Do I need a website for my small business?

Updated 17 August 2025.

As business owners, we understand that keeping costs under control is a priority. With social media platforms such as Facebook Business pages, LinkedIn and more, you might be wondering if you need a website at all. It can be tempting to run your business online from a third-party platform, but while you may save on costs, you are giving up more than you bargained for.

Even if you have a thriving online business, you will reach the stage where your growth stagnates, as social media won’t provide the organic reach you need without paid ads. PPC ads are a great way to expand your audience, but without a home to call its own, your business will never reach its true potential. Here are some of our top reasons why your website should be a priority.

1. Social media blackouts

While it may seem impolite to mention something that has only happened once, we all remember that fateful day when Facebook and Instagram went down globally. You may or may not be aware that more localized outages have occurred before and after this.

Cybercrime is rising at an alarming rate, and it is predicted that large-scale attacks will become more frequent in the coming years, driven by the exponential growth in data value. The likelihood of social media outages becoming more frequent is high. If that’s where your business is based, you will be out of action during outages. Not the ideal situation for timed marketing efforts or even good customer service.

2. Global audiences

So many of our clients are small, local businesses, and we love that! We’re proud of the unique and varied businesses in Atlantic Canada and beyond… but why limit yourself? Some products and services work best in person, but we can help you transfer your business through an online store with shipping (don’t worry, we’ll show you how!) or through the ability to deliver services virtually. Even if your business is primarily something that needs an in-person experience, we can work with you to develop courses, online products and more that complement your main product or service.

All of these options open up your brand beyond your local customer base. Introduce your business to a global audience! We know you have something special you could share with the world.

3. SEO potential

This is a big one and is often overlooked when business owners debate having a website. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a complicated set of variables that can help your business climb in Google search results. If you don’t have a website, you are limited in what you can do, but with even a basic site… well, that’s a whole different story.

While SEO isn’t something most business owners want to take on themselves, your website developer should use SEO techniques to help your website get established. Updates such as blogs and SEO maintenance packages will help you enhance the number of keyword terms your website ranks for and help you stand out from the crowd when people search for you.

4. Authority & Professionalism

If you think creating a website for your business is a vanity project, you’re half-right! Your audience will look for markers that you are legitimate, professional and an authority in your field. Increasingly, shoppers are waking up to the number of fraudulent or spammy businesses and protecting themselves. 84% of consumers think a website makes your business more credible than one with only a social media profile.

A website is an easy marker of legitimacy, but only if done right. Free websites, like Wix free plan, often insist on adding their branding, which diminishes this effect. Websites without SSL also don’t assure clients that your website is safe. A basic website that looks professional and has the security markers consumers look for will more than pay for itself through the assurance it gives your customers.

5. Affordability & Easy Maintenance

Websites were once a vastly expensive endeavour and impossible to maintain yourself. This is no longer the case. Whether your budget is a few hundred or a few thousand, options are available to give your business a professional presence.

Not only are websites much more affordable for the average small business owner, but they are also simpler to maintain. We offer affordable monthly maintenance packages, but can also train you or your staff to maintain and update your website in-house.

More about our training options.

A well-designed website can help you:

• Attract new customers through search engines
• Showcase your products, services, or portfolio
• Build authority and trust with professional branding
• Collect leads and drive sales
• Share updates, resources, and valuable content
• Stand out from competitors who rely only on social media

Is Social Media Enough?

Social media is great for engagement, but it’s not a replacement for a website. Algorithms change, platforms come and go, and you don’t own your followers or your content there. A website is your own space—no one can take it away or change the rules overnight.

What If I’m Just Starting Out?

Even a simple, one-page website can make a big difference. You don’t need a huge budget or fancy features to get started. Focus on the essentials: who you are, what you offer, how to contact you, and why someone should choose you.

Final Thoughts: Do You Need a Website?

Yes, if you want to grow, compete, and control your online presence, a website is essential. It’s the foundation of your digital marketing, the hub for your content, and the best way to build trust with your audience. Social media and other platforms are great tools, but your website is the only place you truly own and control.

If you don’t have the time or the skills to get started, book a free virtual coffee with us to talk about your options. From WordPress to Shopify to Wix, we’re ready to build you a site you can be proud of.

Cyber PR Army Solutions. Digital Marketing Made Easy.