If you're an independent artist working to build your career, you already know how important public relations (PR) can be.
Getting press coverage, interviews, playlist features, and reviews can massively boost your visibility, credibility, and opportunities.

But here's the big question:
Should you DIY your PR, or hire a professional publicist to help?

The truth is — there’s a time and place for both.
Let’s walk through how to decide which approach is right for you right now.

🛠️ When It Makes Sense to DIY Your PR

DIY PR can be incredibly effective — especially early in your career when budgets are tight and you're still building your story.

Here’s when doing your own PR makes sense:

✅ You’re Just Getting Started

If you don't yet have much media coverage, a large fanbase, or a major project ready to push, DIYing your PR can help you learn the ropes without spending thousands of dollars.

At this stage, small wins — like getting featured on a local blog, a niche playlist, or a small podcast — are meaningful.

✅ You Have Time and Energy to Commit

PR is a lot of work:

Researching outlets
Writing pitches
Following up
Managing press relationships

If you’re willing to put in a few hours each week to pitch yourself, you can build real momentum.

✅ You’re Building Relationships

DIY pitching lets you personally connect with writers, bloggers, and playlist curators.
Those relationships can help you long-term — even once you do hire a publicist later on.

✅ You’re Focused on Specific Goals

If your goals are manageable — like getting a few blog write-ups, securing some local press, or getting mentioned in indie music communities — you can absolutely DIY it successfully.

💼 When It’s Time to Hire a Publicist

Hiring a professional PR team can take your career to the next level — but it’s an investment.
Here’s when hiring a publicist makes more sense:

✅ You Have a Major Release or Milestone Coming

If you’re launching a full album, going on tour, landing a sync placement, or hitting a career milestone, it’s smart to bring in a publicist.
You’ll want bigger media attention than you can usually get on your own.

A professional publicist knows how to position your story, craft pitches that resonate with journalists, and access gatekeepers you might not reach DIY.

✅ You’re Ready to Build Industry Credibility

If you’re applying for showcases, pitching for sync, trying to get verified on social media, or looking to get booked at bigger venues, you’ll need strong third-party validation — meaning press articles, interviews, and features.

Publicists specialize in building that visible credibility that makes people take your career more seriously.

✅ You’re Too Busy (Or Burnt Out) to Do It Yourself

Between songwriting, recording, performing, and managing your business, sometimes DIYing PR just isn’t realistic.
If PR tasks keep falling to the bottom of your to-do list, it’s a good sign it’s time to hire help.

✅ You Have a Budget Set Aside

Good PR isn’t cheap — and it usually doesn’t deliver "overnight" results.
Make sure you have a dedicated budget set aside that you’re comfortable investing without expecting instant ROI.

PR builds momentum over months, not days.

🤔 DIY vs. Hiring PR: Quick Checklist

Simple way to read this:

More ✅ in the "DIY" column? Handle your PR yourself for now!
More ✅ in the "Hire" column? It’s probably time to bring in a publicist.

🎯 Final Recommendation

If you’re early in your career or building toward a major project, start DIYing your PR.

You’ll learn valuable skills.
You’ll save money.
And you’ll build your first media relationships yourself.

When you’re preparing for a bigger moment — an album, a tour, a major launch — and you have a real budget to invest, that’s when hiring a professional publicist makes the most sense.

Remember:
You are not “failing” if you DIY.
You are not “lazy” if you hire help.
You’re just choosing the right tool for where you are in your journey. 🎶

DIY PR Works — Until It Doesn’t: When to Bring in a Publicist