A: Colleagues say all the traffic is now on social media and platforms. Is it outdated to spend money building an independent website in 2026? 

B: On the contrary, independent websites are no longer just "online business cards" but the "digital headquarters" for foreign trade. Platforms are traffic entry points, but independent websites are **the ultimate destination for branding, data, and profits**. 

A: Can you elaborate? Platforms seem to deliver faster results. 

B: The difference lies in ownership and trends. On platforms, you're a "tenant"—rules and traffic are out of your control. An independent website is your "owned property," where you can nurture clients and accumulate brand equity. The 2026 trend is a "platform traffic + independent website conversion" combo, turning traffic into your digital assets. 

A: How are today’s independent websites different from before? 

B: Completely different. Old websites might have been just display pages. Now, with AI tools, content marketing, and automation, they actively acquire leads, nurture clients, and even serve as 24/7 sales engines—already the standard for top foreign trade firms. 

A: Seems the mindset needs to change. 

B: Exactly. The key is shifting perspectives. If you’re hesitating about an independent website’s value or unsure how to start with new trends, I’d gladly share our *2026 Foreign Trade Website Key Features Checklist* for reference. DM me "independent website" to receive it and plan your first step.