You Don’t Need a Website to Start — But Here’s How to Know When You’re Ready
Today’s blog post is inspired by a friend of mine who reached out about my website templates after getting started with a google doc for the first few months of her coaching business.
When you’re first starting your coaching or wellness business, it’s easy to believe that you need a website right away. It feels like one of those “must-have” things successful entrepreneurs talk about — like business cards or brand photos.
But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you: you don’t need a website to start.
And, in many cases, building one too soon can actually hold you back.
If you’re just getting started, your biggest priority shouldn’t be your logo, your fonts, or your domain name — it should be getting really good at what you do and helping your first clients get real results.
When you focus on refining your craft, building confidence, and learning what your clients actually need, you create the foundation for a sustainable business. During that early stage, a Google Doc with information on your offer, a simple booking link, and word-of-mouth referrals are more than enough.
You don’t need a polished online presence yet — you need experience.
So if you’re still figuring out your niche, testing your offers, or just generally settling into your new style and practice, congratulations — you’re exactly where you need to be. Keep using that Google Doc - DO NOT get distracted by branding or websites or logos or business cards. Don’t do it. :)
But there will come a moment when that setup starts to feel too small.
You’ll start to feel a gap between the quality of your work and the simplicity of your online presence.
And that’s how you’ll know it’s time.
But I know you’re not here for a “you’ll know when you know” lesson, so here’s what I’ll offer after having worked with entrepreneurs, most of them in the health and wellness space on branding, web design and marketing for the past 7+ years. (wow where does the time go!?!) Anyway… I digress…
Signs You are NOT Ready For A Website (Yet)
Let’s normalize this part — because the online business world makes it seem like “getting a website” is step one. It’s not.
You’re not ready for a website yet if:
You’re still figuring out what your offers are or what your coaching process looks like.
You’re not sure who your ideal clients are or how to talk about what you do.
You’re not consistently working with clients yet.
You’re experimenting with your pricing, messaging, or services every few weeks.
You feel more stress than excitement when you think about launching a website.
If this sounds like you, pause. Don’t rush.
During this stage, your energy is better spent doing — coaching, teaching, facilitating sessions, and collecting feedback. That experience is what helps you clarify your message and discover what makes your approach different.
When you eventually sit down to write your website copy, those real client stories, insights, and lessons will become your most powerful marketing assets.
The truth is, no template or designer can give you clarity.
Clarity comes from experience.
The Signs You ARE Ready for a Website
At some point, you’ll start to notice a shift. You’ll feel proud of your work and clear on your process — but frustrated that your current setup doesn’t reflect that anymore.
That’s usually when business owners start saying things like:
“I’m a little embarrassed to send people to my site (or my link tree).”
“I want my online presence to feel as professional as my work actually is.”
“I’m ready to grow, but I can’t do that without a more polished foundation.”
Sound familiar?
You’re ready for a website when…
You’ve been coaching or working with clients consistently for a while.
You know what you offer (and who it’s for).
You want to start being found through Google and building your SEO.
You’re ready to stop piecing things together and build something cohesive.
You want to feel proud sending people to your site — not apologetic.
This moment often sneaks up quietly.
You’ve been focused on helping people, and suddenly you realize:
“I’ve built something real. It deserves to look and feel that way, too.”
Why a Website Matters (Once You’re Ready)
At this stage, your website stops being a vanity project — it becomes a business tool.
Here’s what it unlocks for you:
1. Credibility and Confidence
When clients search for you (and they will), your website instantly communicates who you are, what you do, and that you’re serious about your work. It builds trust before you ever get on a call. Doesn’t that sound nice?
2. Ease and Organization
A good website streamlines your client experience. People can learn about your services, book calls, and get a sense of your approach — all without back-and-forth emails or messy links. It can actually simplify your life! Around here, at The Wellness Site Shop, we make a simple, clear user experience the cornerstone of all of our templates and websites. We want to be sure that it’s easy for your clients to take that next step and it’s easy for you to move them along the sales process.
3. Visibility and Growth
SEO gives you a way to reach new clients beyond referrals. It turns your website into a quiet little marketing engine that works even when you’re not.
4. Clarity and Direction
The process of creating a website actually helps you clarify your business. Writing about your work forces you to define it — to say what you do, who you help, and why it matters.
Your website isn’t just a digital business card. It’s the first chapter of your brand story — one that helps you step into your next level as a professional.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need a website to start your business.
But when you’re ready to grow your business, it becomes essential.
A professional website tells the world you take your work seriously. It helps you connect with more of the right people, grow your reach through SEO, and create a brand that feels like you.
If you’re reading this and nodding along — if you’ve been coaching for a while, if you’re proud of the work you do, but your online presence doesn’t quite match your professionalism — that’s your sign.
You’re ready.
Ready to Build a Website You’re Proud Of?
Explore our Squarespace Website Templates — beautifully designed and strategically structured for wellness entrepreneurs like you. Each one includes the sections, layouts, and design details you need to launch quickly and confidently.
Or, if you’d rather skip the setup and go live fast, check out our 2-Day Website Service — we’ll handle the entire setup for you so you can focus on your clients, not your tech.
Because your work is too important to hide behind a Google Doc.
Let’s build you a home on the web that reflects the impact you’re here to make.