Do I Need a Website? What Kind of Online Presence Does a Solopreneur Need?
Do you really need a full-blown website to launch your solopreneur journey? Not always.
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So, you’re starting your solo business and staring at a blank browser window wondering, “Do I need a website?”
Short answer?
Not always.
Long answer?
Let’s talk about it.
In today’s digital world, having an online presence is non-negotiable but that doesn’t mean you need to spend weeks (or thousands of dollars) building a full-scale website.
Sometimes, a landing page, a Notion doc, or a link-in-bio tool is more than enough to get you started.
Let’s break down the options based on your business type, goals, and budget so you can start smart and scale when it makes sense.
✅ When a Website Is Worth It
Some business models just need a professional, structured website.
If you fall into one of these categories, it’s worth investing the time and effort.
B2B Consultant / Corporate Trainer
Website Needed? Yes
Why: Your clients are often other businesses. They expect polish, clear service offerings, testimonials, and case studies. A proper website shows you’re credible and serious.
Link-in-bio too weak for this niche.
Community Builder
Website Needed? Recommended
Best Option: Mighty Networks, Circle, or Skool
Why: Communities thrive when there’s a clear mission, benefits list, and membership info, all of which are hard to fit in a bio link. A structured online hub helps you grow sustainably.
Freelancer / Service Provider
Website Needed? Recommended
Alt Option: Notion portfolio or Linktree with sample work
Why: Showcasing past work is essential. Even a simple portfolio builds trust, saves time on calls, and filters better leads.
🤔 When a Website Is Optional But Helpful
For these solopreneur types, a website isn’t a must-have at launch—but it could definitely help with credibility and conversions.
Coach / Consultant
Website Needed? Helpful, but not required
Best Combo: Link-in-bio + Calendly + Testimonials page
Why: People need to trust you before they book a session. Even a simple setup can show you’re legit and make it easy to connect.
Course Creator
Website Needed? Not yet
Best Option: Start with ConvertKit, Podia, or a standalone sales page
Why: If you only have one course or offer, a website is overkill. Focus on selling, not designing pages.
🙅♂️ When a Website Is Not Needed
Here’s where you can save yourself a lot of time and money.
Digital Product Creator
Website Needed? Not always
Best Option: Landing page via Carrd, Gumroad, or Lemon Squeezy. I personally stick to Gumroad.
Why: Keep it simple. If you’re selling one product or download, a fancy website isn’t necessary. A solid sales page does the trick.
Content Creator (YouTube, Threads, TikTok, etc.)
Website Needed? Nope
Best Option: Link-in-bio tool (Typedream, Linktree, Beacons)
Why: You’re directing attention, not building a static site. Focus on engagement and link flows, not site architecture.
Newsletter Writer (Substack, Beehiiv, etc.)
Website Needed? Nope
Best Option: Substack or Beehiiv does it all. Landing page, blog, email list
Why: These platforms are mini-websites. Let them do the heavy lifting while you focus on writing and growing your list.
Affiliate Marketer / Curator
Website Needed? Not immediately.
Best Option: Link-in-bio tools with tracking links
Why: You’re chasing clicks and conversions, not trying to build a personal brand just yet. Speed is your friend.
TL;DR — What’s Best for You?
Pro Tips for Choosing Your Online Home
If you’re still unsure where to start, here are a few quick rules of thumb:
1. Start Simple
If you’re launching a new offer or validating an idea, start with a single landing page. Use tools like:
2. Show Social Proof
No matter what you use, include:
Testimonials or reviews
Past work or case studies
Clear CTAs (calls-to-action)
3. Upgrade When It Hurts
Once your calendar’s full or you’re juggling multiple offers, then it might be time for a proper site with multiple pages, blogs, SEO, automation etc.
Tools to Build Without a Website
You don’t need to hire a developer or spend $$$ just to get started. Try these no-code options:
Here’s a FREE download for a Notion Product Landing Page Template.
Conclusion
You don’t need a website to start, you just need to start.
Focus on what matters most:
Explaining your offer
Showing credibility
Making it easy for people to take action
A clean, simple online home (even if it’s just a link-in-bio) can help you build trust, close sales, and grow your business without all the stress of building a site from scratch.
So the real question isn’t “Do I need a website?”
It’s “What’s the simplest setup I can use to win trust and sell today?”
Still stuck?
Feel free to drop your business type below and I’ll help you choose the best tool for your online presence.
No BS, just what works.
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." - Mark Twain
Interesting Substack Posts I Read This Week:
Google's Answer to Understand Anything: NotebookLM by
andHow Spiritual Leaders Are Using AI + ChatGPT Prompts by
The Simple Framework Behind Every Profitable Business by
You Must Monetize the Things You Love by
How to automate importing Substack subscribers into Kit through Gmail by
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Anfernee
Epic breakdown of so many great options!
Love the TLDR, so helpful. Thanks for the mention!