Do I Need a Website for My Business? Why?

Social media is great for engagement, so do I need a website for my business? Websites offer complete control over your brand, messaging, and user experience. According to recent studies, 84% of consumers believe a business with a website is more credible than one without.

Core Reasons Every Business Should Have a Website

1. Brand Authority: A website is a digital storefront that builds trust, offering customers a direct line to your services, contact information, and brand story.
   • Example: A bakery with an attractive website not only lists its menu but also showcases customer testimonials and baking classes, adding credibility.
2. 24/7 Sales Channel: Websites provide an always-open storefront for e-commerce or lead generation. With e-commerce sales projected to hit $6 trillion globally in 2024, a website can capture sales any time of day.
   • Example: Small retailers have used online booking forms and e-commerce features to grow sales beyond local reach.
3. Compliance & Legal Support: Websites allow businesses to add legal pages such as terms and conditions, privacy policies, and cookie consent banners—helpful for compliance with regulations like GDPR or CCPA.
   • Loan Applications: Lenders often review a business’s online presence. A website shows commitment, making it easier to secure loans or grants.
4. Data Ownership & Insights: Unlike social media, where platforms own the data, websites let you use tools like Google Analytics to gain deeper insights into user behavior, track conversions, and adjust marketing strategies accordingly.
5. SEO Benefits: While social media platforms use algorithms that can limit visibility, search engines account for over 53% of all website traffic. Optimizing a website with relevant keywords boosts organic reach over time.
6. Long-Term Growth: A website is a long-term investment that grows with your business. Unlike social media platforms, which may change or disappear, a website is yours to control.

The Bottom Line

Websites remain a vital component of business strategy. They serve as a central hub that supports branding, compliance, sales, and credibility, complementing social media rather than replacing it.