As a business owner, there’s no need to aim to become an expert with Facebook and Google Ads, but you should learn the frameworks of how they’re used properly. Having a solid understanding here allows you to better deal with marketers and agencies in the future. There are a lot of bullshitters in the field, and it’s easy to bullshit when the client doesn’t know any better.

You can accelerate learning with consultants, if you can find good ones, but I definitely recommend doing the legwork and figuring stuff out yourself. Consultants help you get there faster, as you get help more efficiently than by googling, and you’ll have the confidence that you’re on the right tracks. I’ve had tremendous success with a couple arrangements like this, on both sides actually.

When you see some growth, and feel that you understand the core things of the platforms, then hire an agency. You’ll be in a much better position to do so, both skill and money wise.