Even if it's a static site without a blog, a personal website is a must if you regularly seek business online or are a professional who promotes themselves individually in any way.
It adds trust, shows you're genuine and not just a random drifter.
OK, you question's a bit broad, but if you;re asking if you, as a business or consultant, need a website, then yes. Whether you like it or not, people look thing sup online when searching for a product or service, and you'll miss all those prospects without a website. And if they already know about you but want to learn more and then can;t find a website to check you out? Agree with the necessity of a webpage or not, but a large percentage of those looking for you will move on if they can't find anything on you.
If someone wants to make an online presence, then social media websites are more than enough. If you mean every business should have a website, I would say yes. Whatever is your business, you can still hold a business based website
Yes a website is very important. It showcases who you are.
We recommend setting up your website on a wordpress platform.
Many people turn up their nose when I tell them that because the immediately think their website will look like a blog.
That is not the case. You can make your wordpress site look very sophisticated.
I think the biggest mistake people make when setting up their website is that they hire someone to do a HTML site and then the owner of the site has no way to add content.
Think of it this way if you went back to a store and everything was always the same would you continue to visit?
It is the same with your website. You want to make it exciting by continually adding new information. It is very easy to do that with a wordpress site.
for a company yes its a must but as an individual Linkedin / facebook will just do right.
When I first got started in social media some 6 years ago, I was told that I needed to start a blog. After I was told what that even was, and still not knowing why, I went ahead and did it. Looking back, it was the best advice I had received and might still be the best business advice that I have ever received.
So, if you are in business, and want to be able to demonstrate your expertise and be found, I believe that a blog/website is an absolute must. My background is B2B sales and not enough salespeople recognize this need and they are losing revenues because of it.
Great question and thanks for letting me chip in!
Website is a must if you consider that these days it is expected from your clients or customers unless they have no cell phone and no computer they use themselves. What your Webpresence is expected to do is somewhat flexible. A little usability testing can go a long ways here.
Using a website as a profile is a good idea. Whether every person needs one would depend on the individual's situation.
These days, web site is like a business card. If you have or run a business, you need a web site. You can have your profile in many web sites like LinkedIn, Mosaic, Xing, ..... but have a web site of your own if different. I personally when see someone give me a link to a social network and a free email address on yahoo or gmail, I don't take them seriously.
I agree with Dana. Especially when you are a web designer (I took a look at your profile). You control your own page and it gives you an opportunity to showcase your work. You should also have a blog and connect your web page to it. This lets you keep your content fresh and provides a platform to post on social media and drive more traffic to your site.
I'm going to go against the tide here and say yes, everyone these days should have a website.
I don't know if its a must. Depends on the line of work you are in. I know every successful people who don't have webpages. But their line of work doesn't require them to have them.
For that fact I know some people who run businesses with awful webpages who may be better off without the page to be honest.
It comes down to your motives, intention and execution. If you find that you need or want one, make sure you do it well.
Haroon,
That depends upon your objectives and the type of business. Many of the profiles available on LinkedIn, Mosaic, etc. don't offer all of the functionality that you would need to effectively setup two-way communication with your desired audience.
There are a lot of easy to use tools touting web site solutions (Wix, etc.) but they are really just electronic brochures with limited functionality. Ideally you'll have a web presence where you can build a list and capture some reasonable bits of information. A web site should allow you to deliver content to your audience such as an ebook or report and the capability to automatically follow up with your list members. The latter is functionality that is available through an email management system integrated in a web site.
Lastly, think of the web site is the center of your virtual universe with systems like Facebook, Twitter, Mosaic, etc. being the planets surrounding your sun. They all have unique purposes and show different facets of who you are and how you relate to the public.
--Best of luck,
Larry
Mr. Rasheed,
A website is never a must for every person from what I see. However, a website with the right elements and roadmap to get to where the browser wants to makes it easier to "Pull" followers, vendors, customers, investors, associates and the likes to develop a balanced network.
As a profile, each person has something on their media platform (social and professional) and having the relevant information in their profile is in itself a huge opportunity from what I see. MosaicHUB is one of those platforms where the inputs to achieving success is clearly posted and transparent to everyone and in particular for the member to set goals and achieve them. For example one clearly knows how far he is away from the next badge and what specifically needs to get done to qualify for the progressive milestone of achievement. I find that as a rare feature and makes MosaicHUB for me very interesting, value added and worthy for my customers.
Lastly a profile for an individual in general is critical when they are on the lookout for business and/or career success. If not, a retired professional looking to play golf and socialize is not really going to benefit from the infrastructural costs associated with updating and maintaining a website unless they are planning on a business revenue, whereas a younger professional would certainly stand to benefit significantly over the course of months, years and decades.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Shree
My 2 cents.... Comes back to what are you trying to accomplish...
1. Are you a blogger? Yes, a wp website would be a must have. Can't have your readers not knowing who you are. Good to relate to you.
2. Student? Not really. Unless you are the creative type. FB would do.
3. Self employed business? Yes, this is your business card. Linkedin is good but you should have your own portal
4. Sales? Depends. Sales that are done 1:1 and in person don't really need one. Linkedin would do it while you focus on the business. Online sales? Maybe.
etc....
If you are a student, a website can be very useful based on what you are trying to do regardless of whether it is creative or not. You can upload your work, videos, and other materials that you wish for business associates, potential employers to view so that they can get an update on your work. Internships and information on other opportunities can be designed into it to showcase it the way you wish to and even change if you feel it is necessary and you have complete control over it.
There is a possibility that one can get away with not having a website - landing page, infogram action page, blog, etc. if you already have a some kind of customer base but at some point, people are going to ask to see something about you and your business. it is just like having a business card, only on the internet.
it also provides that more in depth platform that you may not be able to relay in that elevator speech of sales meetings.
Just to clarify - Yes, you need your own website.