Do you still need a website if you're on Instagram?
Short answerYes. Social media is great for getting attention, but you don't own your followers, posts are hard to find later, and many customers check for a website before they buy. A simple website gives you a place you control, shows up in Google and AI search, and turns interest into bookings, sales or inquiries.
Key takeaways
- You rent your audience on social media. You own your website.
- Customers often check for a website before they trust a business.
- Websites show up in Google and AI answers. Most posts don't.
- A small, simple site is enough to start, and it doesn't have to cost much.
You don't own your followers
Every social platform can change its algorithm, limit your reach or suspend your account overnight. Plenty of businesses have learned this the hard way. Your website, your domain and your email list belong to you. Nobody can switch them off because a policy changed.
People search before they buy
When someone hears about you, they usually search your name, or something like "florist near me" or "freelance copywriter for SaaS". Instagram posts rarely show up for those searches. A website with clear pages for each service does, and it's also what AI assistants like ChatGPT and Perplexity read when they recommend businesses.
A post you wrote last month is hard to find. A page you wrote last year can still bring you customers every week.
A website builds trust
For a lot of people, no website means "maybe not a real business". A clean site with your services, prices or starting prices, reviews and contact details answers that doubt quickly. It's especially true for higher-priced services, where people want to do a bit of homework first.
A website also does things social profiles struggle with: taking bookings, accepting payments, answering detailed questions and explaining exactly what's included.
How social media and a website work together
- Social media gets attention, shows personality and keeps you top of mind.
- Your website answers questions, builds trust and turns interest into action.
- Link them both ways: your bio links to your site, and your site shows off your best posts.
Think of social as the shop window and the website as the shop.
The simplest way to start
You don't need a big, expensive site. For many freelancers and new businesses, three good pages are enough: a homepage, a page about your services or work, and a contact page. That's exactly what our $99 Starter package covers, and it's usually live in one to three days.
Already established and ready for more? A small business website with four to ten pages and SEO copywriting is $299. Not sure what you need? Read what to put on your homepage first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just use Instagram or Facebook as my website?
You can, but you're limited to what the platform allows, you don't own the audience and you'll miss most search traffic. A simple website alongside your profiles is a much safer setup.
What's the cheapest way to get a professional website?
A small, custom site of one to three pages. Ours is $99 one-time. Domain and hosting are separate and usually cost a few dollars a month.
Do websites still matter with AI search?
Yes, arguably more. AI assistants pull information from websites. A clear, well-structured site makes it easier for them to understand and recommend your business.