Don't Do It Yourself

Analyzing Small Business Tools (so you don’t have to)

company logo
company logo
company logo
company logo
company logo
company logo

Hi, I’m Geoff Cudd, creator of Don’t Do It Yourself (DDIY).

My wife will tell you I’m too picky, but I prefer to think of myself as a “critical thinker”.

I'm the guy who will spend hours researching new electronics…I'll only select a new credit card after creating a spreadsheet of sign-up bonuses and annual spend to determine which has the best rewards…and I even developed an RFP process for buying a car!

I mention this because I take an analytical approach to all my decisions.   Whether that’s picking software tools, the best rewards credit card, or even a box of cereal.

I like to be informed before buying things, but…

Product websites are biased!

For almost any product or service you’ll find at least five competitors pitching the same thing, “We make the best widgets!”?

critical thinker

But they can’t all be the best, so it’s up to us to be skeptical and cut through the hype.  Which means.…

  • Scouring reviews (and filtering out the b.s.)
  • Analyzing lists of features
  • Trying to compare “apples to apples” between different pricing plans

I take a cynical look at every new tool and service.  I want to make sure I’m getting the best product at a good value.  And if it’s useful to other entrepreneurs, I’ll often share my analysis on this website, like my experience searching for a digital PR agency.

Why take MY advice?

For over 20 years, I’ve advised executives at Fortune 500 companies, launched SaaS software products, and managed a business consulting and software development firm.

I’ve always been in the start-up world bootstrapping and scaling companies.  But it’s usually been on a tight budget and I’ve had to be selectively frugal when picking out tools.

I’ve developed an eye for hiring freelance talent and evaluating tools for small businesses.

Now I’m the managing partner for Grant Spark, a new kind of digital agency with a dual mission to help entrepreneurs scale their business and socially conscious organizations make a positive impact.

Grant Spark logo

So why…Don’t Do It Yourself?

Years ago, entrepreneurs had to do everything themselves or hire a full-time IT guy, accountant, HR, and more.

hiring freelancersFortunately, small businesses can now find freelance experts and online tools to accomplish almost anything.  You can focus on your core business and outsource the rest.

But where do you start?  That’s where I can help.

If you want a freelancer, I’ve outlined the best places to find them and created guides on how to interview and hire.

But if you need a serious, marketing or software development partner, my agency can help.  We specialize in growth marketing, SEO strategy, affiliate marketing, and course marketing.

Meet Our Team
image
Ashlea Hernandez
WRITER - TESTER
Ashlea is a writer, editor, and AI tester based out of Tallahassee, FL. Testing new technology and tools for entrepreneurs and showing folks how to use the tech is her expertise.
View Articles
image
Claire Fountain
WRITER - TESTER
Claire is seasoned writer, marketer, and business analyst based in Fort Worth, Texas. She’s been a part of the freelancing world for years and knows exactly how to hire and get hired on all the major platforms.
View Articles
image
Rashida Beal
WRITER - TESTER
Rashida is a Milwaukee-based writer, editor, and marketer. With years of experience in the freelance scene, she knows what it takes to succeed. She loves integrating first-hand experience into her writing.
View Articles
image
Stefan Schulz
WRITER
Stefan is a digital marketing expert with diverse experience as a creative consultant and agency director. He serves as the Director of Agency Success at Orpical Group.
View Articles

How to reach me

If you`d like to reach us you can Contact Us here

Press Enquiries:

Please email [email protected]. I typically respond the request within 24 hours.