Facebook Ad Agency vs DIY: Which Delivers Better ROI?

Running ads on Facebook and Instagram can be a powerful way to grow your business. But here’s the big question: should you manage campaigns yourself or hire a Facebook ad agency?

For small businesses, especially, this choice impacts time, money, and results. In this guide, we’ll break down the benefits and drawbacks of both approaches, helping you make the right decision for your goals.

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Why Facebook Ads Matter for Small Businesses

With nearly 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook remains one of the most effective platforms for advertising. For small businesses, the platform offers:

• Precise targeting: Ads can reach customers based on location, interests, behaviours, and demographics.
• Flexible budgets: Campaigns can start small and scale with results.
• Multiple ad formats: From videos and carousels to lead forms, every business type can find the right format.
• Real-time analytics: You can see exactly what’s working and adjust instantly.

But while Facebook makes it look easy to launch ads, optimising them for consistent ROI is where most small businesses struggle.

The DIY Approach: Running Facebook Ads Yourself

Let’s start with the do-it-yourself path. Many small businesses choose to run ads directly in Meta Ads Manager or boost posts.

Pros of DIY Facebook Ads

1. Full control – You decide the budget, creative, and targeting without outside input.
2. Lower upfront cost – No agency fees, just your ad spend.
3. Learning opportunity – You’ll gain hands-on experience with Meta Ads Manager.
4. Flexibility – You can test ideas quickly without waiting for an agency.

Cons of DIY Facebook Ads

1. Steep learning curve – Ads Manager is complex, and mistakes are expensive.
2. Time drain – Monitoring and optimising ads takes hours every week.
3. Limited expertise – Without advanced strategies, you risk wasting ad spend.
4. Unscalable – What works at £10/day may not work at £1000/day.

For example, a local café might run a few boosted posts to promote weekend offers. It works okay at first, but scaling to consistent lead generation proves difficult without advanced targeting and testing.

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The Agency Approach: Hiring a Facebook Ad Agency

Working with a professional Facebook ad agency means you’re tapping into specialised knowledge, tools, and experience.

Pros of Hiring an Agency

1. Expert strategy – Agencies know how to set up campaigns that target the right audience.
2. Data-driven optimisation – Ongoing testing of creatives, audiences, and bids to maximise ROI.
3. Access to tools – Premium analytics and creative tools are not always available to small businesses.
4. Time saved – Focus on running your business while experts handle ads.
5. Scalable results – Agencies understand how to grow ad spend safely without wasted money.

Cons of Hiring an Agency

1. Agency fees – Costs can vary depending on the services offered.
2. Less control – You’ll rely on someone else to execute your campaigns.
3. Finding the right partner – Not all agencies deliver results, so vetting is key.

Still, for many small businesses, the benefits of expertise and results outweigh the cost of hiring.

ROI Showdown: Facebook Ad Agency vs DIY

So, which delivers better ROI for small businesses? Let’s compare.

The difference boils down to efficiency. A DIY advertiser may get results at a small scale, but risks wasting money when scaling. An agency helps ensure every pound spent is optimised for conversions.

Case Example: Small Business Growth with a Facebook Ad Agency

Imagine a boutique fitness studio in London.

• DIY ads: They spend £300/month, get a few clicks, and some new clients. Results are inconsistent, and the cost-per-lead is £40.
• With an agency, the same £500 ad spend is combined with expert targeting and creative testing. Leads improve, cost-per-lead drops to £20, and monthly sign-ups triple.

This is why working with a professional Facebook ad agency can transform results, especially if long-term growth is the goal.

How to Decide: DIY vs Hiring an Agency

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I have the time to manage ads daily or weekly?
2. Do I know how to track conversions, set up audiences, and test creatives?
3. Am I willing to risk wasted ad spend while learning?
4. Do I want fast, scalable results with less stress?

If your answers lean towards time-saving, expertise, and predictable results, partnering with an agency is the smarter move.

What to Look for in a Facebook Ad Agency

Not all agencies are equal. When searching for the right Facebook ad agency, look for:

• Proven case studies with businesses like yours.
• Transparent pricing with clear deliverables.
• Focus on ROI, not just vanity metrics like impressions.
• Experience in your industry for better audience insights.
• Strong communication so you know what’s happening with your budget.

Conclusion: DIY or Facebook Ad Agency – Which is Right for You?

Running ads yourself is possible, but it takes time, testing, and patience. A professional Facebook ad agency brings expertise, strategy, and scalability that most small businesses can’t achieve on their own.

If you want consistent ROI and growth, an agency is the smarter investment.

📣 Ready to see better results with your ad spend?
👉 Contact us today and let our team manage your campaigns for maximum ROI.

FAQs – About Facebook Ad Agencies