When I first started my business, I felt like I needed everything—a logo, a custom website, a marketing plan, legal services, an accountant… and maybe a nap. The pressure to have it all figured out (yesterday, if possible) was overwhelming, and I was juggling balls I didn’t even realize I’d picked up. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: while a custom website can be an amazing tool, it’s not what’s going to make or break your business when you’re just starting. Let’s talk about why you don’t need a custom website right away—and what you should focus on in those early stages instead.
The Myth of the “Perfect” Website
When I launched my first business as a Virtual Assistant, I was convinced I needed a polished, professional, custom website to be taken seriously. So I poured hours (and hours) into designing something that looked impressive but barely had traffic. And you know what? It didn’t matter. Clients came because of the connections I built, not because of the pages I spent hours tweaking.
Some of the most successful businesses started with a simple Instagram page or a single page site. Why? Because customers don’t care about bells and whistles; they care about you, your authenticity, the heart behind your business, and how you solve their problems. You don’t need “perfect”—you just need to show up.
Why You Don’t Need a Custom Website Right Away
- Financial Realities
Let’s be real: custom websites can cost thousands of dollars. When you’re in the early stages of your business, your profits are likely in the red, and every penny counts. If there’s any time to run lean in your business, this is the time. It means making choices that help you grow without draining your resources.
Plus that money, if you have it, might be better spent elsewhere—like building your audience, or keeping your favorite coffee shop in business.
- Your Business Will Evolve
If you’re anything like me, your business might pivot once (or ten times). You could invest in a custom website early on only to realize a year or six months later that your branding, services, or even your target audience has shifted. Starting with a simple setup means you’re not locked into something that no longer fits and having to go through and edit your site and copy to fit your current audience and offers.
- Focus on What Truly Matters
Clients won’t remember if your website has a fancy navigation menu or animations—they’ll remember how you made them feel. Save your stressing for your marketing and focus on connecting with your audience and delivering value instead of stressing and focusing on a perfect design.
The Power of Starting Simple
There’s beauty in simplicity. Tools like Showit, Canva, or even just a well thought out Instagram plan can be enough to get you started. You can even grab a website template to get you started at a much lower cost.
I once worked with someone who didn’t even have a website at first—just an Instagram page with a clear bio and highlights showcasing her work, knowledge, and experience. She built a thriving business simply by showing up authentically and consistently.
The truth? Nobody’s going to leave your site because it doesn’t have a custom dropdown menu. They care if you can solve their problem, bring them joy, and make their lives easier.
How to Start Simple
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here’s your permission slip to start small.
Use Instagram as a Mini Website
Utilize Instagram to house the essentials. While I don’t love to preach this, using it just to get started and get your business off the ground can be a great tool. You can essentially use the highlights like what you would put on your website. Create highlights for like:
- About Me
- Services
- Portfolio
- Testimonials
- and so on
You can also use your feed as a blog and portfolio to showcase your work and expertise. It’s an approachable (and free) way to start building your online presence.
Start with a Simple Website
If you’re ready to get a simple website up, Showit is a gamechanger. Showit’s a website builder that’s easy to use. I wrote a whole blog post on Why Showit is the Best Platform for Your Website that you can read here. You can even just start with a single page site – remember there is nothing wrong with starting simple since you can refine later.
The goal is to get something up without overthinking it. Don’t get hung up on the details of having the perfect website so much that you’re avoiding doing the work that actually moves the needle in your business.
When to Invest in a Custom Website
There is a time for a custom website—just not right away. That moment is when you:
- Know your brand inside and out
- Have clarity on your audience and offerings
- Are ready to scale and attract higher-end clients
At this stage is when a custom website becomes a game-changer. It can elevate your brand, reflect the quality of your work, and help you stand out in your industry. By this point, you have a solid foundation and a clear vision for your brand.
A Little Love Note to New Entrepreneurs
Starting a business is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. You might feel like you’re fumbling in the dark, chasing a million “shoulds.” But let me remind you of something: you are your brand’s greatest asset. No website will ever replace the trust and connection you create with your audience.
You don’t need a perfect website to start building something amazing. What you need is your passion, your “why,” and a little faith in the process.
Start Where You Are
So, do you need a custom website right away? Nope. Start small. Stay flexible. Focus on building relationships and refining your craft. Your dream website will come when the time is right.
What’s one thing you’ve been holding back on because you felt like you needed a perfect website first? It’s time to take the first step. And if you’re ready to elevate your online presence, I’m here to help.
Remember, every big dream starts small. You’ve got this, and I’m here cheering for you every step of the way!
