WHO GIVES A F— ABOUT WEBSITES?
Actually, We Do Give a F*ck About Websites
—A rebuttal to a spicy Substack post, with love [and strategy]
Recently, we came across a post titled "No One Gives a F*ck About Websites" by Tim Denning. It was passionate, punchy, and a little bit like yelling at clouds… but we suppose that everyone’s allowed a hot take.
Still, we couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for him. We don’t know what website hurt him, but we sincerely hope he finds a better UX experience soon.
Because here’s the thing: websites are not dead. They are not useless and not some relic of the dot-com era. They’re actually more relevant than ever — especially if you’re a writer, a business, a brand, or literally anyone who cares about being remembered in this short-attention-span world.
So, here’s our case for why websites still matter…
Social media gets you seen. A website makes you memorable.
As commenter Robert Ta wisely put it:
“Social media gets you seen, but a website makes you remembered.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Social media is great for visibility. It's where you show up, build awareness, share quick thoughts, drop hot takes [hi, Tim], and connect with people who may have never heard of you.
But your website? That’s where people go when they want to know more. When they’re curious. When they’re serious.
A website is your digital home base. It’s where you can tell your story in your voice, with your own design, structure, tone, and intention. No algorithm, no character limit, and no distraction every 0.2 seconds.
Websites are storytelling platforms, especially for writers.
One of the wildest parts of Denning’s argument was the idea that websites are irrelevant for writers.
Writers, who literally… write for a living. Their job is to create narratives.
Writers are storytellers. And websites are an incredible platform to support that storytelling, both through words and design. They allow you to guide your audience through a specially curated experience. What do you want someone to feel the moment they land there? What part of your story do they hear first? How do you want to show up visually? That’s hard to do on a social platform known for quick scrolling and emoji reactions.
Social media should lead to your website, not replace it.
Social media is not a standalone marketing strategy. It’s an app. One piece of the puzzle. It’s where conversations begin, not where they live.
Your content strategy should be driving people to a space that you own and control. That space is your website. You know, the one you link to in your bio. [Yes — that link leads to a website. Your favorite restaurant’s menu? It’s on a website.]
You can’t build longform content, host multiple types of media, or structure info intuitively on a single Instagram post. At some point, the journey requires more than a swipe and a heart eyes emoji.
Good website design solves problems; it doesn’t cause them.
If a website feels clunky, boring, or chaotic, we’ll be the first ones to tell you that it’s not a website problem. It’s a bad design problem.
A professional site with smart UX, strong copywriting, and intuitive movement can boost your credibility, convert clients, and communicate your message better than any other digital channel. Websites done right are powerful. They give your audience clarity and direction, and build trust.
That’s why it’s so important to review your website periodically, update it regularly, and call a professional if your website needs a refresh.
SEO isn’t the enemy, and neither is Google.
Yes, SEO is a crowded space. Yes, it’s abused by spammy marketers. But let’s not confuse the bad actors with the tool itself.
Mindful, ethical SEO can help people find credible brands, services, and resources that they actually want. It's also worth noting that social platforms now function as search engines, too. So if you think SEO is only about Google, you're missing the bigger picture.
Want to get found online? You’ll need both. Searchability isn’t optional; it’s foundational.
Social media isn’t free exposure anymore.
One of Denning’s main points is that “all you have to do is show and post” on social media. But honestly — that couldn’t be further from the truth. The average organic reach on Instagram is around 9% of your audience [and dropping.] TikTok’s algorithm is notoriously moody. LinkedIn gives you a few good hours if you play the game right.
Unless you're paying to promote your content, there's no guarantee that it’s going to be seen. And even when it is, there’s a high chance it will be a quick scroll-by.
On the other hand, websites don’t rely on algorithms. They work for you 24/7, without shadowbanning, ad spend, or needing to “post more consistently.”
Sometimes, you need more than a caption.
Especially in this day and age, when you have meaningful, nuanced, or detailed content to share, social media isn’t always the right place.
Instagram cuts you off after 2,200 characters. Some platforms limit you to 280. And nobody is reading a mini-essay in a TikTok description.
But your website? That’s where you can host that deep-dive blog post, that beautifully crafted landing page, that resource hub your audience actually wants to explore. It’s the long-form container your message deserves.
Parting Thoughts…
We’re not here to drag Tim Denning. We appreciate a spicy take [you should hear our weekly check-ins!], but we just don’t agree with this one.
Websites are not a waste of time. They’re not irrelevant. And they’re definitely not dead.
They’re the anchor of your digital presence. The home for your story. The platform you control. And the place people go when they want to know more, go deeper, and come to trust you.
So sure, get seen on socials. Post, share, and show up. But don’t abandon the one platform that’s truly yours.
Because yes, people still give a f*ck about websites.
Want help making yours unforgettable?
We're a two-person website design studio that lives for this stuff. From brand storytelling to website copy and design, we help small teams make big impressions on every platform.
