Do I need a website?

There is a common misconception that every business needs a website. Some businesses simply don’t need one.

Which businesses don’t need a website?

Many businesses or professionals operate in a market that largely works through referrals. For example, doctors or electricians in some countries work based on word of mouth, or construction companies that may work with engineers to get more business.

However, if money isn’t a concern, having a well-built website does not hurt most businesses, assuming the website does not misrepresent the business or try to deceive potential customers, and that it is truly well-built, because a poor site can hurt more than it helps. A good website can also improve a business’ credibility or serve as a gallery.

Which businesses benefit from a website?

Apart from the obvious e-commerce businesses, many other businesses benefit from having a website.

A restaurant targeting non-locals or a gym wanting an edge over their competitors may benefit from a website. Or a business that wants to share information without needing customers to visit its physical location or scroll through its social media posts.

Many smaller businesses use social media platforms as a replacement for websites. They generally work differently. A Facebook page or Instagram account is meant for social engagement, through comments or more casual posts while a website is often for more structured and important information. By “Important” information, I mean information related to the business, its credibility, and essential information. A celebrity shouting your business out goes on your social media platform, you winning an award goes both on your social media platforms and your website.

This isn’t to say that a website is more important than a social media account, because social media accounts can be much more important than a website. But you wouldn't skip having an Instagram account because you have a Facebook page, so (if you can afford it) why skip having a website just because you have social media accounts?

And also, some businesses want to own the medium through which their content flows. To avoid being targeted by an obscure, vague policy in someone else’s platform. Many businesses don’t want to be completely silenced, “cancelled”, over some misunderstanding. The idea of having more control is very comforting for some businesses.