You don’t have a website yet and are wondering whether to order one? Read on to find out why you (don’t) need your own site.

Almost every company has a website today, but does every business really need one? Do you need your own?

To find out, answer two key questions:

What purpose will the website serve for you?

Do you feel the need for a website simply because it’s expected? Because everyone has one, so you should too?

Websites aren’t created just to exist on the internet – they serve specific functions that benefit you or your business. Think carefully about what you want to gain from having one.

Here are a few examples that might inspire you while highlighting important considerations:

Do you want potential clients to discover your offer and propose a partnership? If so, your website must present your services in a way that makes potential clients eager to meet with you. Do you have a strategy for achieving that?

Do you want to automate certain business processes – order fulfillment, event registrations, contact data collection from potential clients, etc.? If so, you need to determine which modules your website should include to achieve these goals.

Do you want to establish yourself as an industry expert in the eyes of your clients? Nothing strengthens business relationships like credibility and professionalism. Will you run a blog, write specialized articles, or contribute in other ways? If so, a website will be a valuable tool in building your expertise.

Think deeply about your expectations for your website and document them in a project specification. This will help you determine which elements need to be built and which materials must be prepared.

What purpose will the website serve for your clients?

Do your clients already understand your industry and navigate it effortlessly? Do they know your offerings – your products and services? Do they never need additional support when using your products?

Or… is it the opposite? Do you work in a complex industry, or do you constantly receive calls asking about product prices and other details?

If your website is only for you, you will have to put in a lot of effort to attract visitors. But if it solves your potential clients’ problems, they will come on their own.

Consider what value you can provide to them – something that acts as a magnet, drawing in people interested in the services you offer.

Do you have a clear idea of what your website should do?
Do you know its purpose and the tasks it should accomplish?

If so, create a detailed specification outlining your expectations and start looking for a developer.

But if you don’t yet have a clear vision, consider postponing the decision to launch a website. Every IT project – and not just IT – must have a purpose.

Once development is complete, after launch and some time in operation, you should be able to evaluate whether it was worth it.

If this article makes you reconsider your decision, take a step back and reassess whether now is the right time. If you’re confident – go for it!