Your reputation is directly linked to how you present yourself online. While it's tempting to rely solely on social media, creating a website to tell your business’s story solves a number of issues that we will explore together.

Never has it been easier to create a website. The platforms available today make it simple and accessible, both financially and skill-wise, almost democratizing this technology.

Creating a website, buying a domain (.com, .org, etc.), hosting (the server where your site is stored), and accessing a CMS (Content Management System) platform can even be free with certain limitations. Some platforms that offer this include Canva, Website.com, Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, Webflow, and WordPress. Prices range from $0 to $50 per month, including the domain and hosting.

This article isn't intended to guide you step-by-step through the website creation process— the platforms mentioned above do an excellent job at that. Instead, let's explore two key problems your business website can solve.

The statement “If you don't have a website, you don't exist” is an exaggeration, but it does contain a kernel of truth.

Your business’s credibility can suffer significantly in the eyes of new clients if they have to sift through social media, Google Maps, or other platforms for basic information about you. A website is the digital equivalent of a physical location where you can welcome visitors. It shows that you “exist,” that you can afford a site, and that you care about the experience people have when they interact with your brand. Imagine having a complex purchasing process— informing clients through a social media post from 17 months ago is not a solution. They will likely choose a business with even a basic website over one without any.

A Website Reduces Your Business's Dependence on Social Media

The business model of social networks is simple: capture and sell user attention to businesses willing to pay for it. Their primary goal is to keep users on the network as long as possible to see more ads. Businesses, in turn, share all their contact information, locations, menus, prices, and catalogs directly on social media to be as close to the customer as possible. In the short term, this offers significant exposure at a low cost, but in the long term, it teaches users they can find everything they need about you on social media.

Your business doesn’t need social media users; it needs customers with whom it can transact and build relationships. However, because social media owns the attention, you are merely renting it, not creating long-term relationships. This reasoning extends to marketplaces like eBay, which are more than willing to “rent” you customers while taking a commission for the transaction.

By controlling a communication channel like a website, you have the opportunity to attract, interact with, and delight your own audience, eliminating the disadvantages of social media and marketplaces.

Conclusion

A website is not mandatory for success, but it is a vital tool for strengthening your online reputation. Becoming a brand imprinted in collective consciousness is not achieved by mere presence on social media or just having a website, but by the ability to capture and maintain an audience’s attention.

A tool is only useful if used for its intended purpose.

What to Do Before Creating a Website:

1. Outline a list of features it should have and the impact they would have on your business.

2. Explore the platforms mentioned at the beginning of the article to find the one that best serves your needs.

3. If time is your most precious resource, consider hiring a freelancer or agency for consultation.