I still remember the day Instagram crashed for hours. It made me realize why your business needs a website that works for you — because relying only on social media is a risk most entrepreneurs don’t think about.

At first, I thought Instagram going down was just a glitch, but when I refreshed my feed — nothing. No posts, no stories, no messages. It was like all my content had been completely wiped from the internet in an instant.

And I wasn’t the only one panicking.

I saw posts from entrepreneurs scrambling to find out what was happening. Some couldn’t contact clients. Others had no way to generate leads or make sales because their entire business depended on social media.

That’s when it hit me: If social media disappeared tomorrow, would my business survive?

If that question makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Too many business owners rely only on social media to market and sell. But the reality is, social media isn’t a business strategy—it’s just one tool in your toolbox.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• The dangers of relying only on social media to run your business
• The biggest myths that keep entrepreneurs stuck in the “social media trap”
• How to create a website that works for you — so you’re not at the mercy of an algorithm

Your website should be your most powerful business tool — a space you own, control, and optimize for growth. Let’s dive in.

🎧 Prefer to listen? This post is based on Episode 15 of the Waves of Impact Podcast! Click below to tune in!

The Risk of Relying Only on Social Media

Social media is great. It’s an amazing tool for connection, visibility, and growing your brand.

But here’s the problem… Social media is borrowed real estate. Your website is the home you own.

If your entire business is built on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, you’re playing a risky game. This is why your business needs a website — a space you own, control, and optimize for long-term growth.

Here’s why:

❌ You don’t own your audience. If your account gets hacked or banned, you lose everything overnight.

❌ Algorithms control your reach. You might have 10K followers, but only a small percentage actually sees your content.

❌ Trends change constantly. What’s working today might be irrelevant next month.

When Social Media Disappeared… So Did Her Business

A few years ago, I followed a brilliant business coach who had built an engaged audience on Instagram. She showed up daily, made consistent sales from her DMs, and was convinced she didn’t need a website.

Then, one day, Instagram flagged her account for suspicious activity—even though she hadn’t done anything wrong. Her account was completely locked for over a week.

That meant:

• No posting
• No engaging with her audience
• No way to book clients

Her entire income stream disappeared overnight.

When she finally got her account back, she realized she never wanted to rely on one platform again. She set up a website and email list, and within months, she had a system where clients could find her, book her, and buy from her—with or without Instagram.

3 Big Myths That Keep Entrepreneurs Stuck in the “Social Media Trap”

❌ Myth #1: “I Don’t Need a Website—I Get All My Clients from Social Media.”

The Truth: Relying only on social media is risky and limits your growth.

Even if you’re getting clients now, what happens when:

• You get too busy to post every day?
• You go on vacation or take a break?
• Your engagement drops, and suddenly your inquiries slow down?

A well-optimized website attracts leads automatically — without you having to post 24/7. This is exactly why your business needs a website that works in the background to generate leads and sales on autopilot.

✅ Action Step:

• If you don’t have a website yet, start by creating a simple homepage and email opt-in so you can begin growing your audience outside of social media.

❌ Myth #2: “Websites Are Just Digital Business Cards.”

The Truth: Your website should be a sales tool, not just a pretty page.

I’ve worked with so many business owners who had gorgeous websites that weren’t converting. When we checked their analytics, we saw 90% of visitors left without taking action.

The reason?
❌ No clear calls to action
❌ No way for visitors to opt into an email list
❌ No compelling messaging that encouraged conversions

Your website should guide visitors toward the next step—whether that’s booking a call, joining your email list, or making a purchase.

✅ Action Step:

• Go to your website and check your CTA buttons. Is it crystal clear what action visitors should take next? If not, update it today!

❌ Myth #3: “Websites Are Expensive and Hard to Maintain.”

The Truth: You don’t need a $10K custom site to have a high-converting website.

Platforms like Showit, WordPress, and Shopify make it easy to create a professional site without coding. And if you think you don’t have time to build a website, I’ve got you covered.

That’s exactly why I created Website Launch Academy — so you can have a high-converting, lead-generating website without the stress of figuring it all out on your own.

✅ Action Step:

• If your website feels outdated or ineffective, it’s time for a refresh. And if you don’t have one yet? Let’s fix that ASAP!

Final Thoughts: Is Your Website Working for You?

Your website should be your hardest-working team member — not just a place where people “learn about you.”

If your business relies only on social media, you’re building on borrowed ground. It’s time to create a website that works for you — 24/7.

Need help optimizing your website? I’ve got you! Download my FREE Perfect Customer Journey Map — a step-by-step guide to identifying and fixing the gaps in your website so it actually attracts and converts your ideal clients.

💬 Do you have a website, or are you still relying on social media? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram @JessieRichardsDesigns!

Remember — you’ve got this, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Entrepreneurship is messy sometimes, but to succeed and truly reach your goals, you’ve got to be willing to ride the waves!