These days, it’s not unusual to see people running businesses entirely through social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook make it easy to share products, message customers, and even accept payments.
So if that’s possible, is a website still necessary?
This is something a lot of new entrepreneurs are thinking about. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some key reasons many businesses still choose to build a website – whether it’s on day one or further down the road.
Let’s take a look at why.
You Don’t Need a Website to Start—but You’ll Probably Want One to Grow
If you’re just testing an idea or selling casually, starting on social media makes sense. It’s quick and free, and it gives you a way to interact with customers directly.
But as your business grows – or even if you just want to appear more established – you’ll probably reach a point where social media alone starts to feel limited.
That’s where a website can really help.
What a Website Adds That Socials Don’t
Here are a few reasons people still build websites, even in 2025:
✔ It Builds Credibility
When someone hears about your business, one of the first things they’ll do is look you up. Having a website makes it easier for people to find you and gives them confidence that your business is real and established.
✔ You Control the Experience
Unlike social platforms, your website is fully yours. You can decide how it looks, what it says, and how visitors interact with it – without worrying about algorithms or changing rules.
✔ It’s Easier to Be Found on Google
A well-structured website gives you the chance to show up in search results for the things you sell. That kind of visibility can bring in customers who are looking for your product or service – whether or not they follow you on social media.
✔ It Centralizes Your Brand
If you’re active on multiple platforms, your website becomes the place where everything comes together – your story, your products, your contact info, customer reviews, and more.
✔ It’s Easier to Scale
As your business grows, your website can grow with it. You might start with a simple page and eventually add a full online store, blog, booking system, or custom features. You don’t have to switch platforms or start over – you just build on what you’ve already created. Well, you don’t have to switch platforms if you use a scalable and flexible website builder like UltimateWB :-)
What Does It Cost to Build a Website?
There’s a wide range of options depending on how much you want to do yourself. With UltimateWB, many people build their site on their own with no coding required. Others hire help to handle the setup or design. We do offer web design packages at UltimateWB, including SEO.
Whether you’re starting with a landing page or a full site, it doesn’t have to be expensive. The important thing is having something that looks clean, works well on all devices, and represents your business professionally.
When Should You Add a Website?
If you’re just getting started, you might not need one right away. But if any of these apply, it’s probably time:
- You’re regularly getting questions about your business
- People ask where they can learn more or buy from you
- You want to start showing up in Google searches
- You’re trying to appear more credible to customers, partners, or press
Even something simple can go a long way. A clear homepage, a short “About” section, and a way to get in touch is often enough to start.
Final Thoughts
You can start a business without a website – but if you want to build trust, grow beyond your immediate circle, or create something long-lasting, having one is worth it.
Your website doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. But it should exist.
When you’re ready to build something that’s fully yours, UltimateWB gives you the tools to create a professional site – whether you want full customization or just a fast and simple setup.
Thinking about launching your website?
Explore UltimateWB versions and see which one fits where your business is right now. You can upgrade when needed.
Let us know – how important has your website been to your business? Did you start with one, or add it later? We’d love to hear your story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are some common mistakes when launching a website for the first time?
A: Common mistakes include overcomplicating the design, neglecting mobile optimization, ignoring SEO basics, and not having clear calls to action. Starting simple with a clean design focused on your customers’ needs usually works best.
You want a responsive website – so that it will automatically reformat based on a user’s device size. UltimateWB makes this easy with the built-in Responsive app.
Q: How can I make sure my website ranks well on Google?
A: Focus on relevant keywords in your content, have clear site structure with proper headings, make sure you have fast-loading pages, and create valuable content that answers your audience’s questions. Regular updates and quality backlinks also help boost rankings.
Q: Should I invest in professional help for my website or do it myself?
A: It depends on your budget, skills, and goals. UltimateWB makes it easy to build your own site with no coding, but hiring a professional can save time and ensure a polished look if you want to focus on other parts of your business.
Check out what’s included in our UltimateWB web design packages.
Q: How important is website speed and mobile responsiveness?
A: Very important. Slow-loading sites frustrate visitors and can hurt your Google rankings. With more people browsing on mobile devices, having a responsive, fast site is essential to keep users engaged.
UltimateWB makes it easy to have a fast-loading website without caching or CDN’s – we’ve got clean, sleek coding and avoid the bloat.
Q: What features should a small business website have in 2025?
A: At minimum, your website should include a clear homepage, product or service descriptions, contact information, and an easy way for visitors to take action (buy, book, contact). Adding testimonials, FAQs, and a blog can build trust and improve SEO.
Ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.
Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.