Do I need a website for my business?
“Do I need a website for my business? Isn’t an Instagram or Facebook page enough to take my business online?” These questions often linger in the minds of startup entrepreneurs.
Here’s the thing—73% of small businesses still choose to build a website. Why? Because it boosts credibility and gives them more control over their brand. With 99% of consumers using the internet to find local businesses, a website can be a powerful way to get noticed.
In this guide, we’ll help you figure out if a website is the right move for your business. We’ll cover the perks, what to consider, and a few easy steps to get started.
Social media vs. business website: Which one does your business need?
When building an online presence, posting on social media channels and creating a business website are the two most popular options for small business owners. Both have their benefits, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a quick comparison:
Social media is an affordable and effective way for small business owners to engage with customers. It’s fast-paced and interactive but staying visible requires frequent posting. Even then, your content could get buried among others.
A business website, on the other hand, offers long-term stability because it’s your own website. Unlike social media channels, where you’re sharing the platform with countless other posts and businesses, your website is all yours 24/7. So long as people know your URL, they can always access your product pages, blogs, and contact info whenever they need it. Plus, with the right design, you can provide in-depth details about your brand, products, and services—something that’s hard to achieve on a social media platform.
There are also plenty of other features you can add to your own website, but we’ll cover those in more detail later.
Social media channels have leveled the playing field for small business owners—they’re affordable, effective, and an interactive approach to connect with customers. However, staying relevant requires consistent, careful posting.
With your own website you can build long-term viewership without needing constant quick updates. Social media thrives on frequent fast-paced content and engagement to stay relevant, but a business website offers stability. It provides a dependable space where customers can always find what they need. Your website provides in-depth information on your product, service, brand, and value.
Quick questionnaire: Do I need a website for my business?
Not sure if a website is the right move for your business? This simple questionnaire will help you decide.
- Is your business mostly offline?
- If yes, move on to the next question.
- If not, there’s a good chance you may need to make your own website. A basic website will suffice to start building your online presence and credibility. You can improve your website along the way once you see positive results.
- Do you have a strong client base?
- If yes, you can jump to question
- If not, move on to the next question.
- Do you have an online platform?
- If yes, move on to the next question.
- If not, consider creating an online platform first. A social media account for your business could be just what you need to start attracting customers.
- Are you getting consistent results with your current setup?
- If yes, move on to the next question.
- If not, a website could help attract more customers and provide stability.
- Are you looking to expand your business?
- If yes, a professional website could be valuable for reaching new markets
- If not, a website may not be necessary right now.
If you’re leaning toward creating a website, you may still have a few reservations. Let’s tackle some of the most common concerns about building and maintaining a website, so you can make a fully informed decision.
Addressing common concerns about websites
Many small business owners are hesitant to create a website. Costs, complexity, and ongoing management are concerning, especially for smaller businesses with limited resources. But having a clear understanding of these factors can make the process feel much more manageable.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common concerns:
- Costs. Building and maintaining a website is costly but you don’t have to spend much when you start. Small business websites can cost as low as $10–$20 per month. Start with basics and add features as your business grows to keep costs manageable.
- Time and complexity. It’s a common misconception that building a website takes a lot of effort with complex coding and requires web development knowledge. Not anymore. Now, drag-and-drop tools and templates make web development quick and simple, even for beginners. With a little patience, you can create a site that proudly represents your brand.
- Maintenance and management. Managing websites means keeping up with security, backups, and updates to both the backend and frontend. It might feel overwhelming at first, but these tasks only need periodic attention. There are also professional services that can also handle these for you. Keep your business website fresh and aligned with your brand without being burdened by complex website maintenance and management.
With a few practical steps, building a website for your business can be simpler than it seems. And once these initial concerns are out of the way, the benefits for your business can be truly rewarding.
10 Reasons a website can boost your business online
A website is a great way to bolster your brand. It’s more than just a marketing tool—it’s a place to connect with customers, showcase what you offer, and build trust. Here’s why your business needs a website to thrive online.
It’s a reliable, long-term asset for your business
A website is a stable asset that you own and control—unaffected by social media trends or algorithm changes. As you add content and optimize for search engines, your site’s value grows, making it easier for customers to find you over time.
Why it matters:
- Independent of trends. Your website is a stable, professional presence.
- Lasting value. Content you publish today keeps attracting visitors long into the future.
Enhances credibility and build customer trust
In today’s digital world, people expect legitimate businesses to have a website. A dedicated website not only meets this expectation but also enhances your brand’s credibility. Displaying testimonials prominently can further build trust. In fact, 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Allows small businesses to control brand identity
Creating a website for your business is like building an online storefront. With web design flexibility, you control the theme, colors, and logo, allowing you to showcase your brand exactly as you envision.
Owning your website also protects your brand name. By securing your own site, you prevent others from using your brand name online, reducing the risk of customer confusion and protecting your reputation.
Provides a central location for all your information
A website gives potential customers a single, reliable place to find everything they need about your business. From your physical location to contact details, a website keeps essential information organized. You can include:
- Business hours and contact information
- Google Maps link to your location
- Product or service listings
- Company updates and announcements
- Links to your social media profiles
Serve existing and potential customers anytime—day or night
One of the biggest advantages of a website? It’s always open! Even if your physical store or office has set hours, a website lets customers find you 24/7. They can browse through your services, make purchases, or schedule appointments whenever it’s convenient for them.
Reach more people with ease
Though we are in a digital age, relying on a Facebook page and other social media networks limits your reach. Social media algorithms target specific audiences, restricting visibility. A website provides a broader web presence, reaching diverse customer groups.
With search engine optimization (SEO), your website is more likely to appear at the top of search results. While social media supports local search, a business website offers a wider scope.
Build a marketing hub that works for you
Your website isn’t just a business card—it’s a complete marketing tool. You can use it to share updates, run promotions, post blogs, and showcase reviews. Plus, it connects easily with other channels like email and social media posts, making it simple to keep everything in one place.
Here’s what a business website adds to your marketing strategy:
- Content marketing. Strategic use of keywords can make your website rank higher in search results. This brings in more website visitors who are actively interested in what you offer.
- Email Marketing. Encourage visitors to subscribe to your email list. Building a strong list helps you stay in touch and boost conversions over time.
- Cross-Promotion. Link your site to social media so you can easily share updates, new products, and special offers across platforms.
Improve customer experience and learn what works
Your website not only helps customers find you, but it also shows you what they’re interested in. With Google analytics tools, you can see which pages and products your website visitors love most.
Here’s why it works:
- Content insights. Google Analytics and other similar tools help you see which pages and products attract the most attention. This allows you to create more relevant content in the future.
- Real-time support. Chatbots and frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide instant answers to common questions. This keeps customers happy and reduces support requests.
- Direct feedback. Customer feedback forms let you know what’s working and what might need improvement.
Showcase products and increase sales
A website gives you a dedicated space to display your products or services. Unlike social media, where posts get buried in feeds, your website keeps your offerings front and center. Visitors can browse your full catalog, search for specific items, and filter options—something social media pages just don’t allow. Plus, with your products available 24/7, you can make sales anytime, even outside business hours.
Support business growth and future expansion
A website grows with your business. As you add new products or services, your site can easily expand to include them. You can introduce new features without a major overhaul, such as:
- E-commerce for online sales
- Appointment scheduling for service-based businesses
- A blog to engage and educate your audience
How to make a business website
Ready to create a site that supports your business goals? Let’s break down the simple steps to get started on building your professional online presence.
- Choose a domain and hosting provider
Pick a memorable domain name that reflects your business and is easy to spell. Register it right away to secure your domain. You can park it while working on your website. Don’t forget to find good hosting plans too. Look for essential features like backups and SSL certificates. These features secure your site, protect customer data, and help build trust.
- Build your site
Select a website builder that matches your skill level. Drag-and-drop builders offer templates and don’t require technical skills, making them a good fit for beginners.
If you’re comfortable with a bit more tech, a content management system (CMS) provides more customization options and control, but it may take extra time to learn.
- Design a clean, mobile-friendly site
Choose a simple layout that aligns with your brand’s theme, logo, and colors. Include essential pages like home, about, services, and contact.
Make sure your design is mobile-friendly and responsive to different devices. For a professional touch, use tools that offer custom designs to match your site to your brand’s unique identity. Many platforms provide responsive templates, but you can also explore design services for a more tailored approach.
- Add content and optimize for search engines
Create engaging content that speaks to your audience. Use keywords strategically to improve search rankings and attract visitors.
Consider using an AI writing tool to help generate SEO-friendly copy and keyword placement. You can quickly create content that appeals to both visitors and search engines
- Test, launch, and promote
Before going live, test your site on different devices and browsers to catch any issues. Check for broken links and typos.
Once ready, launch your site. Promote it on social media, announce it to your email list, and use other marketing channels to drive traffic.
Ready to take your business online? Start building today!
A website isn’t just an add-on. It’s a key asset that builds credibility, expands your reach, and gives you full control over your brand. It’s a foundation that grows with your business to help you connect with customers and build a lasting online presence.
Domain.com offers a range of resources to help you get started, from domain registration to easy-to-use website builders and secure hosting options. With the right tools, you can create a site that reflects your brand, showcases your offerings, and supports your goals.
If you’re ready to take that next step, building a website is simpler and more affordable than ever. Explore what’s available, and start building a professional, reliable online presence that works for your business 24/7.
