Do I Need a Website for My Small Business?

If you're wondering whether your small business really needs a website, you're in the right place. This blog will dive into the important factors to help you decide what's best for your business. While social media and other marketing channels can be helpful, a website offers unique advantages in terms of professionalism and reach. Whether you’re just starting out or already have an established business, understanding the role a website can play will help you make a decision that suits your needs and goals.

Why Do Small Businesses Need a Website?

If you're running a small business, having a website isn't just a nice-to-have – it’s a must. It’s not just about being present on the internet; it’s about creating a professional home for your business that works for you around the clock.

Here’s 5 reasons why small businesses need a website:

Make a Great First Impression

When someone searches for the service you provide, your website is often their first experience of your business. A well-designed site shows professionalism and gives your business credibility. Without a website, you risk losing potential clients who may not take you seriously or assume you’re behind the times. A strong online presence builds trust and helps you stand out as a reliable option for your target audience.

Get Found Online

These days, most people turn to the internet when they need a service. Whether it’s Google or social media, people will likely search online before making a decision. If your business isn’t on Google, you’re missing out on potential clients who are actively looking for your services. A website gives you the chance to be discovered by a much wider audience than relying on word of mouth or social media shares.

Be Available 24/7

Unlike physical shops or offices, your website is always there. It works for you around the clock, so clients can learn about your services, get in touch, or make an enquiry at any time. This constant availability helps your business stay on the radar of potential clients, and allows them to reach out when it suits them best – without needing to wait until you’re available.

Everything in One Place

Your website acts as a central hub where potential clients can easily find all the details about your business. Whether it’s an overview of the services you offer, pricing information, client testimonials, or how to contact you, it’s all right there in one place. This saves clients time and hassle and makes it easier for them to decide to take the next step with you.

Stay Competitive

Your competitors are likely online, so if you’re not, you’re missing out. A website gives you the opportunity to show off what you do best, and it helps you compete with other businesses in your field. With the right website, you can increase your visibility, showcase your expertise, and ultimately grow your business.

Can a Small Business Survive Without a Website?

Have you ever considered what it really means for your business to not have a website? While you could technically survive without one, you’re missing out on a whole range of opportunities that could help you grow and reach new clients.

Here’s what you could be missing:

• Limited Reach: Without a website, you’re missing out on the vast number of potential clients who are actively searching for services like yours online, limiting your exposure and growth opportunities.

• Lack of Credibility: In today’s world, not having a website can make your business appear outdated or untrustworthy. Potential clients may question your professionalism.

• Falling Behind Competitors: Your competitors most likely have websites, meaning they’re more visible to potential clients. Without one, you risk losing business to them.

• No Online Presence: Without a website, you're missing out on being found through Google searches, meaning potential clients can’t discover you online.

• Missed Opportunities for Growth: A website lets you showcase your services, gather leads, and even make sales or bookings. Without it, you limit your ability to grow and scale your business.

• Dependence on Word of Mouth: Relying solely on word of mouth limits your reach to your current network, restricting new business and growth.

• No 24/7 Availability: A website is a 24/7 salesperson, always available to showcase your services and connect you with potential clients, even when you’re not working.

Is Social Media Enough for Small Businesses Instead of a Website?

While social media is great for building brand awareness, it’s not enough on its own. Social media is focused on short interactions, but a website gives you a stable, professional presence that you control. Platforms change their rules often, and you don’t want your business dependent on them.

When comparing two businesses, one with a website link in their bio and the other relying solely on social media posts, which would you trust more? A website provides credibility, detailed information, and a place to truly showcase your services.

Can I Build My Small Business Website Myself?

Building your own website might seem like an attractive option when you're trying to keep costs down. But when you consider how important your website is for your business, it’s worth asking yourself: is this really the best use of your time and energy?

Your website is often the first impression potential clients will have of your business. It’s where they’ll go to learn more about your services, see what you offer, and decide if they want to work with you. That’s a lot of responsibility for something you might be doing for the very first time.

While it’s possible to build your own website, here's why it's often better to invest in a professional:

• Save Time: As a business owner, your time is better spent focusing on your core services. A web designer handles the technical side, freeing you up to do what you do best.

• Customised Design: A professional web designer creates a site tailored to your business, rather than relying on generic templates that may not reflect your brand’s unique personality.

• Expertise in Functionality: A professional ensures your website is set up to perform well, with features like contact forms, e-commerce, or lead generation tools that work smoothly.

• Mobile-Optimised: A designer ensures your website looks great and functions properly on all devices, which is crucial as more users browse and shop on their phones.

• SEO Know-How: A professional web designer will optimise your website for search engines, helping you show up in search results and attract more organic traffic.

• Ongoing Support: After your site is built, a web designer can offer support for updates, maintenance, and troubleshooting – ensuring your site continues to run smoothly.

• Long-Term Value: Investing in a professionally designed website can save you from costly redesigns or fixes in the future, providing you with a solid foundation for growth.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website for a Small Business?

The cost of building a website for your small business can vary quite a bit depending on your needs, the complexity of the design, the features you require and who you choose to work with. If you go down the agency route, a simple website might set you back anywhere from £2,000 to £5,000 or more, depending on the agency's size and the services they offer. Larger agencies may charge higher fees due to their overheads, the involvement of multiple team members, and the level of service they provide.

On the other hand, working with a freelance web designer offers a more cost-effective option. For a small, bespoke website designed specifically for your business, you might pay between £500 and £2,500. Freelancers typically offer a more personal, one-on-one service, which can mean more flexibility, quicker communication, and a more tailored approach to meet your business's unique needs. Without the large overheads of an agency, freelancers can offer lower rates while still delivering high-quality, professional results.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Small Business Website?

When it comes to building a small business website, the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the project and how quickly you’re able to provide the necessary materials. For a straightforward website, the process can be completed quickly, but more intricate designs or additional features will naturally take more time.

If you choose to work with a freelance web designer, you can generally expect the project to take anywhere from 1 week to 6 weeks. Freelancers often work alone or with a small team, which allows for a more streamlined process. If you’re organised and provide feedback promptly, a basic website with a clean design and minimal functionality could be done within a week. For more detailed websites with custom designs or advanced features, it will naturally take longer.

On the other hand, agencies tend to take longer. This is because they have multiple team members involved in the process—designers, developers, content creators, and project managers. While the larger team can offer a wider range of expertise, the trade-off is a more extended timeline. Agencies might take several weeks or months to deliver a small business website that could have been completed in half the time by a professional freelancer.

What Should a Small Business Website Include?

A small business website should act as the digital hub for your brand and services, helping you connect with potential clients, showcase what you do, and ultimately drive business. So, when thinking about what to include, it’s important to focus on the key elements that will make your website functional, user-friendly, and effective in converting visitors into clients.

Here’s a breakdown of the essentials your small business website should have:

Clear Branding & Professional Design

Your website should match your brand’s style, with a clean and professional design. This builds trust and ensures a consistent experience across all your online platforms.

Homepage with a Strong Introduction

The homepage should clearly explain who you are and what you offer. Use a strong headline and brief description to immediately communicate your value.

About Us Page

Share your business story and values. An engaging "About Us" page allows visitors to connect with you and understand what drives your business.

Services or Products Page

Clearly list what you offer. Break down your services or products with key details and benefits, making it easy for visitors to see what you do.

Contact Information & Call-to-Action

Include a contact form or your email and phone number, along with a clear call-to-action guiding visitors on what to do next.

Social Proof (Testimonials/Reviews)

Feature client testimonials or reviews to establish credibility. Positive feedback builds trust and reassures potential customers.

SEO Optimisation

Make sure your website is optimised for search engines, so it ranks well and gets found by potential clients. Good SEO improves your visibility.

Mobile Responsiveness

Ensure your website looks good and functions well on mobile devices. A mobile-friendly design helps you reach a larger audience.

Blog or Resource Section

A blog or resources page helps keep your site fresh with valuable content. It’s also great for SEO and shows you’re an expert in your field.

Case Studies

Showcase detailed case studies to highlight the success stories of your past clients. This adds credibility and demonstrates how your services have delivered real-world results.

Privacy Policy

Make sure you have a privacy policy page to inform visitors how their data is collected, used, and protected. It’s important for legal compliance and building trust with your audience.

Gallery

A gallery or portfolio page can showcase your work, providing visual proof of your skills and the quality of your services.

Social Media Links

Including links to your social media profiles allows visitors to connect with you across multiple platforms and stay updated with your latest activities.

These are the essentials for building a small business website that works for you. But remember, every business is different. Your website might need a few more elements or a slightly different approach depending on your goals. Use this list as a solid foundation, but don't be afraid to adapt it to suit what you need for your business.

How Can I Get a Website for My Small Business?

When it comes to getting a website for your small business, you’ve got three main options: hire an agency, hire a freelancer, or build it yourself. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your budget, time, and what you want from your site.

1. Hire an Agency

Hiring an agency is a great option if you want a comprehensive, professionally designed website with all the bells and whistles. Agencies have larger teams with the skills to handle complex projects, and they’ll often provide end-to-end services, from design to development to marketing strategies.

However, this option tends to be on the pricier side, with costs typically starting from a few thousand pounds, depending on the complexity of the site. You’ll also need to be prepared for a longer timeline, as agencies typically juggle multiple clients at once. If you have the budget and need a large-scale website, an agency could be a good fit.

2. Hire a Freelancer

If you want a more personalised experience without the high cost of an agency, hiring a freelancer is a great middle ground. Freelancers offer custom, bespoke websites that are tailored to your business, and they can work within your budget to provide exactly what you need.

Working with a freelancer often means a quicker turnaround and more direct communication. Plus, freelancers are usually more flexible when it comes to changes and revisions. However, you’ll want to ensure that the freelancer has the expertise and experience necessary to deliver a high-quality website. Look at their portfolio and past work to see if their style fits your vision.

3. Do It Yourself (DIY)

Building your own website might seem like a cost-effective option, but it’s worth considering whether it’s the best use of your time and energy. While it’s possible to create a website yourself, there’s a lot to think about—design, user experience, SEO, and making sure everything functions properly. If you’re not experienced in web design, you could find yourself spending more time troubleshooting, learning new skills, and dealing with issues than you anticipated. Plus, your website might not have the professional polish that potential clients expect, especially when comparing it to competitors with expertly crafted sites.

DIY could be a suitable option if you have some experience in web design and development, but if you’re after a site that truly reflects your brand and serves your business goals, investing in a professional designer will save you time, stress, and ultimately help you achieve better results.

How I Can Help

If you're looking for a website that not only looks great but actually helps your business grow, I can help. I design bespoke websites for service-based businesses, making sure they not only look great but are also built to convert visitors into clients.

Feel free to get in touch via my contact page, I’d be happy to help.