Do You Really Need a Website in 2025?

One warm summer afternoon, I was chatting with a friend who works as a local tourist guide. He asked me, “Would I really need a website when my Facebook page handles bookings, sales, and everything else?” In his case, putting effort into launching, promoting, and ranking a website didn’t make much sense—many people find their niche services directly through Facebook. But his situation isn’t the norm for everyone. Let’s dive into why having a website is still valuable in 2025 and when it might not be worth the effort.

Here are some scenarios where having your own website is worth considering.

Avoid Algorithm Dependence with a Website

Social media algorithms decide who sees your content and when. I’ve seen people spend years building their audience, only to have a single algorithm update slash their reach overnight. That’s why having your own website is more important than ever. Sure, social media is still key, but relying on just one platform is risky. With a website, you’re in control—no sudden changes, no surprises—just a stable place to connect with your audience, no matter what happens elsewhere.

If Brand and Trust Matter, You Need a Website

A website gives you full control over how your brand looks and feels—no platform rules, no shared layouts, just your unique identity. It’s a space where everything reflects you, from the visuals to the messaging. This control builds trust. A dedicated website signals professionalism and credibility, showing customers you’re serious. It stands out in a world where social media profiles feel temporary, making your brand memorable and reliable.

For Advanced Features, Create Your Website

Social platforms can’t handle complex tools like booking systems or custom e-commerce. But with your own site, you can create seamless, tailored experiences. It also puts you in full control of customer data—secure, compliant, and free from platform restrictions. Combine this with social interactions, and you get the perfect mix of accessibility and reliability.

For Long-Term Reach, Optimize with a Website

Search engines, like social media, run on algorithms—but they’re much more predictable. With good SEO, your website can keep bringing in steady traffic for years. As AI-powered search becomes more common, having a website matters even more. You can optimize it to show up when people are actively searching for what you offer—something social platforms just can’t do. Without a website, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities to reach your audience.

Not Everyone Can Be Reached on Social Media

While social platforms are popular, they don’t cover everyone. Some audiences—like older generations, B2B clients, or niche markets—prefer finding information through search engines or direct website visits. A website ensures you’re accessible to those who might not engage on social media, broadening your reach and making your business more inclusive.

Not Everyone Lives on Social Media

It might come as a surprise, but not everyone spends their time on Instagram or TikTok. Some audiences—like older generations or B2B clients—still prefer using search engines or visiting websites directly. Having a website ensures you’re reachable to those who aren’t active on social media, helping you connect with a wider range of people.

Alright, but when does it actually make sense to skip having a website? Here are a few situations where going without one might work just fine.

When Social Media Does the Job

If your audience is active on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, and your content thrives there, you can skip having a website. For influencers or creators relying on platform-specific tools like short videos or viral trends, social media alone can often meet their needs. In these cases, focusing entirely on social can save time and resources while keeping your audience engaged.

When Local, Offline Focus Makes a Website Optional

If your business serves a local audience, like a cafe or barbershop, a website might not be necessary. A Google Business profile and active social presence can cover everything—hours, location, and reviews—without extra effort. For purely offline businesses, local SEO and word-of-mouth are often enough to stay connected with your community.

When Short-Term Projects Don’t Need a Website

For one-time events, temporary campaigns, or short-lived projects, a website might not be worth the effort. Social media, landing pages, or event platforms like Eventbrite can handle everything from promotion to engagement without the need for a full website. If your project has a clear end date and doesn’t require long-term visibility, investing in a website could be overkill. Instead, focus on tools that are quick to set up and easy to manage for the duration of the project.

When Time or Budget is Limited

If you're just starting out and don’t have the time or budget for a full-fledged website, focusing on social media or simpler online tools can be a smart move. In the early stages, you can build your brand and customer base on platforms that are easy to set up and maintain. This allows you to focus on what matters most—growing your business—without the added complexity of building and managing a website. However, as your business succeeds and grows, you'll quickly reach a point where a website becomes essential. With Framer or other no-code tools, you can easily spin up a website without a hefty investment.