Which Is the Best Way to Set Up Your HighLevel Marketing System? Do It Yourself, Done With You, or Done For You?

When setting up HighLevel for your business, you have three main options: Do It Yourself (DIY), Done With You (DWY), or Done For You (DFY). But which approach is the best? That depends on your budget, technical ability, and how fast you want results.

Let’s break down each method so you can decide which is the right fit for your business.

Option 1: Do It Yourself (DIY) – The Hands-On Approach

If you like to be in control and don’t mind getting stuck into the details, the DIY approach might suit you. This involves setting up HighLevel yourself by following guides, watching tutorials, and troubleshooting as you go.

Pros:

✅ Cost-effective – The cheapest option because you’re not paying for external help.
✅ Full control – You know exactly how everything works.
✅ Flexible – You can tweak and optimise your system over time.

Cons:

❌ Time-consuming – Learning HighLevel from scratch takes time.
❌ Risk of mistakes – Without expert guidance, you might set things up inefficiently.
❌ Slower results – You’ll spend time figuring things out rather than generating leads.

Best for:

✔️ Startups and solopreneurs who have more time than money.
✔️ Tech-savvy marketers comfortable with automation tools.

Julian’s Tip:

There are loads of resources online – just do a Google Search. Also, check out the series of free, live workshops that we run at MarketerM8 for those thinking about HighLevel and those already using in. Live Online Workshops menu.

Option 2: Done With You (DWY) – A Guided Setup

DWY is a hybrid approach where you work with an expert to set up your HighLevel system while learning how to use it. This typically includes strategy sessions, implementation help, and training.

Pros:

✅ Faster implementation – You get expert input from day one.
✅ Hands-on learning – You’re involved in the process, so you gain skills.
✅ Customised setup – Your system is built around your business needs.

Cons:

❌ More expensive than DIY – You’re paying for expert time.
❌ Still requires effort – You need to dedicate time to learn and implement.

Best for:

✔️ Business owners who want a structured setup but still want control.
✔️ Teams who need training to manage HighLevel effectively.

Julian’s Tip:

Have to ever heard of Alex Hormozi? This is exactly how he implements a new technology / skill. It must work as he is now worth over $100M!! Check out what he as to say, in this instance he his talking about learning how to advertise. Watch here.

Option 3a: Done For You Service (DFY) – Hands-Free Setup

With the DFY option, an expert (or agency) sets up a beskpoke HighLevel for you, from automations and funnels to email sequences and integrations.

Pros:

✅ Fast setup – Your system is up and running quickly.
✅ Expert-level execution – Everything is built optimally from the start.
✅ No learning curve – You focus on running your business, not learning software.

Cons:

❌ Most expensive option – You’re paying for a complete setup.
❌ Less control – You’ll rely on someone else for changes and updates.
❌ Knowledge gap – If you don’t get proper training, you may struggle to manage it later.

Best for:

✔️ Businesses that want HighLevel running ASAP with minimal involvement.
✔️ Those with a budget who prefer to outsource rather than DIY.

Option 3b: Done For You (DFY) Niche Specific “System in a Box” – Hands-Free Setup

With the niche specific “system in a Box” a HighLevel agency with expertise in your area of business has created a HighLevel “Snapshot” that is tailored to your industry. For example you see these for dentists, accountants etc. It is the full plug and play, one size fits all solution.

Pros:

✅ Fastest setup – Your system is up and running very quickly.
✅ Cost – They can be low cost – but not always. Can cost £300+ per month and over time this adds up.
✅ Niche expert-level execution – Everything is built specific for your industry by an agency with expertise in that niche.
✅ No learning curve – You focus on following the prescribed system to run your business, not learning software.

Cons:

❌ Black Box – You shoe-horn your business into the pre build system. Very difficult to customise later
❌ Less control – You’ll rely on someone else for changes and updates, if indeed they offer this option.
❌ Does not grow and adapt – Over time your buiness eveloves. This system will not. It will break or become redundant. Eventually you will either cancel HighLevel or revert to one of the other options – 1,2 or 3a.

Best for:

✔️ Businesses starting out that want a quick, low cost, “plug and play” system and can shoe horn the business into the one size fits all solution.

Julian’s Tip:

Be sure there is support AFTER in initial set up for training,  updates, fixing bugs and make tweaks specific to your business. Be sure the know the costs for this

So, Which Is the Best Option?

The right choice depends on your situation:

• If you have more time than money → DIY.
• If you want to learn but need expert guidance → DWY.
• If you want results fast and are happy to outsource → DFY.

If you’re serious about getting HighLevel working for your business but don’t want to waste time on trial and error, a Done With You service is often the best balance. You get expert guidance without losing control of your system.

Want to see how this works in practice?

Book a Discovery Call with Julian and he can help you to map out the best approach for your business. Check out Julians Highevel agency – MarketerM8