Do I Need a Website for My Small Business?
Social media is free. A website costs money. So why would you pay for something when you can post on Instagram for free? Here's the honest answer from someone who builds websites for a living.
The Short Answer
Yes, you probably need a website. But not for the reasons most people think.
You don't need a website because "everyone has one." You don't need a website because some marketing guru told you to. You need a website because people are going to Google your business before they call you—and what they find (or don't find) determines whether they become a customer.
Let me break down exactly when you need one, when you can wait, and what it's actually costing you to not have one.
"But I Have Social Media..."
This is the #1 thing I hear. And I get it. Social media is free, you're already posting there, and it feels like you're "online." So why pay for a website?
Here's the problem: you don't own social media.
Things That Can Kill Your Social Media Business Overnight:
- • Algorithm changes (Instagram reach dropped 50% in 2024)
- • Account gets hacked or suspended
- • Platform changes rules (remember when Facebook killed organic reach?)
- • Platform dies (RIP Vine, MySpace, and eventually... TikTok?)
- • Your competitors pay for ads, you disappear
I'm not saying quit social media. I'm saying don't build your entire business on rented land. Use social media to attract people. Use your website to convert them.
What a Website Does That Social Media Can't
1. You Show Up When People Search
When someone Googles "plumber near me" or "best bakery in Cleveland," websites show up. Instagram posts don't. If you're not on Google, you don't exist to anyone who doesn't already follow you.
2. You Control the Message
On social media, your content is mixed with memes, ads, and your competitor's posts. On your website, YOU control what people see. No distractions. Just your business, your story, your call to action.
3. You Look Legitimate
Right or wrong, people assume businesses with websites are more established than businesses with just social media. A website says "I'm a real business." An Instagram-only presence says "I might be a side hustle."
4. You Can Actually Sell
Want to take bookings? Collect payments? Show your full menu or service list? Websites do that. Social media links out to other apps, losing customers at every step.
5. You Own It Forever
Your website is yours. Your domain is yours. If you switch web designers, you keep everything. If Instagram shuts down tomorrow, your website is still there.
Industries Where You DEFINITELY Need a Website
Some businesses can survive on social media alone. Most can't. Here's where a website isn't optional:
Local Service Businesses
Plumbers, electricians, HVAC, landscaping, cleaning services, contractors. People Google these. Period.
Professional Services
Lawyers, accountants, consultants, coaches. Credibility matters. A website is your digital business card.
Restaurants & Food
People look up menus, hours, and locations. If they can't find you, they eat somewhere else.
Health & Wellness
Gyms, salons, spas, therapists, chiropractors. Booking online is expected now.
Real Estate & Property
Agents, property managers, vacation rentals. Listings need a home.
Anyone Selling Products
E-commerce isn't optional anymore. People expect to browse and buy online.
When You Might Be Able to Wait
I'm not going to lie to you to make a sale. There ARE situations where you can delay getting a website:
- You're testing a business idea – Validate with social media first. If nobody bites, you didn't waste money on a website.
- You only need a few clients – If you're a freelancer who gets work through referrals and can't take more work anyway, you might not need one yet.
- You're broke broke – I'd rather you keep the lights on. But budget for a website within 3-6 months.
But here's the thing: even in these cases, you're leaving money on the table. The question isn't "can I survive without a website?" It's "how much is not having one costing me?"
The Real Cost of NOT Having a Website
Let's do some math.
Example: Local Contractor
- • Average job value: $2,500
- • Leads lost per month because you don't show up on Google: 5
- • Conversion rate if you had a website: 20%
- • Jobs lost per month: 1
- • Annual cost of no website: $30,000
A website costs $2,000-5,000. It pays for itself in 1-2 months.
This isn't some marketing fantasy. I've seen it happen. Businesses that think they're "doing fine" with just social media are actually bleeding customers they never knew existed—because those customers Googled, found nothing, and called someone else.
What Kind of Website Do You Actually Need?
You don't need a 50-page website with all the bells and whistles. Here's what actually matters:
The Bare Minimum (Better Than Nothing):
- • Who you are – Your business name and what you do
- • What you offer – Services or products, even just a list
- • Where you are – If you're local, your service area
- • How to contact you – Phone, email, or a simple form
That's it. A single page with these four things is infinitely better than no website at all.
The Standard Small Business Site:
- • Home page with clear value proposition
- • Services/Products page with descriptions
- • About page (people buy from people)
- • Contact page with form, phone, email
- • Mobile-friendly (non-negotiable in 2025)
- • Shows up on Google (basic SEO)
How to Get Started (Without Overwhelm)
Getting a website doesn't have to be complicated. Here's the simple path:
Get your Google Business Profile (free)
Do this TODAY if you haven't. It's free and helps you show up in local searches.
Decide: DIY or Done-For-You
DIY (Wix, Squarespace) is cheaper but takes your time. Done-for-you costs more but you focus on your business.
Start simple, upgrade later
A basic site now beats a perfect site "someday." Get online, then improve over time.
What We Offer for New Businesses
If you're just starting out, we built a package specifically for you. The New Business Package includes:
- • Professional website (we build it, you don't touch code)
- • Google Business Profile setup (we handle the postcard verification)
- • Business email (you@yourbusiness.com)
- • Basic SEO so you show up in searches
- • Monthly hosting and support
You just got your LLC. You have enough to worry about. We handle the tech so you can focus on actually running your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just use social media instead of a website?
Social media is great for engagement, but you don't own it. Algorithms change, accounts get hacked, and platforms die. A website is your permanent home base that you control. Use both—social media to attract people, website to convert them.
How much does a small business website cost?
Basic websites range from $50-200/month for managed services, or $2,500-5,000 one-time for custom builds. DIY builders like Wix are $15-40/month but require your time. The real question is what's it costing you to NOT have one. Read our full pricing breakdown.
What if I'm just starting out and have no money?
Start with a Google Business Profile (free) and social media. But budget for a website within 3-6 months. The longer you wait, the more credibility and customers you're leaving on the table.
Do I need a website if I only do word-of-mouth business?
Yes. Even word-of-mouth referrals will Google you before calling. If they find nothing (or worse, a competitor), you lose the referral. A simple website confirms you're legitimate and tells them how to contact you.
What's the minimum I need on a website?
At minimum: who you are, what you do, where you're located (if local), and how to contact you. That's it. A single page with those four things is better than no website at all.
The Bottom Line
Do you need a website? Almost certainly yes.
Not because I want to sell you one. Because people are Googling your business right now, and if they don't find you, they're finding your competitor instead.
A website isn't an expense. It's an investment that pays for itself every time someone finds you instead of someone else.
Start simple. Get online. Upgrade later. But don't wait until "someday." Someday is costing you money every day it doesn't come.
Ready to Get Your Business Online?
Free consultation. We'll look at your situation and tell you honestly what you need (and what you don't).
Get a Free Consultation