5 Business Tasks You Shouldn’t Be Doing Yourself Anymore (And What to Do Instead)

by | Jul 21, 2025

Running a small business is no small feat. Whether you’re building a brand in the heart of Memphis or managing clients across the Midsouth, there’s a good chance you wear too many hats: CEO, marketing manager, HR department, social media specialist, customer service rep… and probably janitor, too.

We get it. You’re ambitious. You’re capable. You’re resourceful. But let’s be real—trying to do everything yourself isn’t sustainable. In fact, it could be the one thing holding your business back.

That’s why smart business owners have embraced a not-so-secret weapon: strategic outsourcing.

“You can do anything—but not everything.”
 — David Allen

Outsourcing isn’t about giving up control. It’s about getting your time, focus, and energy back so you can scale smarter and lead with clarity. Here are the five most important tasks every small business owner should stop doing solo and start outsourcing today.

1. Local SEO & Digital Marketing

Because being amazing won’t matter if no one can find you.

You might have the best products or services in town, but if you’re not showing up on Google, your ideal customers won’t even know you exist.

That’s where Local SEO and digital marketing come in. This is what helps your business show up in local search results, on Google Maps, and in front of the right people at the right time.

What to Outsource:

    • Google Business Profile optimization
    • Local keyword targeting and content creation
    • On-page SEO (titles, meta tags, site structure)
    • Blog writing and monthly content strategy
    • Review management and reputation building

Pro Tip: SEO isn’t always about more traffic—it’s often about better traffic. Done right, it brings leads who are actively looking for what you offer.

Why You Shouldn’t DIY:

SEO is constantly evolving. What worked last year might hurt you this year. A local marketing team like The Profit Link knows how to navigate the algorithm changes, the local competition, and the nuances of search intent, especially in Memphis and across the Midsouth.

2. Branding & Content Creation

Because your Canva logo isn’t going to cut it anymore.

Your brand is more than a logo. It’s your first impression. Your voice. Your reputation. It’s how customers feel about your business.

When your visuals and messaging are inconsistent, unclear, and forgettable, you’re leaving money on the table.

What to Outsource:

    • Full brand identity (logo, fonts, colors, brand guide)
    • Website copy and design
    • Social media graphics and templates
    • Promotional videos and photography
    • Narrative, voice and storytelling

Pro Tip: According to Forbes, consistent branding across platforms can increase revenue by up to 23%.

Why You Shouldn’t DIY:

Designing your brand on a whim might save time now, but it can cost you in trust and recognition later. A skilled team ensures your brand looks good, sounds right, and feels like you, whether it’s on Instagram or your storefront.

3. Social Media & Social Monitoring

Because memes are fun, but they’re not a marketing plan.

Social media is no longer optional. It’s where your audience learns about you, connects with you, and ultimately decides if they trust you.

But managing a social presence isn’t just about posting—it’s about listening, engaging, responding, analyzing, and adjusting.

What to Outsource:

    • Monthly content calendars and scheduling
    • Graphic and video creation
    • Community management (comments, DMs, reviews)
    • Hashtag strategy and trend research
    • Analytics and performance tracking
    • Social listening for mentions, feedback, and crises

Pro Tip: 24% of people use social media to research products before they buy (Statista).

Why You Shouldn’t DIY:

Keeping up with trends, algorithms, and customer engagement while also running your business is a recipe for burnout. A digital marketing partner like The Profit Link helps you maintain a consistent, compelling presence and prevents costly reputation damage from missed messages or negative reviews.

4. Automated Email Marketing

Because your audience wants to hear from you, even when you’re asleep.

Email marketing might sound old-school, but it’s still the most cost-effective marketing channel available. The key? Automation.

With the right tools and strategy, email can help you nurture leads, re-engage past customers, and drive consistent revenue without you ever having to hit “send.”

What to Outsource:

    • List segmentation and setup
    • Welcome and nurture series
    • Monthly newsletters
    • Promotional drip campaigns
    • Loyalty and referral program emails
    • A/B testing and performance optimization

Pro Tip: Email marketing has a 3,600% ROI, generating $36 for every $1 spent. (HubSpot)

Why You Shouldn’t DIY:

It’s easy to overlook email or send poorly designed blasts that get ignored—or worse, land in spam. Outsourcing ensures your emails are strategic, well-designed, and always on-brand.

5. HR Optimization & Admin Support

Because your cousin’s friend probably shouldn’t be your first hire.

Hiring and managing people is one of the most critical—and complicated—aspects of business. One wrong move can cost you talent, time, or even a lawsuit.

Whether you’re growing a team or just trying to stay compliant, streamlined HR systems can make all the difference.

What to Outsource:

    • Job descriptions and recruitment
    • Onboarding documents and employee handbooks
    • Payroll setup and benefits coordination
    • Time tracking and HR software integration
    • Compliance audits and policy development
    • Performance review systems

Pro Tip: Structured onboarding improves new hire retention by 82%. (BambooHR)

Why You Shouldn’t DIY:

HR is not an area where “winging it” works. A missed compliance detail can result in hefty penalties, while poor onboarding can hurt morale and retention. Outsourcing HR gives you confidence that your business and team are protected.

Why Memphis & Midsouth Small Businesses Should Care

Let’s face it—small business owners in Memphis and across the Midsouth hustle hard. But there’s a big difference between staying busy and building a business that runs efficiently and scales sustainably.

When you outsource the right tasks, you:

⇒  Reclaim your time
⇒  Focus on growth, not grunt work
⇒  Build a more polished, professional brand
⇒  Avoid costly errors
⇒  Sleep better (seriously)

And perhaps most importantly—you rediscover the passion that made you start your business in the first place.

Partner with People Who Get It

At The Profit Link, we work with small businesses just like yours across Memphis and the Midsouth. We’re not just here to “manage your socials” or “tweak your website.” We’re here to take real weight off your shoulders—so you can move faster, smarter, and more confidently.

Our specialties:

⇒  Local SEO & Digital Marketing
⇒  Branding & Content Creation
⇒  Social Media & Reputation Management
⇒  Automated Email Campaigns
⇒  HR Systems & Admin Streamlining

Whether you’re just starting out or preparing to scale, we’re here to be a partner, not just a vendor. It’s time to stop being everything to everyone and start focusing on the things that move your business forward. Strategic outsourcing gives you space to lead, build, and grow with clarity.

So here’s the big question:

Which of these 5 tasks are you still doing that you really shouldn’t be?

Let’s figure that out together.

Call or email us to book your free strategy session with The Profit Link today. We’ll help you prioritize, plan, and put the right systems (and people) in place to finally lighten your load.