Jan 9, 2026
A question almost every coach or service provider asks at some point:
“Do I really need a website, or can I just use Instagram?”
And honestly?
It’s a valid question.
Instagram is easier.
It’s where your clients already are.
You can post, DM, share stories, and book calls without ever touching a website.
But here’s the part most coaches don’t realize:
Instagram creates awareness, not trust. Your website creates understanding, not reach.
Both matter — but for completely different reasons.
Let’s break this down simply.
Instagram helps people find you (awareness)
Instagram is built for:
discovery
visibility
bite-sized content
quick connection
personality
community
“getting seen”
This is why it works so well for early-stage coaches.
But Instagram has limits:
nobody scrolls your profile to deeply understand your work
your “offers” slide disappears in 24 hours
your pinned posts aren’t enough context
people DM you for the same questions
your content is consumed, not explored
people can’t see your structure, process, or depth
you can’t build a client experience from Instagram alone
You can absolutely get clients from Instagram.
But Instagram rarely creates the clarity needed to convert at higher levels.
Your website helps people trust you (conversion)
This is the part Instagram can’t replace.
People go to a website when they’re:
genuinely interested
trying to understand what you do
comparing you to someone else
considering investing in support
looking for proof
wanting clear next steps
Your website is where your work becomes real for them.
A strong coaching website communicates:
what you do
who it’s for
why it matters
the structure of your work
your process
your voice
your proof
your next step
Instagram shows the “front stage.”
Your website shows the “behind-the-scenes clarity” that actually leads to paid clients.
If you need help with this, check out the Website Foundations Service.
The real problem: Most coaches think they need a website too early—or too late
Here’s the honest truth I’ve seen while working with coaches:
Some build a website before they’re clear on their offers.
Some avoid a website for years, even while raising prices.
Some rely only on Instagram and wonder why inquiries are inconsistent.
Some build a site once and never update it again.
The right time to build your website is when:
You know who you help
You can describe your work simply
You have at least one strong offer
You want to create more trust, not just visibility
You’re tired of repeating the same things in DMs
You want a smooth client experience
A website is not something you build for “aesthetics.”
It’s something you build for clarity.
Get my Website Clarity Checklist if you need help understanding whether you’re ready.
What a website does that Instagram can’t
Let’s keep it grounded.
1. It organizes your offers clearly
Instagram can’t give someone a structured understanding of your services.
Your website can.
2. It shows your process
People need to see how you work before they book a call.
3. It builds credibility
Testimonials, case studies, client results — all in one place.
4. It creates a professional presence
Your website acts as your digital home — polished, grounded, intentional.
5. It holds people’s attention
Instagram keeps pushing people away from your content.
Your website keeps them focused.
6. It improves your client experience
Good websites reduce DM overwhelm and admin time.
If your website doesn’t reflect this, l offer custom support tailored to your needs. Get on a free call to find out more.
But here’s the nuance most people miss…
You don’t need a huge website.
You don’t need ten pages.
You don’t need complex funnels.
You need:
a clean homepage
a simple about page
a clear services page
one well-framed CTA
a minimal contact flow
That’s it.
Anything beyond this is optional.
Both Instagram AND your website are helpful — they just serve different parts of the client journey.
Instagram → initial interest
Website → clarity & conversion
Client experience → retention & referrals
So… do you need a website?
If you are actively selling coaching, then yes — at some point.
Not because it’s trendy, not because everyone has one, and not because you “should.”
But because:
people can’t understand your work from Instagram alone
clarity leads to better clients
trust increases conversion
structure supports your business
your website builds your credibility quietly, in the background
If you want help building a website designed for clarity, flow, and aligned clients, explore the Website Foundations Service.