You’re running your side hustle from your phone because you feel like it’s easier and Instagram feels like the natural choice. It’s free, everyone’s on it and you can literally run your entire business from your DMs. So why would you bother with a website?
I’m a website designer who works exclusively with side hustlers and small businesses in Birmingham, and I can tell you that you need a website depending on where you are on your side hustle journey. Let me explain.
When Instagram Alone Actually Works
Let’s start with when you genuinely don’t need a website.
You’re still testing your idea. If you’re not sure this side hustle will stick or you’re still figuring out what you’re selling, Instagram is perfect. Launch there, test your offer and see if anyone really wants what you’re selling.
You’re making under £500/month. At this stage, every penny counts. Your time is better spent creating content, talking to potential customers and making sales. A website can wait.
You sell simple, visual products under £50, such as handmade jewellery, prints, or small craft items. If someone can see it, understand it and buy it in under 30 seconds, Instagram works brilliantly. The platform is built for this.
You only serve your local area. If all your customers come from your town and you meet them face to face anyway, Instagram might genuinely be enough. You’re not trying to appear in Google searches for people three cities over.
When Instagram Stops Being Enough
You know you’ve hit the wall with Instagram-only when certain things start happening.
You’ve lost leads because you “don’t look legit”. Someone searched for your business name after seeing your Instagram. They found nothing. They went with someone else who had a proper website. This happens more than you can imagine.
You’re turning away £500+ sales. When people are spending serious money, they Google you. If you’re a bookkeeper, a web designer, a consultant or selling services over £500, not having a website is costing you sales. Full stop.
You can’t be found on Google. Instagram is a walled garden. People searching “side hustle accountant Birmingham” or “affordable web designer near me” on Google will never find you. You’re invisible to everyone not already on Instagram.
You’re spending hours in DMs. If you’re answering the same questions over and over again, explaining your pricing or managing bookings through Instagram messages, you’re working harder than you need to. A website handles this for you.
Instagram changed the algorithm (again). Your reach dropped overnight. Your posts aren’t showing up. Instagram decides tomorrow that they’re prioritising video, but you make jewellery. You don’t control Instagram. You never will.
The Budget Reality for UK Side Hustlers
At £100–£300/month revenue, you probably don’t need a full website yet. But even a simple one will help you look far more professional.
At £300–£1,000/month revenue, you need a proper website. You’re making enough that losing even one sale because you “didn’t look professional” is too expensive. Budget £1,500-£4,750 for a solid 5 page site that converts visitors.
At over £1,000/month revenue, you’re leaving money on the table without a website. You need SEO so people find you on Google. You need automation so you’re not stuck in DMs. Budget £2,000-£4,750 for a comprehensive site with payment integration and analytics.
Side hustlers operate on real budgets. These figures are what you should expect to invest based on your revenue.
What a Website Does for Your Side Hustle
Think of Instagram as your marketing department. It’s where you show up, build relationships and get attention.
Your website is your sales department. It’s where people go to take action, make decisions and spend money.
Instagram brings the people. You post Reels, share Stories and engage in comments. People discover your existence there.
Your website converts them. They click your link in bio. They read your About page. They see your pricing. They book or buy. You’ve made a sale without sending a single DM.
Instagram gets someone interested. Your website gets them to commit.
The Solo Designer Advantage
The Solo Designer Advantage
You don’t need an £8,000 agency website from jump if you are still testing the market.
Agencies have overheads. Big teams. Long timelines. They need to charge £8,000+ to make it worthwhile. Their cheapest package is probably more than you’re making in two months.
I’m a solo designer. I don’t have a team to pay or a plush office to fund. I offer payment plans. I can deliver your website in 2–4 weeks, not three months. My starter packages are £1,500, with options to pay over agreed months.
This is the difference between working with someone who understands side hustles and working with an agency that thinks £8,000 is just a “small project”.
Your Website Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect
Side hustlers often don’t get websites because they’re waiting until everything is “ready”.
You don’t need a logo yet.
You don’t need professional photos.
You don’t need to have figured out your entire brand identity.
You need a clean, simple website that says:
- Here’s what I do
- Here’s how much it costs
- Here’s how to work with me
That’s it. You can update the fancy stuff later. What matters is looking professional enough that when someone Googles you, they find something legitimate. The amount of times I say this to clients is mind boggling.
The Hybrid Approach That Works
The smartest side hustlers use both, but strategically.
Instagram is for visibility. Post 3-4 times a week. Use Reels. Engage with your audience. Share behind-the-scenes content. This is where people discover you exist.
Your website is for credibility and conversion. Every Instagram post should drive people to your website link in bio. That’s where they book, buy or sign up. That’s also where Google finds you when they search for services like yours.
Email lists are for ownership. This is the bit everyone forgets. Collect email addresses on your website. Instagram can ban your account tomorrow. Your email list is yours forever.
When to Make the Move
You need a website when:
- You’re making over £1,000/month consistently
- You’re turning down work because you “look unprofessional”
- You spend more than five hours a week answering the same questions in DMs
- You’re selling services over £300
- You want to appear in Google searches
- You’re serious about turning this side hustle into a real business
You can probably wait on a website if:
- You’re still testing your idea
- You’re making under £300/month
- You sell simple products under £50
- You only work with people you meet in person
So…Should Your Side Hustle Have a Website or Just Instagram?
Instagram is brilliant for getting attention but if your side hustle is bringing in proper money or you want it to, you need a website. Not a £10,000 agency website. A simple, affordable site that makes you look professional and converts visitors into customers.
The question isn’t really “website or Instagram?” It’s “when do I stop leaving money on the table with an Instagram only strategy?”
For most side hustles, that moment is around £1,000/month in revenue. That’s when the cost of NOT having a website is explicitly, without a doubt costing you more than the website itself.
If you’re at that stage — or heading there — this is where I come in.
I’m Onika Sabrina, web designer in Great Barr, Birmingham who works exclusively with side hustles and small businesses. Transparent pricing from £1,500, payment plans available and your website delivered in 2-4 weeks. No agency overhead, no corporate pricing, just affordable websites that actually convert.
See If I’m Right for Your Project
Fill in this quick form and I’ll let you know within 24 hours if I can help.
Or have a quick question first? WhatsApp me
Frequently Asked Questions About Affording a Website as a Side Hustler
Do I need a website or just Instagram for my side hustle?
It depends on your stage. Instagram can be enough when you’re testing an idea or making small amounts each month. Once you’re earning consistently, selling higher-priced services or want to be found on Google, a website becomes essential for credibility and conversions.
Do I need a website if I already have social media?
Yes, if you want to look professional and convert interest into sales. Social media is great for visibility, but a website gives people somewhere to check your pricing, understand your services and take action without messaging you.
When does Instagram stop being enough for a side hustle?
Instagram stops being enough when you lose leads because you “don’t look legit,” spend hours answering the same DMs or rely entirely on an algorithm you don’t control. These are signs a website would save time and increase sales.
Is a website a good investment for a side hustle?
A website becomes a good investment once you’re making steady income or selling services over a few hundred pounds. Losing even one sale because you don’t look professional often costs more than the website itself.
What is the 3 second rule in website design?
The 3 second rule means visitors should understand what you do, who it’s for and what to do next within three seconds of landing on your site. If they’re confused or have to think too hard, they’ll leave and go elsewhere.