It's one of the most common questions small business owners ask. If your customers already find you on Facebook or Instagram, why spend money on a website too?
It's a fair question, especially for a busy, owner-run business in Kailua, Kona, San Luis Obispo or Bellingham. Here's an honest look at what each one does, and why most businesses do best with both.
The short answer
Yes, for most businesses, a website is still worth having. Social media is a wonderful way to stay in touch with people. A website is the one place online that truly belongs to you.
You don't own your social media page
When you build your presence on social media, you're building on someone else's land. The platform sets the rules, and those rules can change at any time.
- What people see can change. The platform decides who sees your posts, and that can shift without warning.
- Accounts can be locked or lost. Owners sometimes lose access to a page through a hacked account or a mistaken suspension, and getting it back can take a long time.
- Not everyone uses social media. Some of your best customers may not have an account, or may not want to sign in just to check your hours.
Your website is different. You own it, you control it, and it's there for anyone, anytime.
People still search for websites
When someone wants to find a business, many start with a search: "best shave ice near me," "family photographer in San Diego," "boutique hotel in Mendocino." Search results lead people to websites, and a clear, well-made website helps you show up and makes a strong first impression when you do.
A website tells your whole story
Social media is quick and in the moment. Posts scroll past and are soon buried. A website keeps everything in one calm, easy place:
- Your story and what makes you different
- Your best photos, chosen and arranged with care
- Hours, location, prices or menus, and answers to common questions
- A simple way to get in touch, inquire or book
When someone is deciding whether to visit, book or call, this is the information they're looking for.
A website builds trust
A thoughtful website shows that you're established and that you care about the experience you offer. For travelers planning a trip to Hawaiʻi or the California coast from far away, it can be the deciding factor between you and the business down the road.
When social media alone might be enough, for now
If you're just starting out, testing an idea or running a very small side business, a social media page can be a fine first step. Just know that as you grow, a website gives you a home base that doesn't depend on any one platform.
The best approach: both, working together
Think of your website as your home and your social media as your front porch. Social media invites people in and keeps you on their minds. Your website is where they learn everything and take the next step.
The two work best when they match: the same photos, the same voice and the same details, with every social post leading back to your website. If you're wondering whether social media is right for you, read Do I need social media for my small business?
What does a website cost?
Less than many owners expect, and it's a one-time project rather than an ongoing expense. Our guide to how much a website costs walks through the options, and you can see what's included in our website packages.
If you'd like help with your social media too, our monthly Social media add-on pairs with any website package and uses your own photos and stories.
Curious how your current online presence looks to a first-time visitor? Try our free First Look, or start a conversation and tell us about your business.