“Do we even need a website when we've got all this social media stuff?” - Client Question

Introduction:

Once in a while, someone throws a curveball question at you that's so simple yet so serious that it actually makes you stop and think. That happened to me recently when a client, with a curious tilt of the head, wondered aloud, "Do we even need a website when we've got all this social media stuff?"

At first, I didn't know whether to laugh or launch into a lecture. But then, it made me think. With the multitude of social media platforms, countless apps, and the digital world advancing at lightning speed, it's a relevant question.

As someone who's usually more at home stringing sentences together behind a screen than speaking off the cuff, I've taken the liberty to draft a much punchier response to that query. I want to preface this by stating that if you are purely a content creator for funny cat videos, then sure, you may not need a website right now. But at some point, you may want to teach other people how you do it. And hey, even if that's your jam, who wants to be glued to their phone 24/7 answering every curious cat lover's DMs?

So, let's dive into why your website is still the MVP in your online playbook, even in the crowded world of social media.

Websites are 24/7

Are you available 24/7? Even if you didn't need sleep, would you really want to be? Whether your audience is in PJs scouring the web at 2 am (or 2 pm, no judgment here) or sipping a mid-morning coffee, your website is ready and waiting to greet them. It's your always-on ambassador in the digital world, ensuring you can capture potential leads and conversions at any time.

Credibility is Queen

Imagine you're looking for a new place to dine out or a service provider to fix that thingamajig you've been neglecting. What's the first thing you do? If you're like me (and most of the planet), you'll Google it. And here's where it gets real—if a business doesn't have a website, it's like they don't exist. A sleek, professional website is today's business card, storefront, and first handshake all rolled into one. It's where credibility is built. After all, would you trust a business that doesn't have an online presence?

Your Story, Your Way

Websites offer a unique space to tell your brand's story in full. This isn't just about selling a product or service; it's about establishing an emotional connection with your visitors and it's where you can share your journey, your ethos, and why you do what you do.

Social media snippets are fine for quick tidbits, but your website is where you can really create a narrative that resonates. And unlike social media channels, where your message might get lost in the noise and distraction of daily life going on around people, your website is your own little corner of the internet—a place you control and where your brand can shine uninterrupted.

The World at Your Fingertips

Your website can cross oceans, languages, and time zones without breaking a sweat. It's your passport to the global marketplace. Why limit yourself whether you're a boutique business or have ambitions of global domination? An online presence means your next client could be from just down the street or a sun-drenched beach halfway across the world.

You have control

All right, this one is important. On platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (and let's not forget LinkedIn!) you're playing by their rules, which we know can change faster than fashion trends (we're still waiting for fast fashion to die into obsolescence!). Algorithms shift, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow.

But your website? That's your kingdom, where you set the rules. You dictate how your brand is presented, from the website design to the content you publish. No unforeseen algorithm changes can take your audience away from you overnight.

Let's Finish with SEO

Ah, SEO, that supposed magical acronym that makes your website discoverable to people actively seeking your services or products. It's part of the solution for sure, and by optimising your website for search engines, you're putting up a flashing neon sign on the internet highway, directing traffic your way.

As far as we know anyway. While Google's stated mission is to 'organise the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful,' they are still wielding a level of power, but one we can't do anything about.

Say Yes to the Website

So, websites remain indispensable in establishing a strong online presence, even in an era where social media is royalty (or at least the court jester). Social media increases visibility and engagement, while your website is the cornerstone of your online presence, providing a platform to showcase your brand and communicate your message to your target audience.

A well-designed website can quickly establish credibility and trust with potential customers and provide vital information about your business, such as your products and services, pricing, location, and contact details, making it easier for your customers to find and do business with you.

In an age where attention spans are short, and competition is fierce, your website remains a steady, reliable force that holds your digital presence together and helps you stand out from the crowd.

Here's a resource to help you get started with your website copy

Write your own website copy checklist:

Here is a quick checklist to get you started with your website copy.

• Define your main offer or unique selling proposition (USP)

• Clearly define your target audience and what you want them to do

• Choose a writing style dependent on your audience such as conversational, like if you were telling a story to a friend

• Outline your 3-5 key messages

• Map out Home Page content structure

• Lead with a powerful headline or purpose statement 'above the fold'

• Use data to back up claims or ideas - make sure to cite all sources

• Social proof - gather testimonials

• Have a strong call to action and or give your audience something to walk away with.

• Start planning your blog topics by identifying what resonates with your audience.