Do I need a website if I already have Instagram?

Instagram is a great shop window, but it has limits. The question is whether you also need a website, and the answer depends on what you want clients to do.

What Instagram does well

It shows your work, builds a following and lets people get a feel for you. For a barber or nail technician, great photos do most of the selling.

Where Instagram falls short

• It is hard to show prices and opening times clearly.
• Booking happens in messages, which is slow.
• People who are not on Instagram cannot easily find you.
• You do not control the platform. If your account has a problem, your shop window disappears.

The middle option: a booking link

You do not need a full website to fix most of that. A booking link in your bio gives you a simple page with your services, prices, free times and a way to book. It is quick to set up and works on a phone.

When a full website is worth it

• You want to appear when people search Google for your trade in your town.
• You have a lot to explain, such as courses, packages or a team.
• You want to look established to new customers who have never heard of you.

If that is you, a small, well-made website can be worth the money, ideally with a Google Business profile so you show up on the map.

A simple order of priorities

1. Good photos on Instagram.

2. A booking link in your bio.

3. A Google Business profile.

4. A website, when you are ready.

The takeaway

For most solo businesses, Instagram plus a booking link covers the essentials. Bookable is built for step two, and costs £14.99 a month after a free trial.

Keep reading

• Mobile or salon-based? What solo pros should think about
• What to put on your booking page so people actually book
• How nail technicians can price their time properly