Do You Still Need a Website in 2026?
As an expert branding curator, I recommend this thoughtful take on website relevance in 2026. Google’s Search Relations hosts, Gary Illyes and Martin Splitt, explore whether websites remain essential, and they resist a single answer. They weigh owning your domain and data against platform reach and discovery. The episode surfaces real world examples, from social-only businesses in emerging markets to app-first games that scaled without traditional websites. For brand strategists, the discussion reframes website ownership as a choice, based on audience, monetization needs, and long term control.
Key takeaways include valuing data sovereignty, owning monetization channels, and hosting unique tools. But Illyes cites social first businesses with impressive sales and retention. Splitt reminds us that presentation and trust matter more than platform type. Listen to the podcast for context and scenarios that challenge assumptions for brand leaders globally today.
This piece distills the podcast nuance, and gives brands a practical lens to decide. If you manage a brand, evaluate discovery paths, audience location, and tool requirements. The article helps you prioritize investment in websites or platform ecosystems, with examples and expert voice guiding your decision. Start with your audience and goals.
Source: www.searchenginejournal.com
