Why do you need a website in 2024 when you can build a business on Instagram?
I have been asked the same question twice this week which means you're probably wondering it too:
"Why do I need a website when I can grow my business using social media?"
It's a super valid question and when creating a business account on Instagram is as easy as ever, it's easy to understand why you might think it's not essential anymore for running a business.
In fact, it is super possible to grow your business to a really successful point, without ever having a website.
But here is why I think a website should be a priority for you, even if you've grown your business on social media until now:
1. You could lose your social media account but a website is owned by YOU.
You've probably heard of someone or another who has been hacked, kicked off Instagram or been "shadowbanned" from showing up in people's feeds.
The thing is, all it takes is for someone to report you, Instagram to misinterpret a caption or something to go wrong and your account could be deleted.
And when you don't have a website or email list, you will have essentially lost your business, all your connections and hard work. It would be so much hard work for us to regain that momentum and reconnect with everyone we currently have following us.
A website on the other hand is something YOU own and are in full control of. It won’t be accidentally deleted, you won’t be blocked and all that momentum you’ve built won’t be lost if something were to happen to your social media.
2. You aren't competing for attention or fighting an algorithm
When you are posting on social media, you are competing for attention and you have to play by the algorithm’s rules. Your content could be shown in between a dog meme, a makeup tutorial or even a competitor's piece of content. And if it’s not catchy enough, funny enough, entertaining enough, most people won’t see it anyway.
With a website on the other hand, you are in control of what people are reading, the journey they go on and you're not competing for attention in the mindless scroll.
3. It is a hub of all your offers and information
With a website, you can host all the information about you and your business in one place. There is no need to fit it into a 30 second reel or a few slides on your stories/highlights.
A website makes it easier for people who want to find out more about your services, without having to scroll back or binge 20+ highlights on your profile.
4. It boosts credibility
I think people have been burned too many times from Instagram experts who make wildly big claims and don't deliver, and people are becoming more sceptical as a result.
When people go to Google you, (which they will,) they want to find more than just your Instagram page. They want to see that you have an established business and you can be trusted with their money.
This is especially important when you are asking for a big investment, where building trust is essential.
So there you have it, that's why I think that having a website is super important, even though you can build a business on Instagram.
If building trust, credibility and a better client experience is a priority for you, then definitely take a look at my web design services to see if I could be a good fit for you.
