Do People Still Visit Websites in 2025?

It’s a fair question. The internet today looks nothing like it did ten, or even five, years ago. We used to have favourite websites, bookmarked pages, and forums where we’d regularly check in. Now? It feels like everything happens in an app, a social media feed, or some walled garden controlled by a handful of tech giants. So, is the humble website still relevant? Are people still visiting websites in 2025?

The short answer? Yes. But it’s complicated.

The Rise (and Stall?) of the App-First Internet

For years, it seemed like everything was moving away from traditional websites. Companies rushed to develop mobile apps, social media platforms absorbed more and more of our attention, and algorithms decided what we should see. Many businesses questioned whether they even needed a website anymore when a well-managed Instagram or TikTok presence could reach just as many people.

And yet, websites persist. Why?

For one, not everyone wants to be at the mercy of an algorithm. Businesses still need a central place they control, free from the whims of social media updates or the threat of being de-platformed. A website remains the one corner of the internet you can truly own. Plus, not all users want to engage with apps for every little thing. Sometimes, it’s just easier to Google a company and land on their website.

The SEO Factor: Google Still Runs the Show

Speaking of Google - search engines remain one of the biggest drivers of internet traffic. No matter how powerful TikTok’s search function becomes, the majority of people still turn to Google when they need something. That means websites still matter, especially for businesses and content creators who rely on organic search traffic.

But the nature of websites has changed. It’s no longer enough to just have a static “About Us” page. Sites need to be optimised for search, mobile-friendly, and genuinely useful. Gone are the days of poorly maintained pages stuffed with keywords. Now, websites must be fast, engaging, and full of high-quality content.

The Shift Towards Niche and Purpose-Driven Websites

While the internet is more centralised than ever, we’re also seeing a quiet resurgence of smaller, niche websites. Independent blogs, newsletters, and community-driven platforms are thriving in certain circles. Sites like Substack and Patreon have helped creators monetise their own content, reducing reliance on big platforms. Meanwhile, personal blogs and hobbyist websites still attract dedicated audiences, even if they aren’t getting millions of views.

Websites also remain critical for industries that need credibility. Imagine trying to hire a lawyer, find a doctor, or apply for a job without a proper website to reference. Trust is still built on having an official online presence that isn’t just a series of social media posts.

Are Websites Evolving or Dying?

So, do people still visit websites? Absolutely. But how they use them is evolving.

Instead of browsing the web like we used to, jumping from site to site, people now arrive at websites with a purpose. They land there from a search result, a direct link, or after watching a video that referenced it. The days of aimlessly surfing the web may be over, but websites still play a crucial role in how we consume information, shop, and connect.

The web isn’t dying. It’s just adapting to new habits, new devices, and new expectations. Businesses, creators, and anyone with something to say still need a space they can control. And that space? It’s still, more often than not, a website.