As social media and marketplaces gain popularity, I have been thinking about the impact of standalone websites for small businesses, independent creators and individuals.

Most customers now only engage with businesses on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or Etsy. Websites, however, are still the one place where you have complete control over content, analytics, and user experience without relying on algorithms or ecosystems. This makes websites special.

The above considerations lead to interesting thoughts:

In 2025, what is the true value of maintaining a standalone website?
Are younger businesses skipping websites altogether in favor of platforms?
What is the balance between simplicity and custom development for no-code tool site builders?
Are modern websites becoming more like digital hubs rather than destinations?

I have been mulling over these questions while working at Digitaldriv. Hearing from design, development and online strategy professionals would be fascinating.

What are some of the trends you are observing in your work? How do you approach these issues in your projects?

I would love to hear your thoughts, and for anyone willing to share their experiences, the tools they used, challenges encountered, or any actionable advice, please do