3 reasons why you need a website & why you should build it with Squarespace

TECH

Sep 14

These are big questions for anyone who's seriously putting some effort into a small business. Having an online presence is crucial since a lot of potential clients will Google you before making a purchase to assess whether you're legit and worth it.

Whether you're a solopreneur, a sidepreneur, or a creative individual with a burning passion, a well-crafted website can be the key to success. It's a platform to showcase your work, connect with your audience, and grow your brand. But how do you decide if you need a website? And if you do, why should you consider Squarespace as your go-to platform? Let's explore these questions and dive into the reasons why Squarespace is one of the best choices out there.

Do You Need a Website?

Let's address the fundamental it question: Do you really need a website? The answer, in most cases, is a resounding "full body yes!" and if you don't believe me, ask the 71% of businesses that have a website in 2023 [TopDesignFirms].

If you were to ask me directly, my first question back at you would maybe sound silly but it’s also so important: would it spark joy in you on the daily, to have a website? Given the current state of affairs, I’d say anything that brings us joy and a little something to hang on to our inner fire and calling is fair game. But of course, that’s a very etheric answer, so let's bring this baby down to the ground:

1// Establish Your Online Presence

Having an online presence is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. In fact, 97% of consumers search for local businesses online [Blue Corona]. If potential customers or collaborators can't find you on the internet, you're missing out on a significant chunk of your target audience.

Plus, 28% of business is conducted online [IBISWorld] and your website serves as your digital storefront, open 24/7. It's where people can learn about your passion project, browse your portfolio or what you offer, get in touch with you, and very importantly, checkout. Whether you're an artist, creative, coach, yoga teacher, bodyworker, or consultant, your website is the place to showcase your work and expertise.

2// Build Credibility and Trust

A well-designed website lends credibility to your work and what you're trying to accomplish; so much so that 50% of internet users will form an opinion about your business based only on your website design alone [Google Research]. It demonstrates professionalism and trustworthiness, two qualities that can make all the difference in winning over potential clients or partners.

Think about it: would you trust a service provider or artist more if they had a beautifully designed website with client testimonials or if they only had a social media page? A website offers a centralized hub for showcasing your work, sharing testimonials, and presenting your credentials, helping you build trust with your audience.

3// Control Your Brand Image

Social media platforms are essential for marketing, but they have limitations. On platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you're subject to their rules and algorithms. Your content might get lost in a sea of other posts, and you have limited control over the overall design and functionality. You can also lose it all by getting locked out of your account, getting hacked, shadowbanned, or having it deleted.

With your website, you have complete control over your brand image. You can tailor the design, layout, and content to reflect your unique style and message. This control allows you to create a consistent and memorable brand experience for your visitors.

Now that we've established the importance of having a website, let's explore why Squarespace is the ideal platform for your small business, whether you're sidepreneuring, solopreneuring, or "just testing the waters" if you can afford to.

3 Reasons Why Squarespace Is The Platform You Go For

When it comes to building your website, there are plenty of platforms to choose from, but Squarespace stands out as a top choice, especially with the latest features they've added.

1// Stunning Templates & Responsive Design

Squarespace offers a drag-and-drop editor on top of a stunning selection of professionally designed templates that cater to various industries and styles in case you don't have the budget to hire a designer and want to DIY all the way. Whether you're an artist looking for a portfolio website, a consultant in need of a professional online presence, or a small business owner wanting an e-commerce site, Squarespace has you covered.

These templates are not only visually appealing but also highly customizable. You don't need to be a coding whiz to create a beautiful website. Squarespace's drag-and-drop builder allows you to easily add, edit, and arrange elements on your pages. Plus, responsive design ensures that your site looks fantastic on both desktop and mobile devices--Incredibly important!

Fact: In the US & Canada, 51.2% of web traffic comes from mobile devices [Statista].

2// All-in-One Platform for Simplicity

Running a side hustle or small business is already demanding, and you don't want to get bogged down by the complexities of managing multiple platforms that help you get what you need, especially if getting around tech is not your idea of fun. Squarespace simplifies the process by offering an all-in-one platform that covers design, hosting, domain registration and free SSL certificate, marketing, commerce, and content management—and IMHO, it's the best and most user-friendly CMS out there.

With Squarespace, you won't need to hunt for separate hosting providers, deal with complex server configurations, or worry about software updates or security patches. It's a hassle-free solution that allows you to focus on your zone of genius.

Fact: Squarespace just released its newest add-on feature: courses! It's by far the most customizable course platform in the market, making it a must-have if you want your products and design quality to be 100% on-brand and top-notch. It also provides additional paid add-ons like the Acuity scheduler and simple email marketing.

3// Robust E-commerce Features for Growth

For those looking to sell products or services online and don’t have a large catalog of physical products, Squarespace's e-commerce capabilities are a game-changer. You can set up an online store with ease, showcasing your offerings and processing payments securely.

Squarespace offers features like inventory management, order processing, and integrated payment gateways (including PayPal and Stripe)... And between you and me, if I'm about to checkout and the business doesn't provide PayPal checkout, I won't buy, it's that simple, and it's happened many times. Plus, you can use their marketing tools to promote your products, such as email campaigns and social media integration.

Fact: In 2023, Squarespace ranked as the 4th largest CMS platform and the 2nd largest e-commerce software platform [VPNAlert].

So, if you're looking to establish your online presence, build trust, and control your brand image, then having a website is a must in today's digital market. Can you get away without it? Sure! I know of a few entrepreneurs that self-reportedly are banking it without one... But that is very dependent on the level of pull you have on social media and how well you sell... Well, that kinda has to go for both not having and having one since you do need to drive traffic to your site. But if you're interested in being fully transparent to your audience about who you are, what you do, and what you offer, it's always better to set yourself up with a site that works for your needs.

All of this is a whole lot like “this is just the way it is.” So while we’re at it, why not make the whole thing as aligned as it possibly can be to our visions? So much so that when people land on it, they know it’s your work, your energy, your quantum digital real estate. Wouldn’t that be dreamy?