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Social media has made it easier than ever to start and grow a business. You can post a product, get feedback, sell through DMs, and build a loyal following—all without ever touching a website. But as a freelance web designer and digital marketer, one of the most common questions I hear from small business owners is if a website for growth is really needed:

“Is getting a website still essential for my business, or is social media enough?”

To help answer that, let’s look at this from three different perspectives: someone who believes a website is absolutely necessary, someone who thinks social media is all you need, and someone who sees value in both depending on where you are in your journey.

✅ The Business Owner Who Believes a Website is Essential

If you ask someone who’s built their brand for the long haul, they’ll likely say a website is a must. Why? Because you own it. Unlike Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, your website is yours. No algorithm changes. No unexpected account issues. Just your content, your message, your brand—always accessible.

They’ll also argue that trust is a big deal. Most people still Google a business before they reach out or buy. If they can’t find your website, it could create doubt or signal that your business isn’t established. A well-designed, SEO-friendly website also shows up in search results, brings in leads, and can even automate sales through an online store or booking system.

For this kind of business owner, a website is the foundation—not a nice-to-have.

❌ The Business Owner Who Thinks Social Media is Enough

On the flip side, there are plenty of entrepreneurs doing just fine without a website. They sell products through Instagram stories, take orders through DMs, and build trust through reels, lives, and daily content. For them, social media is their storefront.

They often feel that a website adds complexity or expense that doesn’t match their current needs. If they’re getting consistent sales, growing their audience, and getting feedback directly from followers, they don’t see the urgency to build something more formal.

Their mindset is: if people are already engaging and buying where they are, why change?

🤔 The Neutral Business Owner Who Sees Both Sides

Then there are business owners who take a more balanced view. They see the benefits of having a website—credibility, control, long-term growth—but also understand the value of starting on social media, especially if budget or time is tight.

They might use Instagram or TikTok to test their products and messaging before investing in a website. But they also know that as their brand grows, a website will become more important for showing professionalism, building search visibility, and protecting their audience if something ever happens to their accounts.

For these business owners, the answer isn’t yes or no—it’s when they need a website for growth of their business.

So, What’s the Right Move for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s something to consider:

Social media is borrowed space, meaning your reach depends on platforms you don’t control. In contrast, a website is a long-term investment that builds trust and serves as the central hub for your business. While it’s perfectly fine to start with social media, don’t stop there if you truly want to grow.

If you’re serious about building a brand that lasts, a website is one of the most powerful tools you can add to your business. It’s where your audience can learn about your services, see proof of your work, contact you easily, and even make purchases—all in one place that you own.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been in business a while, ask yourself this: If Instagram or TikTok shut down tomorrow, how would your customers find you?

If the answer makes you nervous, it might be time to consider getting your own space online.

Ready for a website that does more than just look good? Let’s create one that actually brings in more inquiries and sales. I design SEO-friendly websites and e-commerce stores that help small businesses like yours turn visitors into customers.

👉 Contact me here to discuss how a website can help your business grow.