The Importance of Websites and Domains in the Era of Smart Business: Has Artificial Intelligence Changed the Rules of the Internet Game?

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses primarily establish their online presence through websites and social media platforms. While social media offers a quick and often free entry point, owning a dedicated website is still widely regarded as the most secure and trusted option for consumers. However, simply having a website is no longer sufficient; it must be optimized for user location, language, and the latest search engine trends to remain effective.

We are living in an era of "smart" technology, from smartphones and cars to intelligent devices in our offices. Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly sophisticated, constantly learning from human interactions. Experts suggest that companies must mirror this adaptability. Failing to keep pace with technological advancements, lacking a robust business strategy, and an inability to continuously adjust to change will inevitably lead to a loss of competitiveness in the market. This was a key takeaway from a panel discussion titled "Smart Business, Smarter Domains: The Next Wave of Digital Brands" at DIDS.

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If a company is present only on social media, it does not inspire confidence in the business community.

During the DIDS panel, moderated by Dušan Simić, marketing director at Mercury.AI, experts in branding, law, digital strategy, and technology discussed the significance of websites and domains. They addressed challenges such as increasing cyberattacks, the rapid spread of fake news, and the instant data provided by AI. The discussion highlighted the enduring advantages of having a company website over relying solely on social media.

While creating a website can range from a few hundred to over two thousand euros, depending on complexity, social media accounts are free. However, Čaba Bodor, general director of the .hu ccTLD registry, warns against shortcuts. "If a company is present only on social media, it does not inspire confidence in the business community," he stated. Bodor emphasized that social media accounts are not owned by the users, meaning they lack complete control. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are owned by private companies that can change their user policies, suspend accounts, or reduce visibility at any time, unlike self-owned websites.

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In other words, Facebook, Instagram, and other social networks are owned by private companies, which can change their user policy at any time.