Do you need a website if you have an Instagram page?

One of the sentences I hear most often when talking to small business owners is this: "We have Instagram, we don't need a site for now." And for some businesses that's true. For a hairdresser everyone in the neighbourhood knows, or a tradesperson whose customers always come by recommendation, Instagram may be enough.

But at some point, this happens. Someone hears your business's name and types it into Google. What do they see? Usually a map listing, a few reviews and, at the very bottom, your Instagram account. To get into Instagram they have to open the app, and maybe log in. The phone number is in the bio, prices are asked by message, and the address is inside a story.

A site answers the questions people ask

A website's job is actually very simple. It gathers in one place the things people want to know before they message you. What you do, where you are, how to get there, what you've done before. Even a one-page site that answers these four questions seriously cuts down the "how much is it, where are you" messages that come in during the day.

Instagram isn't yours

Some people find this a bit harsh, but that's how it is. The account can be closed, the algorithm can change, your posts might not reach your followers. A website, on the other hand, sits on your own domain. The address written on your business card, your sign and your invoices stays the same for years.

It doesn't have to be a big project

When people hear "website", they think of expensive projects that take months. For a small business, this is often all you need:

• An intro that explains what you do in one sentence
• Sample work with a few good photos
• One-tap call and WhatsApp links
• A map and opening hours

What matters is that the site opens quickly on a phone and can be updated. When a price or your opening hours change, you should be able to change it yourself without having to get hold of someone. I update the projects and posts on this site myself from a small panel too.

Let it work together with Instagram

A site doesn't replace Instagram. Instagram is where people discover you, the site is where they make up their minds. The link in your bio should go to the site, and the link on the site should go to Instagram. The two complement each other.

If you're thinking about a simple, fast site for your business that you can update yourself, you can take a look at my projects or get in touch.