When to hire experts vs build it yourself with Zapier, Make, or Power Automate
When to hire experts vs build it yourself with Zapier, Make, or Power Automate
Last Updated: January 2026
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No-code tools like Zapier, Make (Integromat), and Microsoft Power Automate have democratized automation. For many businesses, they're the perfect solution. But they're not for everyone.
This guide helps you decide when DIY makes sense, when you need expert help, and what questions to ask before committing either way.
| Factor | DIY (Zapier/Make) | SG1 Consulting |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Simple trigger→action workflows | Complex multi-step processes |
| Setup time | Hours to days | 30-60 days (pilot) |
| Monthly cost | $20-500/month | One-time project fee |
| Technical skill needed | Low to medium | None (we handle it) |
| Document AI | Limited/none | Full capability |
| Human review steps | Manual setup | Built into every workflow |
| Support | Documentation/forums | Direct expert support |
"When X happens, do Y" workflows. New form submission → add to CRM. New payment → send receipt.
Less than 100 automations per month. Zapier's free tier handles 100 tasks, Make offers 1,000.
Common apps with pre-built connectors: Gmail, Slack, Google Sheets, Mailchimp, common CRMs.
You have someone who enjoys tinkering with tools and can dedicate time to building and maintaining.
Extracting data from invoices, contracts, forms, or emails. This requires AI/ML that no-code tools don't provide.
Multi-step decisions, exceptions handling, approval workflows. "If X and Y but not Z, then..."
Industry-specific software without APIs, desktop applications, or systems with limited integration options.
Your team is fully utilized. Building automation requires dedicated time you don't have.
Financial data, client communications, compliance-sensitive workflows. Errors have real consequences.
Thousands of transactions monthly. DIY tool costs scale linearly; custom solutions offer better economics.
Plan for 10-40 hours to build a moderately complex workflow. Then ongoing maintenance.
Zapier Professional: $750/year. Business: $1,200+/year. Costs grow with usage.
APIs change, apps update, workflows break. Someone needs to fix them.
We use your existing tools
Automation built inside Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or your current CRM. No new platforms to learn.
Human review built in
Every automation includes approval steps. Nothing runs fully autonomous unless you want it to.
Fixed-price pilots
Know exactly what you'll spend upfront. If it doesn't work, you don't scale it.
Knowledge transfer
We train your team to manage and extend automations. You're not locked into ongoing dependency.
Ask yourself these questions:
If you answered "yes" to questions 3, 4, or 5—or "no" to question 2—expert help will likely save you money in the long run.
Book a free 15-minute call. We'll honestly tell you if DIY makes sense for your situation.
Get Free AdviceGet a personalized assessment of automation opportunities in your business. We will identify the highest-ROI processes to automate first.
Start Free AI AnalysisEmail: contact@sg1consulting.com.au
Phone: +61 410 652 449
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