The concept of online presence started with the humble email account, which was very effective when it was introduced and still continues to be. Despite the growth of social media channels and the ways we use and access the Internet, a website remains an essential tool for maintaining and growing your online presence.

Whether you're a company, a group of professionals, or even individuals seeking to build their own brand, a website, particularly one that's mobile-friendly, is still very much needed.

Here are four reasons why the answer is "yes, you need a website."

1. Impression and Brand Credibility

If you have a company that sells products or services, you will have to market it. Even though you might have long-standing clients and you do not need much marketing, a website acts as the first point of contact for anyone who wants to know about your company. A well-designed website will show that you are professional, and will create an impression that you provide high-quality products or services, to the visitors. In addition, having a few testimonials from your clients on your website will give you a great way of establishing the credibility of your brand.

2. Refreshing Your Visitors Database

You can try to understand the type of people who visit your website and use it to improve your business. For example, imagine that you offer services to companies of a certain size. But you receive a few applications from smaller businesses, requesting your services. If the number of these requests is substantial, and if you are still ignoring them, you are letting go of a good business prospect. The aforementioned is only a generic example of how a website can help you to get an insight into what people are looking for, and how you can improve your offerings to suit their needs.

3. Increased Online Visibility

As mentioned earlier, a website can be optimized for search engines and when someone performs a search of your company or brand’s name, your website will appear. A website can also be linked with your blog where you provide comprehensive insights into the current market trends in the niche you belong to and provide some valuable information to the users. This information will be shared by the visitors on social media channels if they like the information that your share.

4. Control Over Your Company or Brand Story

There is a certain school of thought that says it is better to have social media profiles on the plethora of social media channels than having a website. Social media channels work based on what users are looking for. So, there will be constant changes made, based on user feedback. You do not have any control over it, as you are just a free user. But with your website, you can choose the way in which you portray your brand or company. You have the freedom to use any measures necessary to make an impact on the minds of the visitors.