Do I Still Need a Website in 2020?

Last week, we saw how an update to the way Instagram counts likes will change the game for marketers, most likely in a negative way.

I concluded with a plea: Don’t put all of your eggs in the basket of a social media site or some other external platform. Rather, build a strong home base full of your content.

That home base will usually be in the form of your own website—ground you control.

In recent days, though, I’ve seen advice floating around that argues for the contrary. Perhaps a Facebook page, a heavily trafficked YouTube channel, or a seriously active Twitter account is enough to propel your brand or business forward into the new decade?

Are websites a thing of the past?

Hardly.

This is seriously flawed advice, for at least three reasons:

1. You own the website. I briefly mentioned this above, but it’s a significant point. When you build a website, you own it. You own the domain name, the space on the hosting server, the content on the site, etc. For as long as you pay for those services, you make the rules.
2. You control the experience. Again, everything is marketing. The user experience your prospects and customers have is vital to maintaining a healthy, positive public persona. Frankly, it looks cheap to depend on a social media site as your commanding presence.
3. Customers need your website. On multiple levels, actually. They expect to be able to find you online. They also want to “know, like, and trust” you, and in order to do that, they will need to see that you really know your stuff by plumbing the depths of the resources you make available.

I like what Belle from Creative Resauce has to say:

Your website is there for potential customers any time they want a question answered or a desire to buy your product or service. They can act as your business’s personal concierge, always there to answer questions and lead people in the right direction.

Why would you not want that experience?

Your website is almost acting like a full-time employee, constantly creating new opportunities for business, funneling new leads into your email list, and giving your prospects great value in their decision-making process.

You need this.

But maybe you’re intimidated by the idea of setting one up. I get that. I’m intimidated by the thought of cutting my own hair, so I pay someone to do it for me! 😀

Of course, I would be happy to get on a call with you and discuss what a successful website project might look like for your business, whether you’re starting new or are just due for a redesign.

Me and my team would love to help! Just shoot me an email and we can have a quick conversation.

To your success!

— Steve