Instagram or Website First? Here’s What I Recommend→

BrandingPersonal BrandWebsiteInstagram

Sep 24

Written By Tori Sprankel

The Best First Step When You’re Building a Personal Brand

Okay, let’s settle the debate:
Do you need a website before you start your business?

Not necessarily.

And I say that as a website designer.

Because when you’re building a personal brand — especially as a mom, creative, or service provider in the margins of your day — sometimes Instagram is the smartest first move.

And sometimes? It’s not.

Here’s what I tell my clients…

(Hear more on Ep.29 of The Point of the Story Podcast with Sara Noel of BTL Copy)

Instagram First: The Case for Growing Social Before You Invest

→ It’s free.
→ It’s fast.
→ It gives you real-time feedback on what’s working.

If you’re showing up consistently, testing your offers, and clarifying your message, Instagram becomes a practice ground — not just a marketing tool.

One of my clients (shoutout to Hey Sleepy Baby) built an audience of 120K before ever hiring a designer. She figured out what people actually needed, created viral content, and got confident in her voice. Then she made her website.

That’s the order that worked.

And if you’re not ready to invest yet? You can still build brand recognition and momentum right now — from your phone, during nap time with these free templates.

Website First: When a Strong Foundation Matters More

Now, my friend and podcast host Sara Noel (a copywriter) made the case for going website-first.

And she’s not wrong.

Because Instagram?
It’s a long game.
And it can feel like shouting into the void for months.

If you’re the type to get discouraged by slow growth or comparison, a website might be a better home base. It gives you credibility, ownership, and a place to direct people that doesn’t rely on engagement or algorithms.

It can help you feel legit while you’re still figuring things out.

Where We Agree: Know Yourself Before You Invest

Whether you start with social or Squarespace, here’s the truth:

You shouldn’t hire a copywriter, designer, or photographer before you know who you are.

Sara made $140K her first year before hiring anyone. I built my website on Showit at 2am while feeding my newborn.

Neither of us skipped the foundational work.
We just did it differently.

The Compromise: A Mini Website That Lives on Instagram

This is exactly why I created my Link-in-Bio Showit Template — a mini website you can use right away, before you invest in the full shebang.

→ It looks polished
→ Lives on your own domain
→ Can be edited in 10 minutes
→ Gives you a place to direct people (that’s not your DMs)

Because your business deserves more than a link tree.
And you don’t have to choose between building a following or a foundation.

You can start small and still look legit.

Ready to Get Your Brand + Website Up —Fast?

I created the Eldest Daughter Showit Website Templates to help CEO moms like you finally have a website that looks amazing and works hard for your business.

→ No stress.
→ No tech headaches.
→ No hours of copywriting (or thousands of dollars).
→ No ugly stock photos that look cheesy af.
→ Just a strategic, drag-and-drop, beautiful site you actually feel proud to share.

These girls are efficient AF - delivering all the pages you need, and none of the fluff you don’t. Supporting you through the toughest times: writing copy and choosing images, so you can make the most of each crucial naptime work sesh.