In the wake of the pandemic, the global business landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation, marked by a substantial upswing in online selling.
As businesses adapt to the new normal, the shift towards digital platforms has become more pronounced than ever before. However, many individuals hold a common misconception that owning a website is inconvenient due to the associated costs of domain registration, hosting, designing, and maintenance. Consequently, they opt for social media platforms as a seemingly cost-effective shortcut, leveraging free advertising. At Hosting Chilli, we recognize the value of establishing your presence on social media and encourage its use, especially for those planning to sell goods. Nevertheless, relying solely on platforms like Instagram or Facebook for your online store without owning a dedicated website is akin to constructing your business on sand.
Why Your Own Website Matters:
To better understand this, let’s keep it simple. Social media giants, including Instagram and Facebook, exercise full control over user accounts, granting them the power to shut down profiles without prior notice or a reasonable explanation. Imagine you possess exceptional baking skills, and a friend suggests starting an online business selling your delicious creations—a perfect opportunity to pursue your passion, earn money, and be your own boss. Excitedly, you create profiles on Instagram and Facebook, showcasing enticing photos of your products and offering them for sale. The response is overwhelming—orders pour in, users follow you, and rave reviews accumulate. All seems well as you continue relying solely on social media until one day, disaster strikes. Suddenly, you find yourself unable to access your Instagram or Facebook account, and a quick search reveals your profile has vanished.
The Perils of Social Media Dependency:
Panic sets in, and you reach out to Instagram support, waiting anxiously for days or even weeks for a response. Eventually, you receive a generic automated message claiming that you violated their community guidelines, and your account has been suspended. You can attempt to appeal their decision, but success in such cases is often elusive. Unfortunately, without Instagram, Facebook, or any other social media platform, your business ceases to exist.
The Power of Having Your Own Website:
On the other hand, if you had an online shop or a dedicated website showcasing your goods, potential customers would still be able to find you, get in touch, and place orders—even pay online in many cases. A website should not be viewed as a substitute for social media but rather as a complementary tool that works hand in hand with it. While a social media account can help boost sales, increase brand recognition, and serve as an advertising platform, it is crucial to prominently display your website details in the bio section.
Control, Credibility, and Competition:
Having your own website demonstrates that you are serious about your business and instills a sense of professionalism and credibility in the minds of your potential customers. It gives you full control over your online presence, allowing you to customize the design, layout, and content according to your brand image and target audience. Unlike social media platforms, where algorithms and policies constantly change, your website remains a stable and reliable hub for customers to explore your products or services.
Moreover, a website helps you stay ahead of your competitors, whether you are a small home-based business or a larger company. It allows you to differentiate yourself by showcasing unique features, providing detailed product descriptions, and offering a seamless user experience. With a well-designed and user-friendly website, you can captivate visitors, build trust, and convert them into loyal customers.
Contrary to popular belief, creating a professional website doesn’t have to break the bank. Nowadays, there are numerous affordable options available, including hiring a professional web designer at a reasonable price. By outsourcing the technical aspects of website maintenance and updates to a web designer, you can focus your time and energy on growing your business while ensuring that your website remains up-to-date and running smoothly.
In addition, having a website opens up a world of opportunities beyond social media. It allows you to implement various marketing strategies, such as search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing campaigns, and integration with other platforms. You can also collect valuable customer data and insights through website analytics, enabling you to make informed decisions and refine your marketing efforts.
Over the years, Hosting Chilli has successfully assisted numerous clients in establishing their online identities and preventing them from reaching a point of no return. We understand the importance of a strong online presence, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you need assistance with registering a domain name, finding the right hosting solution, designing a visually stunning website, or optimizing it for search engines, Hosting Chilli has the expertise to make your online journey a success.
Don’t let the complexities of building an online presence deter you. Contact Hosting Chilli today, and let us help you create a remarkable online identity that will set you apart from the competition.
Photo by Eaters Collective
