Every year someone says “Websites are dead.” First it was apps then voice assistants and now AI chatbots and large language models. Here we are in 2026 asking again: do you still need a website?
The honest answer is it depends. Let us break it down.
Is the web dead? The web has been dying for over a decade. When smartphones and apps became popular people thought websites would fade away. Then voice search came along. Now AI assistants and chat-based interfaces are the way people get information.
People still read articles online shop on ecommerce sites watch videos visit retailers, research services and look up opening hours. The web is not dead it has evolved. AI tools, apps and social platforms still rely heavily on web content. Much of the information AI systems use comes from websites.
AI chat interfaces are powerful and help people explore topics quickly. They give you an overview. Users often click through to websites for deeper reading. Chatbots are great for summaries, explanations, quick answers and guided exploration. However when it comes to publishing information for an audience controlling how content is presented, ensuring messaging and providing structured material websites still play a crucial role.
There is a tradeoff between discovery and control. Social platforms and search engines are good at discovery. On a platform the algorithm decides what gets seen. On your website you decide what is featured, prioritized archived or promoted. You control the structure, layout and visibility.
Having a website gives you ownership and data sovereignty. You control monetization define the user journey manage your data and are not subject to algorithm changes. You are not required to give a platform a revenue cut. A website is your home base.
Some businesses operate entirely on platforms or through apps. Are successful. Some mobile games generate millions through app stores from paid advertising. If your entire audience is on one platform and you can reach and convert them there you might not need a website.
However a website is useful if you offer services like tools, calculators or SaaS products. It is also helpful if you publish long-form content like blogs or research. You want monetization freedom, broad accessibility and long-term stability. A website has a barrier to entry. No app download is required.
Does having a website make you look more legitimate? Often yes.. Only if it is well done. A clean secure professional website can increase trust. The webs low friction is a strength. Sending someone a link is easier, than convincing them to download an app or create an account. Websites reduce commitment they are easy to access and share. That accessibility still matters.
