Do I really need a website in 2026?

Absolutely.

Despite the rise of social media, AI, and online marketplaces, a website remains the foundation of your online presence in 2026. It's the only digital property you fully own and control. 97% of consumers search online before making a local purchase, and businesses without websites lose credibility instantly. Your website also serves as the hub for all marketing efforts - SEO, paid ads, social media, and email all drive traffic back to your site. With AI-powered search evolving, having structured, authoritative website content is more important than ever for appearing in AI-generated answers and search results.