do the task for yourself in the future but need help in learning and applying it properly.
• Sessions are tailored to you and your business.
• You don’t waste time learning different skills you won’t need at a pace that doesn’t suit you.

Done-For-You – Ideal When You're Short on Time

Done-for-you means outsourcing tasks like website design, copywriting, or social media management to a professional who completes the work for you.

When it works best:

• You’re clear on what you need and ready to invest in expert help.
• You’re overwhelmed by the tech or design side of things.
• You’d rather spend your time seeing clients or focusing on your zone of genius.

Even though you outsource to a professional, be aware that you will need to get involved in terms of briefing them properly. You will have to provide all the information they require in a timely manner and be available to check and provide feedback on the work created. Not being able to do this will cause frustration and can increase the cost of the job.

One-to-One Coaching – When You Need Focus and Accountability

Coaching supports you in finding your own answers, with a coach guiding your thinking rather than giving direct solutions. It offers personalised support and accountability, helping you get clear on your goals and take consistent action.

When it works best:

• You’re stuck or unsure of what to focus on next.
• You want support to stay on track and build momentum.
• You value personalised feedback and strategic input.

Even as an experienced coach and mentor, I can still get in my own way. Over the years, I have invested in coaching to help me keep moving forward, especially when life got tricky. A coach helps you find clarity and confidence, both as a business owner and as a person.

Mentoring – When You Want Direction from Someone Who's Been There

Mentors guide you based on their experience and skills, helping you take the right steps at the right time.

When it works best:

• You’re ready to grow but need clear guidance and want someone to provide you with answers.
• You want to learn from someone who’s done it before.
• You’re keen to avoid common mistakes and fast-track your success.

I’ve learned so much from mentors over the years, and each one has helped me develop my business and thinking far quicker than trying to figure out things on my own.

Memberships – For Shared Learning and Support

Group memberships are popular as a lower-priced support option to 1:1 coaching or mentoring, or mastermind groups. They combine the facilitation and training from an expert with the camaraderie of a group. These groups can range in size, sometimes including thousands of members supported by facilitators.

When it works best:

• You want structured support, but also benefit from having access to a community.
• You’re working towards clear goals and want guidance along the way.
• You thrive with encouragement, feedback, and a bit of peer pressure.

Professional Masterminds – For Collaboration and Deeper Connection

A professional mastermind is headed by an expert who facilitates a group of peers. They meet regularly to share challenges, ideas, and support.

When it works best:

• You’re past the basics and want to grow your business more strategically.
• You feel lonely and want a supportive community you can count on.
• You’re looking for accountability and support to make the best decisions in your business.
• You’re looking for sounding boards and new ideas.

Being in a mastermind has been game-changing for me. Over the last 5 years, I have made this my priority investment for my business. It gave me a safe, supportive space to share challenges, receive honest feedback, and connect with like-minded business owners. I’ve also gained new clients as well as made some great new friends.

Training – When You Want to Build a Specific Skill

Training includes courses, workshops, or programmes designed to teach a specific topic or skill. It helps you build the knowledge and confidence to handle specific parts of your marketing.

When it works best:

• You need to upskill in a certain area (e.g., email marketing, content creation).
• You prefer a structured learning environment.
• You enjoy learning at your own pace or through live sessions.

Over the years, I have invested in countless training courses, and they have been a great way to learn new skills. I am also guilty of not finishing many of the pre-recorded courses, as they tend to end up on my ‘to-do later’ list. Now I find I only buy a course if it’s a skill I need now rather than one I’d like to have, or I’m intrigued by.

What’s Right for You?

There’s no "best" option, only what’s right for you at this moment. The key is to choose support that fits your current needs, resources, and learning style.

Feeling inspired to get the help you need with your marketing?

Let’s have a chat about where you are in your journey and what support would help most. Book your free call today, and I’ll help you figure out your best next step towards building a business that you love, makes money, and has an impact.