We were asked by a new advertiser if we could design their advert. Sure, our graphic designer Ed would do it in next to no time – easily under 30 minutes. However he’s freelance so we do pass on the cost of the advert.
Our customer decided they would save the £15 and do it themselves – after all at only 30 minutes to create it, he could spare that time.
But (he later admitted) he spent two hours messing around with software he didn’t understand and his advert was looking decidedly amateur. He called back to admit defeat and would willingly hand over the £15.
Another example: I have a very good understanding of technology, but I’m not an expert at getting websites onto the first page of Google (SEO). We could have done without the cost of engaging an expert – the best is not cheap – but within three days Focus was on the front page for a particular search (“local magazine Salisbury”) where previously it wasn’t even appearing on page 5.
The world is self-service for so much: filling up your fuel to doing your banking, you can do this yourself. But recognising what skills are not self-service is so important. Ask an expert. It won’t save you money, but it’ll save you hours.