The short answer is no.
Chances are, your first few clients are going to find you via word of mouth anyway.
But if you want to grow a real business, you’ll eventually need one.
After all, would you trust someone who said they could help your business if they didn’t even have a website? Didn’t think so.
When I had a corporate job, I wasn’t “allowed” to work outside of hours without disclosing it—something I don’t fully agree with, by the way.
So I started a blog teaching what I knew at the time about marketing and web design. I shared my posts on LinkedIn and Facebook—no mention of any services.
And because of that, people in my network reached out to see if I could help them with their website or marketing, too.
Having a marketing blog let me at least point them to some of my ideas and look reasonably credible.
When I eventually left my job, I had months of content history built up. All I had to do was add a services page and it was officially a business.
So however you plan to find clients, you’ll want to look good “on paper”. People need to trust you if they’re going to pay I you.
Your website is your proof of credibility. Keep it simple, but definitely have one as soon as you can. It’s never been easier to get one online.
If I can help point you in the right direction, reach out.