Every years people ask: Are websites still necessary?
With the rise of apps, social platforms, voice assistants and now AI chatbots it is easy to wonder if traditional websites are becoming obsolete.. Despite people saying that websites are dying websites continue to play a big role in how we share information and deliver services.
So do you still need a website in 2026?
The honest answer is: it depends on what you're trying to do.
The Web Is Not Dead. It Is Changing
When smartphones and apps became popular many people thought websites would disappear. Then came voice interfaces. Now we have AI-driven conversations and large language models.
But people still:
* Visit stores
* Read articles and long content
* Watch videos
* Research products and services
* Check business hours
* Compare options before making decisions
Even AI systems mostly rely on web content as their main source of information. While the way we access information may change the information often still lives on websites.
The web has not disappeared. It has changed.
AI as a Way In, Not a Replacement
AI chat interfaces are tools for exploring. They help users:
* Get summaries
* Understand new topics
* Learn words
* Find starting points
After that initial discovery users often go to websites for deeper reading, validation and action.
Chat-based interaction is useful. It is not always the same. The same question can get answers. A website on the hand offers structured consistent information that you fully control.
For publishing referenceable content to a broad audience websites are still effective.
Ownership
One of the strongest arguments for having a website is control.
On your site you can:
* Decide how content is presented
* Choose what gets featured
* Control navigation and user journeys
* Make money however you prefer
* Offer tools, services or interactive experiences
Social platforms are great for getting your content there and being seen.. They have rules and systems that you do not control. Your reach, visibility and even access to your audience depend on things you do not control.
A website is like your home base.
When You Might Not Need a Website
There are businesses that only operate on social platforms or app ecosystems.
Some mobile games for example rely heavily on paid advertising and app store visibility. They may not have a website beyond basic legal information. Their way of getting to customers does not require search or long content.
Similarly in places businesses work well through:
* Social media business pages
* Messaging groups
* Platform-based shops
If your audience is already on a platform and that platform has all the tools you need a separate website might not be necessary.
When a Website Makes Sense
A website is especially valuable if:
* You Offer Services
* You Publish Long Content
* You Care About Data Control
* You Want a Stable Home Base
A designed secure website can increase credibility. It shows professionalism and long-term commitment.
However a built website can do the opposite. In some cases a managed social presence may feel more trustworthy, than an outdated or insecure site.
