The Power of a DFY Approach: Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Online Presence
- Santina Rigano-Lesch
- Mar 21
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 10
*Disclaimer: I'm a cusser and you'll find me dropping cuss words in my writing. If you easily get offended by the correct use of cussing, or the use of cussing as a form of expression, scroll on by. This piece, and my blog, likely isn't for you.
Running a studio or building a creative career isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re juggling rehearsals, bookings, students, clients, and — oh yeah — trying to have a life. And in the middle of all that, you’re also supposed to keep up with social media, emails, website updates, content creation… the list goes on.
At first, DIY-ing your marketing might seem like a good idea. “I’ll just post when I have time,” you tell yourself. “I’ll figure out my website later.”
But let’s be real — later never comes.
Your last Instagram post is from three months ago, your website still says “Coming Soon,” and emails? What emails?
Here’s the kicker: a half-assed online presence does more harm than good.
If your online peeps don’t see you consistently showing up — giving them the culture, the vibe, the energy of what you do — they move on to someone who does. And that’s money left on the table.
This is where a Done-For-You (DFY) approach comes in. Instead of burning yourself out trying to “keep up,” you let experts handle the heavy lifting.
Social media? Created, Published, Managed. Website? Designed, Updated.
Emails? Drafted, Sent.
You get to focus on your zone of genius —whether that’s running your studio, creating, performing, or coaching — while your online presence actually works for you.
Still think you need to DIY?
Let’s talk about the hidden costs of that decision— because trust me, it’s costing you more than you realise.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Marketing
Let’s get one thing straight: just because you can do something yourself doesn’t mean you should. Sure, you can technically learn to build a website, schedule your own social media, or write email campaigns. But at what cost? (Spoiler alert: It’s not just money—it’s time, energy, and missed opportunities.)
Here’s where DIY marketing hits you where it hurts:
1. The Time Drain: Your Business (or Art) Takes a Backseat
Every hour you spend designing Canva graphics, figuring out website updates, or Googling “best time to post on Instagram” is an hour you aren’t creating, performing, coaching, or running your damn business.
Let’s say you spend 10 hours a week on social media content. That’s 40+ hours a month — an entire workweek! Imagine if that time was spent teaching more classes, perfecting your craft, or working with clients.
Instead of spinning your wheels trying to be a digital marketer and a business owner, DFY services handle that side of things so you can stay in your lane and do what you do best.
2. The Skill Gap: Google University Can Only Take You So Far
You might be able to post on social media, but do you know how to create content that actually connects? How about emails that build relationships and drive registrations or sales? Or a website that doesn’t just look good but works to build your online presence?
DIY-ing your online presence means you’re constantly playing catch-up — watching YouTube tutorials, second-guessing your copy, and wondering why your engagement is tanking.
Ain’t nobody got time to be an expert in everything. That’s why you bring in people who are.
3. The Inconsistency Problem: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Let’s talk real talk. If your last social media post is from months ago, your online peeps assume one of three things:
1. You’re too busy (which makes them hesitant to reach out).
2. You’re struggling (which kills trust).
3. You’ve ghosted (which makes them move on).
The internet moves fast. If you’re not showing up regularly, you’re getting drowned out by someone who is.
DFY services ensure your brand’s culture & vibe stays front and center — whether that’s through on-brand social media posts, engaging emails, or a website that’s actually updated.
What a DFY Online Presence Looks Like
Let’s paint the picture.
You wake up, sip your coffee, or if you’re anything like me, your water, chai, or tea, and your social media posts are already scheduled and perfectly aligned with your brand.
Your website? Up to date with your latest offerings and looking fire.
Your email list? Getting regular value-packed messages that sound like you — because they are you, just elevated by someone who knows how to structure and automate them.
That’s the beauty of a Done-For-You (DFY) approach:
You don’t disappear from your online spaces —you show up more powerfully and more consistently without having to lift a fucking finger. Apart from the collaboration process.
Here’s what that actually looks like across your platforms:
Consistent Social Media That Actually Connects
We’re not talking cookie-cutter graphics and caption templates. Culture & vibe content is woven into every post — your personality, your purpose, your people. Your feed looks alive, your stories stay poppin’, and your brand shows up like the confident badass you are.
No more scrambling to post between clients or rehearsals. No more “I’ll get to it later.” Just steady, strategic content that does the heavy lifting while you live your life.
A Website That Works Harder Than You Do
A strong website is more than a digital business card. It’s your 24/7 hype machine. When someone lands there, they should feel the vibe — whether it’s the warmth of your studio or the edge of your creative brand.
With DFY website management or design, you get:
• Fresh updates (no more outdated class schedules or bios from 2019).
• Strategic layout and copy that guides people to book, buy, sign up, or join.
• Design that reflects your unique culture, not just a drag-and-drop template.
Your website becomes a living, breathing extension of your brand — not a neglected side project.
Emails That Don’t Get Left on Read
Your email list is one of your most valuable tools — especially when algorithms play games with your social reach. But if writing emails makes you want to chuck your laptop across the room, you’re not alone.
With a DFY approach, your emails sound like you, but they’re structured to build real relationships, spark replies, and drive action. Whether it’s class reminders, show announcements, or personal check-ins, your emails are doing the damn thing — without you sweating it.
Why Studio Owners Need DFY Support
Running a studio is already a juggling act.
Between managing class schedules, keeping students engaged, handling staff, fielding parent emails, teaching, and somehow remembering to eat — you’ve got a full plate.
Add to that the pressure to post daily, update your site, and keep the vibes going online?
That’s a fast track to burnout, babe.
Here’s why DFY support isn’t just helpful—it’s essential:
You’re the Heartbeat of the Studio, Not the Tech Team
You started your studio because you love dance, theatre, music, or teaching — not because you wanted to figure out how to update a WordPress plugin or troubleshoot an email blast that didn’t send. Every minute you spend Googling how to embed a YouTube video is a minute you’re not doing the work that lights you up.
DFY services take that noise off your plate — completely. No half-help, no “we’ll guide you through it” — just done.
More Enrollments, Less Hustle
A polished online presence leads to trust.
Trust leads to enrollments.
It’s that simple.
With regular social media content, automated email sequences (hello, welcome series!), and a website that actually reflects your studio’s vibe, you become the obvious choice for new students and families. You don’t have to hustle for every sign-up — your presence does that for you, on autopilot.
Consistency Is What Builds Culture
You talk about building community and creating a space where people belong — so your digital presence should reflect that energy too.
When people see your posts, your emails, your updates — they should feel the same vibe they’d get walking into your studio.
That culture? That warmth? That creative spark? It shouldn’t just live inside your four walls. With DFY support, that energy shows up everywhere. And that’s how you build real connection — and loyalty that lasts.
Why Entertainment Creatives Need DFY Support
Whether you’re a performer, choreographer, musician, director, or creative entrepreneur —you already wear a thousand hats. And in a world that demands content, visibility, and constant connection, the pressure to “show up” online can feel like a second full-time job.
The truth? Your talent is the product — but your presence is what sells it. If people can’t see you, connect with you, or understand what you’re about in a scroll or two, they’re gone. And that sucks, because what you do deserves to be seen.
Your Energy Is for Creating, Not Clicking
Let’s be honest — some days, the last thing you wanna do is hop on Canva, draft a caption, or tweak your Linktree. You’re prepping for auditions, rehearsals, gigs, coaching sessions — you’re booked and buzzing, but also damn tired.
With DFY services, you don’t have to pause your creative flow to post something. Your content goes out, your audience stays warm, and your online vibe stays strong — even when you’re offline getting sh*t done.
Your Brand Is a Whole Mood — So Let It Shine Online
You’re not just a headshot and a highlight reel.
You’ve got a vibe, a voice, and a vision.
But if your online presence is inconsistent or half-done, that magic gets lost in the noise.
DFY support means your branding stays on point. Your site feels like you. Your social content tells your story. Your emails don’t feel like marketing — they feel like connection. And that’s what draws people in.
Control What You Can—Because Algorithms Don’t Care
Let’s be real: social media is unpredictable.
One day your reel hits thousands, the next day it tanks.
That’s why a solid digital foundation outside of social media matters.
Your website? Still there.
Your email list? Still listening.
Your content? Still showing up.
When you’ve got a strong, consistent digital presence handled by pros, you’re not at the mercy of algorithms. You’re in control of your narrative — and that’s powerful as fuck.
How to Get Started with DFY Services
So, you’re nodding along, realising DIY-ing your online presence might be the very thing slowing your growth. Good. Now let’s talk about how to actually make the shift to a DFY setup — without it feeling overwhelming or complicated.
Step 1: Get Honest About What’s Draining You
Take a hot second and look at where your time is going. Reflect on what tasks feel like they are stealing the joy out of your soul… those are the ones you want to think about handing off.
• Are you spending hours trying to figure out Canva instead of creating content that moves people?
• Are you falling behind on email updates or website edits because it feels like a tech headache?
• Is social media something you dread instead of something you enjoy?
Wherever you’re losing energy, that’s your starting point. You don’t have to outsource everything — just start with the pieces that are stealing your time and giving you nothing in return.
Step 2: Decide What Needs to Be Done For You
Ask yourself: What would feel like a fucking relief to hand off?
Maybe it’s:
• Social media strategy and content creation
• Weekly email newsletters or automations
• Website updates or redesign
• Admin and scheduling tasks
Whatever it is, identify it — and let it go. You’re not failing by asking for help. You’re being smart as hell.
And if you have no idea how to figure this part out, do my Task Discovery Activity.
The Task Discovery Activity
On a Google sheet or Excel doc, make a main list (let’s call it list A) that has every single task (including the minute ones) that you take care of every week.
In that same Google sheet or Excel doc, make a second list (let’s call this list B), by copying and pasting the tasks from list A, that you don’t feel comfortable or don’t want to hand off right now.
Now make a third list (list C), by copying and pasting the tasks from list A, that you potentially wan’t to hand off.
Make a final list (list D), by copying and pasting the tasks from list A, that you most definitely want to hand off, the ones you can’t even think about doing anymore, the soul sucker ones.
List D is what you would start with outsourcing in the DFY space.
This Task Discovery Activity is no easy feat, and it does take time so don’t skimp on it, because when done right, it can really help you develop the understanding you need to help find the right person to support you.
Step 3: Invest Like a Boss (Not Like a Burnt-Out Beginner)
Outsourcing is an investment, yes. But it’s one that pays you back in time, consistency, and growth. It’s not something that brings you immediate results or a direct return on investment right away. It’s the nature of the beast.
This isn’t about throwing money at a problem.
It’s about reclaiming your time, stepping fully into your role as the creative, the leader, the face of your brand — and trusting the right people to support the vision behind the scenes.
You don’t need to do it all. You just need to make sure it all gets done — and gets done right.
Conclusion
Listen — this idea that you’ve gotta wear every hat, do every task, and carry your whole business or creative career on your damn shoulders? It’s a lie. And it’s a heavy one.
You weren’t meant to be the choreographer and the marketer. The vocal coach and the web designer. The studio director and the email expert. You were meant to lead, to teach, to perform, to create — not to drown in to-do lists.
When you let go of the DIY struggle and step into a Done-For-You setup, what you’re really saying is:
“I trust myself enough to focus on what I do best.”
You get to show up consistently. You get to stay in your flow. You get to have a presence online that actually feels like you — without the burnout, the guesswork, or the constant damn hustle.
So the question isn’t “Can I do this myself?”
You already know the answer.
The question is — do you want to keep doing it all alone?
It’s time to choose ease.
It’s time to choose alignment.
It’s time to choose a DFY approach that actually supports the life and business you’re building.
Ready to make the shift?
Check out how we can work together in the BizMate x Biz Bestie space and finally get the DFY support you deserve.
Comments