A Fair Question

I build websites for a living, so you'd expect me to say "yes, absolutely, everyone needs a website." But I'm not going to do that, because it depends on your situation. Let me give you an honest breakdown.

When You Probably Don't Need a Website

Not every business needs a website right now. If any of these apply to you, you might be fine without one for the time being:

You're fully booked through word of mouth — If referrals fill your calendar and you genuinely can't take on more work, a website might not be a priority
You sell exclusively on marketplaces — If you only sell on Etsy, Amazon, or similar platforms and have no plans to change that, your marketplace profile might be enough
You're testing a brand new business idea — If you haven't validated your idea yet, start with a simple landing page or social media presence before investing in a full site

When You Absolutely Do Need One

People Are Searching for What You Offer

If potential customers are typing things like "plumber in Warrington" or "wedding photographer near me" into Google, and you don't have a website, you're invisible to them. Your competitors who do have websites are getting those enquiries instead of you.

You Need to Build Credibility

Like it or not, people check websites before they buy. A 2024 survey found that 81% of consumers research a business online before making a purchase. If they Google your business and find nothing — or worse, find a terrible website — that's a red flag in their mind.

You Want to Control Your Own Presence

Social media platforms can change their algorithms overnight. Your reach on Facebook or Instagram can drop by 90% with a single update. A website is yours. You control the message, the design, the content, and the customer experience. No algorithm can take that away.

You Want to Generate Leads While You Sleep

A good website works 24/7. Someone can find you at 11pm, read about your services, look at your portfolio, and book a consultation — all while you're asleep. Try doing that with just a Facebook page.

You're Competing With Businesses That Have Websites

If your competitors have professional websites and you don't, you're at a disadvantage. Full stop. The playing field isn't level, and you're on the wrong side of it.

"But I Have Social Media"

Social media is great for engagement and community. But it's not a replacement for a website. Here's why:

You don't own it — Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are rented land. They can (and do) change rules, restrict reach, or even shut down accounts
It's not searchable the same way — Nobody Googles "best bakery" and lands on an Instagram page. They land on websites
Limited functionality — You can't take bookings, process payments, or showcase detailed portfolios properly on social media
It doesn't look professional — When someone asks for your website and you give them a Facebook link, it doesn't inspire the same confidence

The Cost Question

A lot of small businesses avoid getting a website because they think it'll cost thousands. And with agencies, it often does. But it doesn't have to. A professional custom-built website can cost less than a year's worth of that Squarespace subscription you've been paying for — and it's yours to keep forever.

My Honest Recommendation

If you're a small business that relies on local customers finding you, or if you need credibility to close deals, or if you want to generate leads without constantly posting on social media — yes, you need a website. And it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

If you're genuinely not sure, book a free meeting. I'll give you an honest opinion based on your specific situation — even if that opinion is "you don't need one right now." I'd rather be straight with you than sell you something you don't need.

Do You Actually Need a Website? Honest Advice for Small Businesses