Thinking of starting a business? Or perhaps you’ve already started your business, but now you’re wondering: do you need a business website? A website is an essential part of any business. However, it’s also a serious and costly investment, especially for individual entrepreneurs, small business owners, and other medium-sized businesses. So, do you think you really need a business website? Can you grow your business and find success without one?
Can you start a business without a website?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely start a business without a website. The long answer is that while it is possible to start a business without a website, it will be harder to expand your reach and accessibility. You might encounter other unique challenges without a business website as well. This means that you need to be prepared to have some alternatives to operate. Take a look at these few examples:
- Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn can serve as hubs for marketing, communication, and selling products/services. You can easily connect with the audience with proper social media management, making your business accessible and engaging.
- Marketplaces: If you’re selling products on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon, they can serve as your primary sales channel or business site, providing both information and sales opportunities.
- Local Presence: If you have a brick-and-mortar store, in-store marketing, local SEO through Google Business. Word of mouth can also drive the traffic that you need.
- Networking: You can grow your business through in-person events, referrals, and community engagement.
- Physical Marketing Materials: Physical marketing materials would also need to be highlighted to increase your reach and exposure as a business. This includes posters, brochures, calling cards, flyers, signs, and other promotional merchandise.
Many small businesses and entrepreneurs may choose these other alternatives as opposed to a fully functioning website. It may be due to budget constraints, nature of business, personal preferences, and more.
Is a website really necessary for a business?
A website isn’t strictly necessary or legally required for every business. However, it’s a good reminder that a website offers significant benefits to businesses and can be crucial for long-term growth and competitiveness.
Here are some reasons why having a business website can be essential:
- Credibility and Professionalism – In today’s digital age, customers often expect businesses to have an online presence. A survey by Verisign found that 84% of consumers believe that small businesses with websites are more credible than those without. A well-designed, functional website instantly gives your business credibility, making it appear more legitimate and professional. Having an official website with clear information, testimonials, and customer reviews also helps build trust. It shows that your business is transparent and reliable.
- 24/7 Availability and Customer Convenience – Unlike a physical store, a website is accessible to customers 24/7. This allows potential customers to learn about your business, browse products/services, and even make purchases at any time, even after business hours. According to Statista, over three-quarters of US consumers have shopped for items on the web. Of course, a website also opens your business up to a much wider audience, not just within your local community. You can reach customers from different cities, regions, or even countries.
- Marketing and Branding Opportunities – A website serves as a central hub for all your digital marketing efforts. Whether through social media, email marketing, or paid ads, you can direct traffic to your site to capture leads, make sales, or provide additional information to your audience. Not to mention, it will be easier for potential customers to find you when searching for related products or services. You can use a blog or resource section to provide valuable information to your audience, positioning yourself as an expert in your field. A HubSpot report found that businesses that have a blog and create regular content see 55% more website visitors than those that do not. This content can drive traffic and help engage your audience.
- Control over Branding and Messaging – Unlike social media platforms or marketplaces, where you’re bound by their rules and design limitations, a website gives you full control over how you present your brand. You can customize everything from the design, tone of voice, and messaging to the user experience. With a website, you can create a consistent, cohesive brand experience across all customer touchpoints. You can highlight your logo, colors, and brand values to create an identity that resonates with your audience.
- E-commerce and Online Sales – If you sell products or services, having an e-commerce website allows you to sell directly to customers without the fees and limitations of third-party platforms like Etsy or Amazon. A website also enables you to offer additional features, such as subscription services, memberships, or exclusive content that can create new revenue streams. In fact, according to eMarketer, global eCommerce sales are expected to grow 10.1% in 2024, while in-store sales are expected to grow only 2% year over year.
- Data and Analytics – A website allows you to gather valuable data about your customers, such as their preferences, behaviors, and how they interact with your site. Tools like Google Analytics provide insights into traffic sources, user demographics, and what pages are most popular on your business website. With this data, you can better target your marketing efforts, improve the user experience, and make more informed business decisions.
- Cost-effective Advertising – Digital advertising through your website (like Google Ads, SEO, or social media) is often more cost-effective than traditional advertising. For example, Google Ads reported an average return on investment (ROI) of 200%, making it an affordable and effective approach. You can track the performance of each campaign and adjust in real-time to improve your return on investment. A website also allows you to scale marketing campaigns quickly. With the right strategy, you can attract a large volume of traffic without the limitations of physical space or geography for your business.
- Customer Support and Engagement – A website can offer FAQs, chatbots, or help sections where customers can find answers without needing to contact you directly. This enhances the user experience and reduces the time you spend on customer support or sales. A website will also allow you to collect email addresses of audiences, giving you the chance to build a direct communication channel with customers. Email marketing is an effective way to promote new products, offer discounts, or keep customers informed about updates on your business.
- Competitive Advantage – In competitive industries, having a polished business website gives you an edge over businesses that don’t have one or only rely on social media. Potential customers may favor businesses with an established online presence because it feels more professional and reliable, and consumers increasingly expect to research and engage with businesses online. A website helps meet these expectations. Businesses can now remain competitive in the digital landscape.
- Enhances Customer Experience – Your website can provide a seamless user experience, from browsing to buying, which can increase customer satisfaction and retention. With features like online scheduling, chat support, or product filters, you make it easier for customers to interact with your business. Your business website can deliver personalized experiences to users based on their previous interactions. This increases the chances of engagement and conversions.
What happens if a business does not have a website?
If a business does not have a website, there are chances that they might face several challenges that may limit its growth, visibility, and customer engagement. Here are some of the key consequences if you do not have your own business website:
- A business might have limited reach – Without a website, a business is largely limited to local customers or those who find it through physical marketing (e.g., flyers, word of mouth). A website enables a global or broader regional reach, allowing potential customers from anywhere to find and engage with the business. A business is also not likely to show up in search results without a website, leading to missed opportunities for new customers within the digital landscape.
- A business might lose credibility – A business may appear outdated, unprofessional, or less trustworthy without their own business website. It may also be harder for customers to verify your legitimacy and feel confident about doing business with you.
- A business might miss marketing and branding opportunities – Without a business website, it becomes much harder to run cohesive and effective digital marketing campaigns. There will be less control of their branding, design, and messaging as well. Without it, businesses are left relying on third-party platforms (like social media) where the look and feel are limited and don’t fully reflect the brand identity.
- A business might lose sales and revenue – With online shopping growing each year, businesses without a website miss out on the opportunity to generate sales through an e-commerce platform. In 2023, 19% of all retail sales worldwide occurred online, a number expected to rise every year. Without a website, businesses lose access to this growing revenue stream.
- A business might have a less competitive advantage – Competitors with websites can offer more information, better customer service, and a seamless buying experience. This makes it harder for businesses without a website to keep up with the competition.
- A business might have poor customer service – Customers often look for key details like location, hours, services, or pricing. Without a website, customers may have to rely on calling or visiting the business in person, which can be inconvenient and lead to frustration. Many customers will also not be able to use online self-service tools, such as FAQs, appointment scheduling, or chat support.
- A business might not be able to track customer data and behavior – businesses lose access to this data, making it harder to improve marketing efforts or enhance customer experiences based on insights. Without a website, collecting email addresses, engaging with customers, or building a long-term relationship through newsletters and updates becomes more difficult. This reduces the business’s ability to retain and re-engage customers.
- A business might miss opportunities for online reviews and social proof – Positive customer reviews are powerful tools for building trust. A website allows you to showcase testimonials and reviews in a way that can influence potential customers. Without one, businesses miss the chance to use social proof effectively. You also miss out on potential referral traffic and new customers because customers don’t have a business website to refer people to.
Which type of business needs a website?
In today’s digital age, almost every type of business can benefit from having a website. However, the level of necessity varies based on the industry, customer base, business goals, and more. Here’s an overview of which types of businesses particularly need a website:
- Professional Services: Lawyers, accountants, consultants, and other service professionals use websites to provide information about their services, share expertise through blogs, and even enable appointment bookings.
- Home Services: Plumbers, electricians, cleaners, landscapers, and similar service providers need a website to allow customers to find contact information, book services, and read reviews or testimonials.
- Hotels and Accommodation: A website allows potential customers to book rooms, see available amenities, and access location details. It also offers the opportunity to gather direct bookings, avoiding third-party fees from platforms like Booking.com or Expedia.
- Restaurants, Cafes, and Other Dining Establishments: Business websites are essential for showing menus, providing directions, enabling online reservations, and offering delivery or takeout services.
- Tour Operators and Travel Agencies: Websites offer an opportunity to highlight tours, packages, and destinations, allowing customers to research and book trips online.
- Charities and Foundations: Non-profits use websites to inform the public about their mission, share updates, and collect donations. Websites also provide transparency by publishing annual reports or detailing how funds are used.
- Community Organizations: Local clubs, groups, and associations can use a website to communicate with members, announce events, and gather support from the local community.
- Real Estate Agencies or Realtors: Realtors and property managers benefit from having websites that list available properties, offer virtual tours, and enable online inquiries or bookings.
- Rental Services: Property rental companies can use a website to manage listings, take rental applications, and allow prospective tenants to view properties online.
- Event Planners or Venues: Event planning companies use websites to highlight services, showcase past events, and allow clients to book consultations. Event spaces and venues, on the other hand, use business websites to offer information about availability, services, and contact details for bookings.
- Musicians, Bands, and Entertainers: Websites give performers a way to showcase their work, sell tickets to events, and especially to connect with fans.
- B2B Manufacturers, Distributors, and Consultants: B2B businesses often rely on websites to provide product catalogs, specification sheets, and inquiry forms for potential partners or buyers. B2B consultants use websites to highlight expertise, showcase case studies, and attract new clients by offering white papers or other thought leadership content.
- News Outlets: Newspapers, magazines, and digital publishers need a website to share articles, attract readers, and generate revenue through ads or subscriptions.
- Healthcare Providers and Wellness Businesses: Whether it’s a medical, dental, or alternative health clinic, a website offers the ability to provide patient information, accept online appointments, and educate the public about treatments. Mental health professionals (doctors, dentists, personal trainers) also use websites to inform potential clients of their services, offer resources, and provide a way to book sessions. And of course, spas and wellness providers benefit from websites to offer appointment scheduling, showcase services, and provide educational content to build trust with potential clients.
- Beauty and Personal Care: Salons, barbershops, and beauty professionals benefit from websites that allow customers to book appointments, learn about services, and view pricing.
- Fitness and Gyms: Gyms, personal trainers, and yoga studios use websites to offer class schedules, enable memberships, and share health-related content.
Best Web Hosting for a Business Website
If you’re a small business owner who wants to take advantage of the endless possibilities of a business website, you need to know the best website hosting for small businesses and more. It’s essential to consider factors like performance, reliability, customer support, features, and pricing.
Here are some of the best options:
- Bluehost
Bluehost is best for beginners and WordPress users since it’s officially recommended by WordPress.org. Bluehost is known for its ease of use and excellent support, making it a great choice for first-time website owners. Key features include a free domain name for the first year, easy WordPress installation and management, free Yoast SEO, 24/7 customer chat support, affordable pricing, and more.
- SiteGround
SiteGround is also another great choice for a business website. It’s best for WordPress hosting and excellent customer support, with reliable speed and security. This is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Some of its key features include fast loading times with built-in caching, managed WordPress hosting with automatic updates and daily backups, free SSL, CDN integration, customer support, and affordable pricing solutions.
- GoDaddy
Perhaps one of the most popular web hosting services for businesses right now is GoDaddy. It’s best for domain registration and simple hosting needs. It’s particularly good for small businesses looking for an all-in-one solution. Key features include seamless domain and hosting integration, free domain with hosting plans, a website builder, 24/7 customer support, affordable pricing, and more.
These are just a few of the best web hosting providers for entrepreneurs and business owners. With their multiple features and business-focused solutions, business owners will be able to know how to make a business website in no time and achieve business success with a central digital hub like this.
If you’re wary of starting your own business website, digital marketing services can give you the help you need! Contact Twin Rams Media to get your business website up and running and have all digital marketing efforts to foster your success.
.
.
.
.
.
References:
https://www.score.org/resource/blog-post/12-reasons-why-small-businesses-need-a-website