I’m not sure what your introduction to the internet was, but one of the first sites I remember spending hours on was called StumbleUpon (does anyone remember this?) which had a “Stumble” button that, when pushed, opened a random site. These were the days of browsing the web. Nowadays, it seems like all “browsing” is done on social media. This makes it tempting to focus on social media presence and neglect your website. However, having and maintaining a website is essential if you’re serious about growing your brand and online presence. Here are a few reasons why:
- You don’t own social platforms... but you do own your site: This recent TikTok ban (and prompt reinstatement) had people freaking out. Especially those who relied on TikTok for brand exposure. I watched as people mourned the death of their #1 avenue for marketing. This all goes to show that social media platforms can change overnight. It’s important to have complete control over your content. Worst case scenario, your clients or customers know where to find you!
- A site builds trust and credibility: Think about how you consume content and interact with ads. Realistically, are you interacting with ads that don’t have a legit site? Consumers today expect businesses to have a site. It enhances your credibility, showcases your expertise, and makes it easier for potential customers to learn about your products or services!
- SEO helps people find you: Social media posts can get quickly buried. A well-optimized site ranks on search engines, making it easier for people to find you. You can drive organic traffic to your site, not needing to rely so heavily on social media!
- You can capture leads: A website allows you to do things you can’t do on social media, like collecting information using a contact form. With features like this, you can turn visitors into customers!
Relying solely on social media to build your business is risky! A website provides you with more stability long term. Social media and websites are meant to work in unison, social media meant for engagement and outreach, while your site serves as a central hub- it’s the foundation to your digital presence!
