“Do I need a website for my business?” That is a question many business owners are faced with.

The short answer is: yes you do. Because without it, you’re missing out. Not in a vague way, but in a real, measurable way.

If you’re running a small business, especially a local one, it’s easy to think that a website is just extra admin. Just another thing you have to worry about on top of the 17 other things you already have on your plate at any given time. You might already be posting on Facebook or Instagram, and maybe you’ve got a Google Business Profile too. So why bother with a website?

In this guide we’ll look at why that mindset could be costing you leads, trust and sales.

Only using Social Media for business vs a Website

You may feel that having a social media profile or two is adequate. Because social media feels like a quick win. You set up a page, post regularly, run ads if you want. That’s where people are, right?

Sure. But here’s what many people often realise too late. You Don’t Own the Platform.

Facebook or Instagram can change the rules overnight. One day your posts reach hundreds of people. The next, barely anyone sees them unless you pay. Or worse, your account gets flagged for something random and you’re locked out for days. Or forever. No warning. No backup plan.

Since Meta’s platforms—Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads—are all under one roof, when something breaks, it often breaks across the board. And that’s just the outages.

Even when everything is working, you’re still at the mercy of algorithms.

You post something useful like a special offer or an announcement, and you expect people to see it.

Then…. crickets. Ten likes. One share. Zero new enquiries.

And it’s not because people don’t care for your product or service. They probably didn’t even see it. Because, unless you’re paying for ads, your content often just disappears into the noise.

By contrast, your website is your own space. You get to decide what goes where. You control the content, design and how people move through the information. It’s one of the only things online that you can actually own.

Is a Google Business Profile enough? Do I still need a website?

A Google Business Profile is great for local searches but it also has limits. You cannot show much personality. You cannot structure content in a way that guides people through your services. And you’re also at the mercy of Google’s choice for what is displayed on your profile.

And they keep changing things. For example, Google shut down the free “business.site” websites in March 2024, which left a lot of businesses scrambling to set up proper sites.

If you want to look professional and actually turn visitors into customers, you need more than just a Google Business Page. A proper website gives you full control and way more space to show people why they should choose you.

Why you need a website for your business: 10 Reasons

1. Credibility and professionalism

When people search for your service and you have a proper website, it sends a signal. You are real. You take your business seriously. You care enough to put yourself out there in a way that’s easy to find and understand. A clean, professional website can make a difference in how people see you. If they land on your site and see that you have taken the time to explain your service properly, they are more likely to trust you.

2. Websites allow for greater reach

Generally, most people will search for a business, find their Google Business Profile, and then they check out the website before making a decision. Unlike social media, your website content is searchable through search engines and AI. With a well-built website, you can show up when people search beyond their immediate neighbourhood.

3. It gives your business a permanent online home

Social media comes and goes. Platforms change. Algorithms shift. But your website is something you own. You can shape it how you like. You can move it if you switch platforms. It is not tied to someone else’s rules. Your website serves as your main hub for where all your external sources should point to.

4. It saves you time

Think about how often you repeat the same info to clients. Things like your hours, your process, or how to book. With a clear website, all that is laid out. You can direct people there instead of typing the same reply over and over.

You can also build in a booking form, frequently asked questions, or downloadable documents. Things you just cannot do easily with a social media page.

5. It helps convert visitors into clients

On social media, people scroll. On your website, they pause. Social media platforms are designed to keep you on their app as long as possible. The more you scroll, the more opportunity to show you ads.

Having your own website means you can lead them through the content, highlight your best work, and guide them to a clear next step to start working with you.

6. You can collect contact info privately

With your own website, you can add a signup form and collect email addresses directly. Or you could add chat integration to let potential clients reach out to you directly. This lets you build a relationship that you control, so you can stay in touch with people who are actually interested in what you offer.

On social media, it’s a different story. Every time someone likes your post or leaves a comment, that interaction is public. Competitors can see it. They can click on that person’s profile, message them directly, and try to offer a better deal. It happens more than most people realise. When leads are coming through your website instead, that kind of poaching is much harder. The contact is private and stays between you and the person who reached out.

7. You stand out from your competitors

If your competitors all have websites, and you don’t, you look like the odd one out, with less credibility. On the flip side, if none of them have one, or theirs looks clunky and outdated, you instantly stand out when you have a well-designed, well-optimised website.

8. A website give you freedom and control

When Facebook changes its rules, you have to adapt. When Google Business removes features, you deal with it.

But your website is yours. You can change your wording, pricing, layout, or call to action at any time. That freedom matters more than you think. Especially when things shift suddenly.

9. It grows with your business

You might start with one page. Then add more as you go.

Your website can grow with your needs. You are building something flexible that evolves with your business. If you offer multiple services, each one can have its own page. This makes it easier for people to understand exactly what you do.

And if your business pivots and changes direction, your website can be updated along with it.

10. You can track and continuously improve

Having your own website means you can you can track visitor interaction.

You can see which pages perform best, and which ones need improvement. This helps you improve your offers to ultimately grow your business.