In today’s online world, many small business owners ask:
Do I really need a website? Isn’t social media enough?
It’s a fair question, especially if you have an active Instagram account, you have loyal followers on Facebook, or your TikTok videos are getting thousands of views. But here’s the truth:
Social media is a great marketing tool, but it should never be your only tool.
Your website is your business’s world headquarters. It’s where you can present your business in your own unique way that will reflect your brand, allow you to show off your products or services, and drive sales or bookings. Social media? Think of it as your satellite offices, or like kiosks in a mall. They help extend your reach, but they’re smaller representations of what you have to offer.
Here’s why having your own website is essential, and why relying solely on social media can be a dangerous gamble.
You Own Your Website. Social Media? Nope!
When you build a website, you’re investing in a digital asset that you own and control. You choose the platform, the domain, the layout, the content, and how you want visitors to interact with your business.
In contrast, social media platforms own everything you post. If they change the algorithm, your reach drops. If your account is flagged or disabled, you could lose access overnight.
Imagine having thousands of followers and suddenly losing access to them. I know several people who have had that happen! Their Facebook and/or Instagram accounts have been shut down by Facebook for unknown reasons. Sometimes they’ve been able to get the account back, but it’s not easy, and it’s not always possible. Starting all over again in cases like this can be a hard blow to a business.
If the platform decides to shut down or you get banned (sometimes for no good reason), you’re stuck.
Imagine investing years into building a beautiful storefront, only to show up for work one day and the locks have been changed. Nobody can get in. That’s what it’s like to rely solely on social media.
Social Media Platforms Can Disappear — and Fast
If you need proof that platforms aren’t guaranteed to stick around, think about TikTok.
As I write this, TikTok is operating under a 75-day extension. If China doesn’t sell off their US assets before the time is up, TikTok may very well be banned in the United States. And with a possible ban, thousands of content creators and small businesses are nervously watching this play out. Many have built their brands exclusively on TikTok. If it disappears, they’ll lose everything: their audience, their content, and their income stream.
This isn’t new. If you’re old enough you might remember MySpace, Vine, or Google+. These were major players in their time, and now they’re gone. If your business had lived only on one of those platforms, it would’ve vanished along with them — unless you also had a website.
A website protects your business from platform-specific risks. Even if TikTok or Instagram goes away tomorrow, your website will still be there 24/7.
Your Website Keeps People Focused
Social media is chaotic by design. Users are constantly scrolling through a fire-hose of content like ads, reels, stories, memes, friends’ posts, and competitors. Even if someone sees your post, they may forget about you in seconds. How many times have you gone onto a social media platform to look at something specific and ended up going down some rabbit hole? It happens to all of us!
Your website offers a different experience. It’s a calm, focused environment, free from distractions. You control the narrative. Visitors can learn about your business, browse your services, read testimonials, and take action, all without a single silly cat video luring them away.
Websites Build Trust and Credibility
A professionally designed website tells your audience:
“I’m serious about my business.”
Whether you’re a dog trainer, pet sitter, event planner, or electrician, customers expect to find you online. Not just on Instagram, but on Google. And if they search your name and find no website? For many, that’s going to be a red flag.
Here’s what a good website communicates:
- You’re established and trustworthy
- You care about your business’s presentation
- You’re easier to contact and learn about
- You’re not going to disappear tomorrow
Plus, a website is where your online reviews, service details, location, hours, and FAQ can live permanently. There’s no need to bury important info in an Instagram caption.
You Can Use Your Website to Grow Your Email List
Unlike social media followers, who can disappear if a platform does, email subscribers are yours to keep. And your website is the best place to collect them.
Offering a lead magnet (like a discount code, checklist, or freebie), is a good way to capture email addresses right from your homepage or blog. Email is still one of the most effective marketing tools, with a much higher engagement and conversion rate than most social media platforms.
If [insert your social media platform of choice] shuts down, you’ll still have your email list, and that’s powerful.
Search Engines Love Websites
If someone in your area types “dog walker near me” or “cat sitter in [your city],” guess what? They’re using Google, not Instagram.
Your social media pages might show up, but websites dominate search results. With good local SEO (Search Engine Optimization), your website can attract new customers 24/7!
Plus, websites with consistent content (like blogs or FAQs) rank higher over time. It’s long-term visibility that social media just can’t compete with.
Social Media Should Direct People To Your Website
Social media shines as a discovery and engagement tool. But it’s not the place to do everything.
The real goal of social media marketing is to direct people back to your website, where they can get more details about what you offer, book a service, purchase a product, or sign up for your newsletter.
Think of it like this:
- TikTok shows your fun personality or product sneak peeks
- Instagram shows behind-the-scenes photos or success stories
- Facebook shares updates and invites people to events
Your website closes the deal.
Final Thoughts: Your Website is Your Online Home Base
Relying solely on social media to run your business is like building your house on someone else’s land. It might be fine for a while, but if the landlord changes the locks, you’re out of luck.
A website gives you:
- Control over your content and branding
- Protection from platform shutdowns or bans
- A professional space to build trust
- A home for your marketing efforts and search traffic
- A way to collect leads, get found, and grow your business
So, if you’ve been putting off building a website, now’s the time. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to be yours.