A Business Story: Meet Aarav
Aarav, a passionate entrepreneur, started selling handmade leather wallets on Amazon and Flipkart. His sales took off quickly, but he noticed a problem. Customers weren’t recognizing his brand. They remembered Amazon or Flipkart, not his business. Plus, the platforms charged high fees and controlled everything—from pricing to customer communication. One day, his top-selling product was removed without warning. He felt stuck and powerless.
That’s when Aarav decided to launch his own website. Now, he has full control, keeps more profit, and his brand is finally getting the recognition it deserves. His customers trust him, and his business is growing faster than ever.
Why Every Business Needs a Website
Selling on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and IndiaMART might seem like an easy way to reach customers. But if you rely only on these marketplaces, you’re limiting your business potential. If you want long-term success, you need a website. Here’s why:
1. Build Your Brand Identity, Not Just a Storefront
When customers buy from Amazon or Flipkart, they remember the platform, not the seller. Without a dedicated website, your business remains anonymous, making it harder to build customer loyalty. A professional website establishes your brand’s presence, making it memorable and trustworthy.
Example: Think about big brands like Nike or Apple. While their products are available on Amazon, their primary sales come from their own websites. Customers trust and prefer buying directly from these brands because of the reliability and experience they offer.
When customers buy from Amazon or Flipkart, they remember the platform—not your business. Having your own website ensures that your brand stands out and creates a lasting impression. Every business needs a website to showcase its unique identity and gain customer trust.
2. Keep 100% Profits – No Commission Fees
Marketplaces charge high commission fees on every sale, reducing your earnings. In contrast, a website lets you keep 100% of your profits with no middlemen taking a cut. This increases your business’s profitability and financial stability in the long run.
Example: Many small businesses selling handmade crafts or specialty products on Etsy eventually launch their own websites to maximize earnings and avoid commission fees.
Marketplaces take a hefty commission on every sale. But with your own website, you keep 100% of the profits. This is one of the most important reasons why every business needs a website—it increases profitability and financial control.
3. Full Control Over Customer Experience
On third-party platforms, sellers must follow strict policies and are limited in how they showcase their products. A website allows complete freedom to design, market, and sell products in a way that best represents your brand.
Key Benefits:
- Customize your product pages
- Provide personalized offers and discounts
- Control return and refund policies
- Improve customer service experience
On third-party platforms, sellers have limited control over product presentation and customer interaction. With a website, you decide how your brand looks, how customers engage, and how you handle orders and support. Every business needs a website to provide a customized and professional shopping experience.
4. Own Your Customer Data for Future Marketing
One of the biggest disadvantages of selling solely on marketplaces is lack of access to customer data. These platforms do not share buyer details, preventing businesses from building direct relationships.
With a website, you can:
- Collect customer emails for newsletters and promotions
- Use retargeting ads to bring back past visitors
- Analyze customer behavior to improve marketing strategies
Marketplaces don’t share customer information with sellers, making it impossible to build relationships. A website allows you to collect emails, run targeted ads, and create repeat customers. This is a key reason why every business needs a website.
5. Rank on Google & Get Free Traffic
A well-optimized website can rank on Google search results, bringing organic traffic without the need for continuous paid ads. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps businesses attract new customers who are actively searching for their products or services.
Example: If you own a bakery, having a website optimized for “best custom cakes near me” can bring in more customers from local searches.
Learn More About SEO Strategies
A well-optimized website can rank on Google, bringing in new customers organically. Unlike Amazon or Flipkart, where you have to fight for visibility, your own website ensures long-term traffic and brand recognition. SEO is a major reason why every business needs a website.
6. Build Trust and Credibility
Customers tend to trust businesses with a professional website more than those that only exist on social media or marketplaces. A website adds legitimacy and makes your business appear well-established.
Features that enhance credibility:
- About Us page
- Customer testimonials and reviews
- Secure payment options
- Contact details & live chat support
7. More Flexibility & Long-Term Security
Marketplaces can change policies, increase fees, or even suspend seller accounts without notice. Relying only on third-party platforms puts your business at risk. A website ensures long-term stability and allows you to grow independently.
Example: In 2020, many small businesses faced disruptions when Amazon temporarily stopped shipping non-essential items. Those with their own websites continued selling without issues.
Real-Life Example: The Story of “BambooNest”
BambooNest, a sustainable home decor brand, started selling on IndiaMART but realized they weren’t building a brand. They launched their website, bamboonest.com, and used Google ads and Instagram marketing to drive traffic. Within a year, 70% of their sales came from their website, not IndiaMART!
Final Thoughts: The Best Business Strategy in 2024
A website isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in your business’s future. Whether you sell on Amazon, Flipkart, or IndiaMART, having your own website: ✅ Secures long-term growth ✅ Builds a loyal customer base ✅ Maximizes profits ✅ Gives you full control over your business
Now is the time to take control of your brand and build your online presence!
Start Building Your Website Today