TikTok Banned—Here’s Why You Need Your Own Website

If you’ve been building your brand, business, or community on TikTok, you’ve probably heard the news by now: TikTok could be banned in the U.S. by January 19 (USA Today). Yep, you read that right. Millions of creators are suddenly wondering, “What’s next?”

We get it. TikTok might be your main source of income or your favorite way to connect with your audience. But here’s the thing: depending solely on any social media platform is risky. That’s why we need to talk about ✨OWNING YOUR OWN SPACE.

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WHY SOCIAL MEDIA ISN'T ENOUGH

🔨 Building your brand on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube is like renting a

🏠 house—you’re living there, but you don’t own it. And just like a landlord can 🦵🏽 kick you out, platforms can change the 🚫 rules, shut down, or even ban you entirely.

Let’s break this down:

1. 🙅🏽‍♀️ TIKTOK IS NOT FOREVER

   
   

   With the recent federal ruling, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, might have to divest or shut down operations in the U.S. by early next year. That means millions of creators could lose their primary platform overnight (USA Today).

1. 🤕 PLATFORMS CAN BAN YOU

   
   

   Even if TikTok survives, what’s stopping any platform from banning or shadow banning your account? Sometimes it’s for a rule you didn’t even know you broke.

   
   

   📊 Stat: 1 in 3 creators reported losing revenue due to account suspensions or algorithm changes in 2023 (State of the Creator Economy 2024).

1. 👩🏽‍💻 HACKERS ARE REAL

   
   

   It’s scary, but hackers can and do take over accounts. If your entire business is tied to your TikTok account and it gets hacked, you’re left scrambling.

WHY A WEBSITE IS A GAME CHANGER

Here’s the 📣 good news: owning a website is like owning and buying a house, IT'S YOURS! No one can take it away from you. And that’s why it’s so important to have one.

Let’s break it down:

1. 🎮 YOU CONTROL YOUR PLATFOM

   
   

   When you own your website, you’re not at the mercy of algorithm changes, policy updates, or bans.

   
   

   Example: If TikTok disappears tomorrow, your website will remain as your primary hub for content and audience interaction.

   
   

1. 💳 IT BUILDS CREDITABILTY

   
   

   Want to stand out and look professional? A website shows your audience—and potential clients—that you mean business.

   
   

   Stat: 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on its website design (Designed to Conquer).

   
   

1. 🤑 IT DIVERSIFIES YOUR INCOME

   
   

   With a website, you can:

   
   

   💸 Sell digital products like eBooks, templates, or courses.

   
   

   🏀 Offer services like coaching or consulting.

   
   

   🧲 Run a membership program or subscription.

   
   

1. 🌐 IT KEEPS YOU CONNECTED

   
   

   An 📧 email list is your safety net. If TikTok disappears tomorrow, you can still reach your audience directly through email.

   
   

   Stat: Email marketing delivers an average ROI of 4,200% (HubSpot).

WHAT HAPPENDS IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE?

👏🏽 Let’s keep it real! Without a website, you risk losing:

1. 🫂 YOUR AUDINECE

   
   

   If TikTok or Instagram goes down, how will you connect with your followers?

1. 💰 YOUR INCOME

   
   

   Platforms like TikTok Creator Fund or brand deals rely on your account staying active.

1. 🎛️ YOUR CONTROL

   
   

   Social media platforms own the data, the algorithms, and the rules—not you.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?

We’re NOT saying you should abandon TikTok or social media (🤭 we’re on it too!). But it’s time to think LONG-TERM.

Here’s how you can start:

1. ⚒️ BUILD YOUR WEBSITE (WE OFFER THIS SERVICE!)

   
   

   Use an easy-to-use platform like Squarespace.

   
   

   Focus on:

   
   

   🏡 A homepage that tells your story.

   
   

   🎨 A portfolio of your work or content.

   
   

   📈 A blog to share updates and insights.

1. 📧 Start Your Email List

   
   

   One of the most valuable assets you can have is an email list—it’s your direct line of communication with your audience, completely independent of any social media platform.

   
   

   27% of surveyed creators said email newsletters provided the best audience engagement in 2023, outperforming many social media platforms.

   
   

   Creators increasingly recognize that email lists build direct, unfiltered relationships with their audience, unlike social platforms where algorithms control visibility.

   
   

   Tools like ConvertKit and Mailchimp are fantastic for collecting and managing email addresses. But did you know that Squarespace also offers a built-in newsletter feature? 📩

   
   

   With Squarespace, you can:

   
   

   ✉️ Easily gather email addresses directly through your website.

   
   

   📩 Send newsletters to keep your audience engaged with updates, tips, or exclusive offers.

   
   

   🌐 Integrate your email marketing seamlessly with your website design, ensuring a consistent brand experience.

1. 👯 Diversify Your Social Media Presence

   
   

   Yes, TikTok is amazing, but as a creator, you need to think about diversifying your audience across multiple platforms to protect your reach and growth.

   
   

   Here’s where you can look beyond TikTok:

   
   

   🎥 YouTube: The Long-Form Leader

   
   

   In a survey done by ConverKit 21% of creators plan to use YouTube to expand their business in 2025, making it a critical platform for long-form video content.

   
   

   Long-form YouTube videos continue to gain traction as they allow creators to build deeper connections with their audience through detailed storytelling and tutorials.

   
   

   🤳🏽 Instagram and Facebook: High Engagement Platforms

   
   

   According to a survey, Instagram and Facebook were top performers for audience engagement in 2023.

   
   

   Instagram Reels and Stories provide powerful tools for short-form video and interactive content like polls, Q&A sessions, and links to external resources.

   
   

   📸 The Snapchat Angle

   
   

   While niche, Snapchat's 375 million daily active users open the app an average of 30 times per day. Its audience is primarily younger, making it a great addition for creators targeting Gen Z.

1. ♻️ BACK UP YOUR CONTENT

   
   

   Save your TikToks and posts offline or repurpose them on other platforms. You’ve worked hard to create that content—DON'T LOSE IT.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

The potential TikTok ban is a reminder of the volatility inherent in relying on third-party platforms. A website and email list give you control, security, and the tools to grow your brand sustainably. By investing in your digital space, you’re not only protecting your career but also building a foundation for long-term success.

You’ve got something amazing to offer the world. Don’t let a platform decide your fate. Start building your digital home today, so no matter what happens, YOU'RE READY.

Ready to create a site that’s as professional as your business? It’s time to level up with Squarespace—because you deserve a platform that works as hard as you do.

Let’s make it happen.