Do I Need a Website for My Small Business?
Short answer is yes. Longer answer: here are seven practical reasons a website pays for itself, plus how to keep it simple, affordable and effective.
Updated 26 Oct 2025 • WordPress & small business specialist
- Credibility beats “just social”
- You control your brand & info
- Be found on Google (local SEO)
- Sell & take enquiries 24/7
- Lower cost than traditional ads
- It’s easier to maintain than you think
- Reach nearby customers, and beyond
- FAQs
1. Credibility beats “just social”
People check your website to see if you’re real, established and professional. No site, or an out-of-date one, creates doubt. A simple, modern site with reviews, case studies and clear contact details builds trust fast.
Quick win: Add 2–3 testimonials and a short “Who we help and the outcomes” block to your homepage.
2. You control your brand & information
Social platforms change layouts, rules and reach. Your website is your hub: choose the design, messaging, offers and calls-to-action, and keep them consistent across channels.
- Show your services with clear pricing or “from” prices
- Publish FAQs once and link to them from social/email
- Capture enquiries with your own form, not a third-party inbox
3. Be found on Google (local SEO)
Most buyers search before they call. With basic on-page SEO and a strong Google Business Profile, you can appear for local searches (e.g., “web designer Bury St Edmunds”).
Quick win: Mention your service + location in your homepage title, H1 and intro. Add consistent address/phone in the footer.
4. Sell & take enquiries 24/7
Whether you’re brochure-style or e-commerce, the website handles enquiries, bookings and payments while you work. Pair clear service pages with visible CTAs like “Request a Quote” or “Book a Call.”
5. Lower cost than traditional ads
Compared to print or directories, a lightweight WordPress site is cost-effective and its value builds over time. One well-written page can generate enquiries for years with minor updates.
- One-page starter for very small budgets
- Professional site with 5–8 pages for most SMEs
- E-commerce when you’re ready to sell online
6. It’s easier to maintain than you think
Modern builds are simple to update. With WordPress you can change text, swap images and add pages without touching code. Prefer hands-off? A care plan keeps everything updated, secure and fast.
7. Reach nearby customers—and beyond
A website lets you target your town, county and niche sectors. Add place mentions where you work and publish case studies in different locations to widen your footprint.
- Use “service & location” in headings where natural
- Publish a portfolio with short outcomes (“enquiries up”, “load time halved”)
- Link each page back to your contact or quote form
Ready to see what a website could do for you?
I’ll review your site (or plans) and send quick wins + a simple roadmap. If you’d like, I can implement the changes too.
Small Business Website FAQs
It’s useful, but you don’t control the platform, the design or the reach. A website is your owned, permanent hub that search engines can rank.
It depends on pages and features. I offer one-page starters, 5–8 page professional sites, and e-commerce builds, plus upgrades as you grow.
Not if you won’t update it. Focus on strong service pages, a clear About, FAQs and 2–4 case studies. Add articles later when you can post consistently.
