It’s 2025. Does My Business Still Need a Website?
A Website Is An Absolute Necessity
For the past 10…15…20 years, the answer to the question, “Does my business need a website?” was a convincing “YES!” But with the continued rise and adoption of social media, all-in-one e-commerce platforms, and high-ranking third-party business listings, business owners might be wondering if a dedicated website is still necessary. While robust marketing tools are now available on a variety of social media and e-commerce platforms, having a dedicated business website remains an absolute necessity. Continue reading below to learn why!
1. Ownership and Control
Social media platforms and third-party services are terrific digital marketing tools for visibility and brand recognition, but they are ultimately controlled by external companies. In the blink of an eye, algorithm changes, policy shifts, or even account suspensions can impact your business’s online presence. On the other hand, your business’s website is a digital asset that you own and control.
2. Credibility and Professionalism
A nicely-designed website instantly establishes trust with your customers. While customers are aware and often comfortable with brands’ social media profiles, that social media content is only meant to supplement the content that is available on a business’s website. A custom domain, clear messaging, and a professional user experience reinforce legitimacy and authority.
3. Search Engine Visibility
Google, as well as other search engines, remains the primary method people discover businesses. A website that is optimized for search engines enables potential customers to find your business when they are actively searching for products or services that you offer. Without a website, your business would miss out on valuable and critical organic search traffic.
4. Digital Marketing Hub
Your website is the central hub for all of your digital marketing efforts. Social media, email marketing, pay-per-click ads – they all ultimately point back to your website. By utilizing your website as a digital marketing hub, you will have complete control over branding, messaging, and conversion strategies.
5. Customization and Functionality
Unlike social media platforms, a dedicated website provides an environment for complete customization. Advanced features like ecommerce, online booking, and interactive content can enhance customer experience in ways that social media and third-party services often can’t match.
6. Future-Proofing Your Business
Digital marketing trends shift rapidly. Relying solely on third-party platforms puts you at risk of losing business if those platforms change or decline (*cough* Twitter *cough*). A dedicated website ensures that you always have a stable online presence.
The Bottom Line
So yes…your business absolutely still does need a website. While social media and other tools play crucial roles in digital marketing, those items should complement – not replace – your website.
If your current website is outdated or underperforming, now is the time to refresh it and ensure it aligns with modern best practices. Whether you’re looking to improve your current website or have a new site built from scratch, Torx can lend a hand! Let’s chat about how we can help your business thrive in 2025 and beyond. Give us a call at 804-577-8679, or fill out the short form toward the bottom of this page.
About the author:
Christopher Rhines
Partner, Director of Development
Christopher is the Director of Development and one of the partners at Torx. In addition to keeping Torx's Richmond office firing on all cylinders, he can often be found deep in the trenches, building custom content management systems and WordPress-powered websites. He still remembers how to write Basic computer programs on Apple IIs and Commodore 64s.