What is a Website Today And Why They Still Matter
- Matt Kerr
- Aug 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
In today’s digital world, websites have evolved into essential tools for businesses, creators, and individuals.
A website is often the long-term backbone of your digital marketing strategy and your overall online presence—whether you're launching a product, promoting a personal brand, managing an online store, or running a company.
This article explores different types of websites, their role in the user experience, and how they support marketing campaigns. This piece will also cover how websites and social media platforms work together.
What is a Website Today and Are They Still Important?
A website is a collection of web pages and digital content accessed via a web browser. You can host it on a server and build it using code or a website builder like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress.
Websites can be static or dynamic. Static websites have fixed content that does not change. Dynamic websites can update content based on user interactions or backend systems, and some even support real-time updates using tools like JavaScript, APIs, or WebSockets.
In a world filled with social media, newsletters, and platforms like YouTube or Substack, are websites still important? Absolutely.
Here’s Why Websites Still Matter:
Ownership & Control:
Unlike social media, where you depend on changing algorithms, content rules, or account suspensions, a website is completely yours.
You control the design, functionality, calls to action (CTAs), and how user interaction unfolds. Want to run a specific campaign or product launch? You don’t need approval from a third party—just create a landing page or microsite tailored to your goals.
Credibility:
In the eyes of a potential customer, a professional business website signals trust. A well-crafted, visually appealing, and user-friendly site shows you're serious.
Your website is usually the first impression people get of your brand. This is true whether you offer services, share blog posts, or sell products.
Credibility comes from a combination of factors—including professional design, fast load times, consistent branding, security (like HTTPS), and mobile responsiveness.
When it comes to website designing, you should consider layout quality, page speed, branding, and responsiveness across devices.
Modern websites should also meet accessibility standards and data privacy requirements, which help ensure inclusivity and compliance.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Platforms like Google are still the number one go-to search tool. With good search engine optimisation (SEO) and the right keywords, your site can rise in search results and rankings, helping you get more visitors. Unlike social media's brief visibility, SEO offers more long-term visibility than social media, though it still requires regular updates to maintain rankings.
Note: SEO is constantly evolving. Traditionally, SEO aimed to reach the top of search result pages (SERPs). We optimised keywords, backlinks, and technical structure. In today's SEO world (July 2025) AI-generated search results are dynamic and personalised.
Information Hub
Your website acts as the single source of truth for your business or brand. From product details and case studies to email addresses, contact information, FAQs, and service descriptions—it centralises everything. This makes your site easy to use, especially on mobile devices. A clean structure is important for a smooth user experience.
Your site acts as a powerful marketing tool. It keeps all your digital content, offers, and brand assets in one place. Your website also plays a crucial role in your brand reputation.
Lead Generation & Sales
A website is more than just a digital brochure. Whether it's a landing page designed for conversions or a full online store, your website is where sales happen.
Incorporating CTAs, lead forms, and conversion funnels is crucial. They play a vital role in any digital marketing or content plan.
Having a clear call to action (CTA) on every important page helps visitors know what to do next. This includes product pages and contact forms.
Data Collection
Websites allow you to track user behaviour, such as page views, click-through rates, and user journeys. You can discover which calls to action receive clicks and which pages achieve higher click-through rates.
Plus, you can track where visitors leave the site. These insights inform better design, messaging, and marketing campaigns—helping you continually refine your strategy.
Types of Websites: Static vs. Dynamic
Not all websites are created equal. Here are the two primary types to know:
Static Website
A static website displays the same content for every user. Ideal for straightforward needs—think small business websites, portfolios, or service listings.
These sites are lightweight, fast-loading, and often more user friendly, especially when built with simple web designs.
Dynamic Website
A dynamic website updates its content based on user behavior or backend systems. Think e-commerce sites, subscription platforms, or community hubs. With interactive elements and real-time data updates, they offer a richer user experience and deeper user interaction.
Your website should be easy to navigate. It should work well on mobile devices and be compatible with all web browsers.
The Role of Digital Marketing and User Experience
Your website is where your digital marketing strategy truly comes to life. Your site’s structure affects its performance. This includes targeted landing pages for specific campaigns and product showcase pages with calls to action (CTAs).
Launching something new? You can create a microsite just for the product launch—combining immersive content with focused calls to action.
Being flexible on social media is much harder with your choices limited by the rules of each platform.
A great user experience keeps visitors engaged and boosts your click-through rates. Combine this with social proof like testimonials or case studies, and you further strengthen your credibility.
Why Relying Only on Social Media Isn’t Enough
Yes, platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube have taken over some roles websites used to play. Some people even rely on them exclusively.
But here’s the truth: you’re still building your brand on someone else’s land.
You don’t own the platform. You don’t control who sees your content. One algorithm change can drastically reduce your reach.
A website is your digital home—permanent, customisable, and independent. Social media should drive traffic to your website, not replace it.
Final Thoughts
Websites have come a long way, going from simple static pages to advanced dynamic sites. These sites offer advanced features, richer content, and improved user engagement.
In a time when users connect on many platforms, your website is the main hub. A place you own, control, and improve for better visibility and performance.
Your website helps with many things. You can use it for content creation, selling in an online store, or building landing pages for marketing. It can also provide contact information.
Your website supports every part of your brand or business. It’s where you build trust, increase sales, gather useful user data, and boost your search engine rankings with good SEO.
So if you’re thinking of skipping the website and going all-in on social media—don’t. Build both. But make sure your website is the anchor.
