Website or Instagram? Where to Build Your Online Presence First
If you’re starting a business, personal brand, or creative project, one of the first big decisions is where to focus your online presence. Should you invest in a website or just focus on Instagram?
Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your goals, industry, and how you want to connect with your audience. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each and help you decide which one to prioritize first.
The Case for Starting with a Website
A website is your home base on the internet. It’s the one place where you own your content, control the user experience, and aren’t subject to algorithm changes.
Why You Should Prioritize a Website First
You Own It – Unlike social media platforms, your website belongs to you. You’re not at the mercy of changing algorithms, disappearing reach, or platform shutdowns.
Professionalism & Credibility – Having a website immediately signals that you’re serious about your business or brand. It gives you authority and makes you look more established.
SEO & Discoverability – A well-optimized website can attract visitors from Google and other search engines, helping you get found organically without constantly posting new content.
Better Sales & Conversions – If you’re selling a product or service, your website allows for a seamless buying experience. You can control the sales funnel, making it easier for customers to book or buy.
Portfolio & Branding Control – Your website is a curated representation of your brand. You can design it to fully align with your aesthetic, messaging, and values, rather than being limited to a social media layout.
The Downsides of Starting with a Website
Takes time and investment – A well-designed website requires thoughtful branding, copywriting, and structure, which takes more time than setting up an Instagram page.
Not an instant traffic source – Unlike social media, where you can reach an audience immediately, a website takes time to gain traction.
Best for: Professionals, service-based businesses, personal brands, and creatives who want long-term growth and control over their online presence.
The Case for Starting with Instagram
Instagram is quick, easy, and social. If you’re looking for fast engagement and community-building, it’s an appealing starting point.
Why You Should Prioritize Instagram First
Fast & Free Setup – You can create an Instagram business account in minutes and start connecting with people right away.
Built-In Audience – There are over a billion users on Instagram, meaning you have instant access to potential customers and followers.
Community & Engagement – Instagram thrives on interaction, making it a great place to build relationships with potential clients and collaborators.
Great for Visual Brands – If you’re a designer, artist, or creative, Instagram lets you showcase your work in an engaging, easy-to-browse format.
Easier to Test Ideas – Want to experiment with a new service, product, or brand message? Instagram lets you get immediate feedback before committing to a full website launch.
The Downsides of Starting with Instagram
You Don’t Own It – Your content lives on Instagram’s platform, and if the algorithm changes or your account gets suspended, you could lose everything.
No Long-Term Searchability – Instagram posts disappear in the feed quickly, and your content isn’t easily searchable like a blog or website.
Limited Branding Control – You have to work within Instagram’s format, so your brand is limited to what the platform allows.
Best for: New businesses, personal brands, artists, and entrepreneurs who want to quickly build an audience and test their brand message.
So, Which One Should You Start With?
If You Can, Do Both!
The ideal scenario is to build a website and use Instagram as a marketing tool to drive traffic to it.
Your website serves as your foundation, where people can book services, shop products, or learn about your work. Meanwhile, Instagram helps bring in new leads and build relationships with your audience.
If You Have to Choose One First:
Start with a Website If:
You’re a service provider (designer, coach, consultant, etc.) who needs a professional presence.
You want to be discovered via Google or have control over your branding.
You’re focused on long-term growth and credibility rather than fast engagement.
Start with Instagram If:
You’re an artist, creator, or entrepreneur who thrives on engagement and community.
You want to test your brand messaging and ideas before building a full website.
You need to quickly connect with an audience and grow brand awareness.
Final Thoughts
Both websites and Instagram play a role in building an online presence, but their purposes are different. A website gives you ownership, credibility, and long-term stability, while Instagram offers quick engagement and an easy way to connect with people.
If you’re serious about building a brand, having both is the best strategy—Instagram brings in the audience, and your website converts them into long-term followers, clients, or customers.
Where are you focusing your online presence right now? Let’s chat in the comments!
