Are you wondering if a website is really necessary when running a business?

Image credit

When it comes to running a business, there’s a lot you’re juggling. You have to think about the overall branding of your business and whether or not you might need to do a rebrand. There’s the budgeting, the marketing, the ease of getting customers, and the list, which could keep going on and on. 

So, there are a lot of things that all business owners can come together to agree on, but surprisingly enough, there are more than enough disagreements, too! Actually, one of them would have to be business websites. Yes, seriously, you read that right!

While sure, having a website can boost credibility and make it easier for customers to find information. At the same time, there’s the opinion that managing a website can be expensive, complicated, and sometimes feels like a job on its own. There is a lot of truth to that, though; it’s not nearly as easy as those YouTube ads make it out to be. So, is it really necessary to have one? Well, there’s no real yes or no answer to it; it just depends. So, let’s dive into the pros and cons to find out.

Why Some Businesses Thrive Without a Website

For starters, with today’s digital platforms, many businesses manage just fine without a dedicated website. For example, platforms like Etsy, Instagram, or even LinkedIn allow businesses to showcase their services, sell products, and connect with customers directly. These platforms come with built-in traffic, giving businesses access to an audience they might not reach through a standalone website. Plus, they handle a lot of the backend work, like payment processing, customer messaging, and even marketing support, making it far easier to manage.

But what about those that don’t have an online presence? Well, that’s fine, too, because local businesses, too, often skip the website. With a Google My Business profile and social media, customers can still find addresses, phone numbers, business hours, and even reviews. You’ll most see this with retail and restaurants specifically. So, these two examples alone are great proof.

There’s the Credibility Factor

Even in a social media-driven world, a website can be a strong asset for credibility. It’s strange to say, but it’s absolutely true. Just think of it this way: potential customers often look for a website as a sign of professionalism, right? However, a well-designed site shows that a business is established, serious, and invested in delivering a quality experience. 

Seriously, just think about it: when people search for a service and find only social media links, they might question whether the business is legitimate. Nowadays, there are a lot of fake businesses out there, and a white helps to prove authenticity.

But there are Challenges to Managing a Website

While a website is great for credibility, the reality is that it can be complicated and costly. Have you ever designed a website? Do you have the money to pay someone? Both options are pricey! 

Then there are so many questions you’ll need to ask yourself, such as “Should the layout be minimalistic or packed with information? Should the color scheme reflect the brand or aim to look as universally appealing as possible?” And that’s a lot, right? Plus, there’s mobile compatibility cyber security, and this list could probably go on forever!

But Can You Sell Online Without a Website?

So, it was already mentioned earlier, but yes, you can sell whatever it is your business is selling, and no, you don’t necessarily need a website either. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok offer shopping features where businesses can list products directly. 

Customers can browse and make purchases without ever leaving the platform. Some payment platforms even allow businesses to accept online payments without a website, so customers can pay quickly and securely without needing to go through a site. But overall, there are plenty of options!

This approach makes it easier to get started without the upfront cost and hassle of building a website. Plus, even for those who have service-based businesses, you can even look into using platforms like Calendly for booking or payment solutions that don’t require a website, which can streamline the process and make online sales as smooth as possible.

Now, as you can see, there are perks and ways to make it work if you don’t want to use a website, right? However, third-party platforms have more control, such as algorithms, rules, and even account suspensions, which are outside a business’s control, and any updates to these platforms can impact how a business reaches customers. That lack of control alone can be a turnoff.