Why DIY Marketing Doesn’t Always Work — and When to Call a PR Agency
Why doing it yourself — especially with AI — can fall short in the long run
It’s tempting to keep PR and marketing in-house, or even on your own plate, especially if you’re good with words, comfortable with LinkedIn, and have an AI tool at your fingertips. At first, it feels like you’re saving money and staying in control.
However, over time, many business leaders discover the hidden cost of going it alone: missed opportunities, inconsistent messaging, and a brand presence that doesn’t quite match the caliber of their work.
The truth is, marketing and PR aren’t just about producing content or landing media coverage. They’re about building and maintaining visibility that moves your business forward — intentionally, consistently, and strategically, and that’s where the difference between DIY and hiring an expert becomes clear.
Why DIY Doesn’t Always Deliver
DIY PR and marketing usually starts strong. You’ve got ideas, enthusiasm, and tools that seem to make things easier, but after the initial burst of energy, other priorities start crowding in. Posting becomes sporadic, messaging loses focus, and campaigns get rushed or shelved entirely.
While AI can be a helpful shortcut, it can’t capture the nuances of your brand voice, anticipate industry shifts, or cultivate relationships with the media. Left unchecked, it often produces content that blends into the noise, and blending in is the fastest way to be forgotten.
Where an Agency Changes the Game
When you bring in an experienced PR and marketing team, you’re not just outsourcing tasks. You’re gaining a strategic partner who understands how to:
Clarify your brand message so it resonates with the right audience
Build a long-term plan instead of reacting to the moment
Uncover new ways to get noticed you haven’t considered yet
Position your company as a trusted authority in your industry
An agency also has the relationships, tools, and expertise to make your marketing efforts not just more polished, but more effective. That means more consistent visibility, stronger brand recognition, and a presence that matches the quality of the work you deliver.
Why AI Alone Can’t Build Your Brand
AI is powerful and incredibly convenient, but it’s not a substitute for human judgment, creativity, and connection.
AI can help you brainstorm, speed up drafting, or repurpose content — but it can’t:
Understand the subtleties of your industry culture
Read the room when a story breaks or a trend shifts
Build trust with your audience over time
That’s why the most effective PR and marketing strategies don’t reject AI — they integrate it thoughtfully into a broader, human-led approach.
How to Know You’re Ready for Expert Help
You might be ready to hire a PR or marketing agency if:
Your competitors are showing up more often — and in better places — than you are
You’re spending time on marketing without seeing a clear return
Your brand presence feels scattered or reactive
You’re relying heavily on AI and starting to notice everything sounds the same
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to stop duct-taping your marketing together and start building a strategy that lasts.
At Kwedar & Co., we help behind-the-scenes brands build sustainable visibility — without the fluff, jargon, or one-size-fits-all approach.
If you’re ready to trade in reactive marketing for a clear, consistent, and effective PR and marketing strategy, let’s talk. Reach out at hello@kwedarco.com.
About The Author
Peyton Sides is the Digital Marketing and Public Relations Intern for Kwedar & Co. As our Digital Marketing and Public Relations Intern, Peyton helps our team with ongoing content creation, public relations research, and communication support.
Peyton is set to graduate from Tarleton State University this May with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, with a special focus on Public Relations and Social Engagement, and a minor in Business. Originally from Fort Worth, Peyton now lives in Stephenville, Texas with her basset hound puppy, Fancy Nancy.