My Own Website! Do You Need a Website for Your Online Business?
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today’s question: do you need a website for your online business?
Lots of grown-ups think you MUST have one before you start. Nope! You don’t always need one. But a website can be a really great choice. Let’s see why!
One home is enough
Remember the three kinds of homes? Marketplace, website or social store. One is enough to start. For lots of grown-ups, one stays enough forever!
And “setting up” just means opening it. Posting comes later.
What a website gives you
A website is your very own space on the internet. YOU decide everything! How it looks, how it’s organized, and what it says.
It helps people trust you. Customers often think you’re more serious when you have your own website.
Nobody can take it away. If a marketplace changes its rules, or an app stops being popular, your website stays right where it is!
When a website is the right home
Websites are also great if people search for answers in your niche. A blog can bring them to you for years!
The jobs that come with it
Here’s what beginners often don’t hear. More freedom means more jobs!
- Rules pages. On your own website, you take care of the rules pages yourself. Like terms and conditions, a privacy policy and cookie messages. On a marketplace, lots of that is done for you.
- Taking payments. If you sell directly, you set up a way to get paid, usually with something like Stripe or PayPal. Most website builders make it easy, but it’s still your job.
- Bringing ALL the visitors. This is the biggest one! There’s no mall full of buyers. Bringing people is 100% your job. And that’s the step you keep doing forever. Without it, your website is invisible!
How much does it cost?
Way less than lots of people think! Some website builders have free plans. A website name usually costs a small fee, once or every year. You can start with very little money. You’d be surprised!
Don’t pay for fancy themes, extra add-ons and monthly tools before anybody knows you. That just makes you worried, and you rarely need them at the start. Start simple, bring visitors yourself, and make it better later.
Start with a marketplace, add a website later?
Yes! Lots of grown-ups do exactly that. They test their idea on a marketplace, learn what customers want, and build a website when it’s worth the extra work. Some keep both!
Tips for a first website
Keep it small: a home page, a page for your offer, an about page and your rules pages. Say clearly what you offer and who it’s for. And make sure it works on phones!
Add an email signup too. That list becomes one of your best ways to bring visitors back.
And your website doesn’t need your photo or your life story. Lots of great websites are all about products, guides and a clear brand.
What’s next?
The next article is about the third kind of home: social media and social stores. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you decide? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What does a website give me that a marketplace doesn’t?
You’re the boss of everything, and you can show up in search engines.
What kinds of businesses fit a website?
A simple shop, a blog with affiliate links, or an online shop for real things.
What’s the catch?
All the jobs are yours: rules pages, payments, and bringing every visitor.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Why does bringing visitors matter so much?
Because a website with no visitors is invisible!
Can I switch from a marketplace to a website later?
Yes! Or keep both.
Where can I get help if I don’t have much money?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
