Establishing Your Online Presence: Is a Website Necessary in 2022?
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The Importance of a Website in 2022
Is having a website still relevant in 2022? (Screenshot by author.)
Asking whether you need a website in 2022 can yield different opinions. Personally, I firmly believe that having a website is essential now and in the future for numerous reasons. Here are ten compelling arguments:
- Authority Building: A website can significantly enhance your credibility within a specific niche. However, platforms like Medium.com or Substack.com might outperform a personal site in this regard. My own experience shows that my posts on these platforms often rank higher on Google due to their established authority.
- SEO Benefits: A website is crucial for search engine optimization. For instance, searching for "Donald J. Claxton" incognito reveals that six out of ten links point to my content, with my LinkedIn profile occupying the top spot, followed by my Medium account and donaldjclaxton.com.
- Portfolio and Testimonials: Your website serves as an ideal platform for showcasing your portfolio and collecting testimonials. While some argue that platforms like Gumroad may be more effective for this purpose, combining both options can be beneficial.
- E-commerce Opportunities: If your site includes a store, it provides a dedicated space for sales. That said, platforms such as Shopify and Spring may yield better results for selling merchandise.
- Branding Potential: Your website can be a significant branding tool, although I find that I establish my unique selling proposition across multiple platforms.
- Performance Tracking: A personal site allows for more refined performance measurement. Tools such as Google Site Kit and various plugins can help you analyze results effectively.
- Client Assurance: For freelancers or those selling products, a website is essential for building trust with potential clients.
- Business Growth: A website can facilitate business expansion, showcasing what clients can expect. However, it’s vital to keep the content updated.
- Efficiency: Time spent on your website could be utilized for creating digital products or new designs that could generate quicker returns.
- Professional Image: Using a generic email like [email protected] can appear unprofessional. Setting up a custom email address is straightforward and enhances your credibility.
Now that you understand the importance of a website, what’s next? Should you consider services like GoDaddy?
Avoid GoDaddy for Hosting
Absolutely not! GoDaddy has a reputation for security issues, and I’ve heard numerous stories of accounts being hacked. If a website builder insists on using GoDaddy or Bluehost, it’s a red flag.
Many affiliate marketers are eager to sell you budget packages from these platforms, but it’s essential to be cautious. I’ve personally used Ionos.com since 2008 without encountering any security issues.
One key point to remember: if you purchase a domain from one host and need to transfer it, expect a delay of 5-10 days, which can be cumbersome with GoDaddy.
Elegant Themes: A Strong Recommendation
I highly recommend Elegant Themes for WordPress. I have a lifetime account and appreciate their vast selection of templates.
Choosing the Right Website Builder
The choice is yours, but I advocate for WordPress. Quick-build options may limit your website’s potential, especially if you’re using WordPress.com instead of WordPress.org.
While the initial costs of building a WordPress site might seem high, the long-term benefits are worth it. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace can expedite the process, but I haven’t explored them thoroughly.
The Power of WordPress Plugins
The vast array of plugins available for WordPress can enhance your site, but be cautious as some can slow down load times, which Google considers in its rankings.
Currently, I utilize 18 plugins on my site, and I'm contemplating reducing that number. LightSpeed Cache is one plugin I recommend for improving load speed.
Using ConvertKit for Forms and Landing Pages
After a year with ConvertKit, I’m still undecided. While the form builder is effective, I’ve yet to fully explore their landing page capabilities, which may hinder traffic growth.
Final Thoughts
As of now, I have no affiliate ties with the companies mentioned here, but I’ve applied for affiliate programs with Ionos.com and Elegant Themes due to my extensive positive experiences with them.
If you're serious about making money online, having a website is likely essential in 2022. WordPress is my preferred platform, and I strongly advise against using GoDaddy due to its questionable security.
Finally, consider investing in a custom domain name and an email address associated with it if you're venturing into business. If you need assistance with any of this, feel free to reach out.
Chapter 2: Video Insights
In this video, "Do You Really Need A Voice Over Website In 2022," various perspectives on the necessity of a voice over website are explored, providing valuable insights for those in the industry.
The video titled "Everything you NEED to know before building a website in 2024" covers essential tips and considerations for future web development, making it a must-watch for aspiring website owners.