Do You Really Need a Website for Your Small Business?

Right, let’s be honest – running a small business is hard enough without worrying about websites, social media, SEO, and all that online stuff. You might be thinking, “Do I really need a website? Is it just another thing to stress about?”

Let’s break it down and look at the reasons why you might want one… and why you might not.

The Case for Having a Website

1. People Expect It

These days, if someone hears about your business, one of the first things they’ll do is Google you. If you don’t have a website, they might think you’re not legit – or worse, that you’ve gone out of business.

Even if you’ve got a banging Instagram or loads of Google reviews, not having a proper site can make you look a bit behind the times.

2. You’re in Control

Social media is fab, but you don’t own it. If Facebook or Instagram change their rules (which they love doing), you could lose your page, your posts, or your followers overnight.

Your website is yours. You get to say what goes on it, how it looks, and what people see first. It’s like having your own shop window on the internet.

3. It Builds Trust

A tidy, professional-looking website makes you look more serious. You can show off your products, services, happy customers, and anything else that proves you know your stuff.

It also gives people confidence that you’ll still be around in six months – especially important if they’re spending a decent amount with you.

4. It Works 24/7

Your website doesn’t sleep. It’s there all the time, answering questions, taking orders, or helping people book a service – even while you’re snoozing or off on holiday.

That can be a real lifesaver if you’re working solo and can’t always answer calls or messages right away.

5. You Can Show Up on Google

If your website’s done right, people can find you when they search for things like “plumber in Leeds” or “handmade jewellery near me”. That’s free advertising, basically.

Without a site, you’re relying on word-of-mouth or social media – and those don’t always reach the people looking for you.

6. It Makes You Look Bigger Than You Are

Even if you’re just one person working out of a spare room, a smart website can make your business look bigger and more professional. You can compete with the bigger brands without actually being one.

7. It Helps You Sell More

If you’re selling products, a website lets people buy from you any time they like. If you’re offering a service, it can help people book, ask questions, or get a quote without having to ring you up.

Less time on the phone = more time doing the stuff that makes money.

The Case Against Having a Website

1. It Can Be Expensive (At First)

Let’s not pretend it’s free. A decent website might cost a few hundred quid to set up, especially if you get someone else to build it. There are cheaper DIY options, but they can still take time and effort.

Plus, there are ongoing costs – domain name, hosting, maybe even updates or security stuff.

2. You Might Not Need One (Yet)

If you’re just starting out, or all your business comes through word of mouth, you might not need a website right away. A well-run Facebook or Instagram page can do the job for a while.

But the key word is “yet”. Think about where you want your business to be in a year or two.

3. It’s Another Thing to Manage

Websites don’t run themselves. You’ll need to keep things up to date – prices, services, opening hours, contact info, that sort of thing.

If you ignore it for months, people might think you’ve closed down or that you’re not very organised.

4. Tech Isn’t Everyone’s Cup of Tea

If the idea of logging into a dashboard or fiddling about with plugins fills you with dread, then a website might feel more trouble than it’s worth. Some people are happier sticking to what they know – and that’s fine!

You can always outsource, but that’s another cost to think about.

5. It Doesn’t Automatically Bring in Customers

Just having a website doesn’t mean people will flock to it. You need to get it seen – which means sorting out your SEO (search engine stuff), maybe writing blogs, getting backlinks, and other marketing bits.

If you’re not up for that, your site might just sit there doing nothing.

When You Probably Do Need a Website

• You want to grow beyond your local area
• You’re selling online
• You want to look more professional
• You keep getting asked the same questions (and want to save time)
• You’re planning to hire staff or expand

If any of that sounds like you, a website could make your life easier in the long run – even if it’s a pain to set up at first.

When You Might Be OK Without One

• You’re super local and get all your work from referrals
• You’re fully booked already
• You are planning on retiring in the near future and don’t want more customers
• You’re only doing it as a side hustle or hobby
• You hate anything techy and don’t have time to deal with it
• Your audience isn’t really online
• You prefer to work with people that you already know or that have been recommended by people that you know

In those cases, you might be fine sticking with social media, a Google Business Profile, or even just a phone number and a good rep.

What’s the Middle Ground?

If you’re not ready for a full website, here are a few low-effort options to get your name out there:

• Set up a free Google Business Profile so people can find you on Maps
• Start with a one-page website (just your contact details, services, and maybe a photo or two)
• List your business on directories like Yell, Bark, or local ones

That way, you’ve got *some* kind of online presence, without diving in headfirst.

So… Do You Really Need One?

Honestly, it depends. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some businesses smash it without a website. Others wouldn’t survive without one.

If you’re serious about growing, or want to make your life easier down the line, having a website is probably worth it. But if you’re just testing the waters, or keeping things small on purpose, it’s not a must-have.

Think about your goals, your budget, and how much time you can spare – then decide what’s right for you.

Final Thoughts

Websites aren’t magic, and they’re not free. But they *can* make a big difference when they’re done well – especially if you want to look professional, attract more customers, or just make things a bit easier for yourself.

If you’re not sure where to start, maybe have a chat with a local web designer, or a designer that specialises in your industry, or ask other small business owners what worked for them. You don’t need to go all-in straight away – sometimes, a small step is all you need.

And if you decide it’s not for you just yet? That’s fine too. You know your business better than anyone else.

Whatever you choose – make sure it works for you, not just because someone else says you should.  And, I bet that wasn’t what you were expecting to hear from someone that has worked in the Internet area since the mid 1990’s.