Stop Relying on Social Media: Why Your Small Business Needs a Website
Don’t tell me you’re still on the fence about getting a website for your business. That’s like going to the gas station without shoes. Sure, you could do it, but like … why?
Plenty of small business owners think they can get by with just social media. But here’s the problem: social media is borrowed land—you don’t own it, you don’t control it, and it can disappear overnight. Algorithms change, accounts get hacked, and platforms shut down. If your entire business presence exists on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, you’re one outage away from being invisible.
A website, on the other hand, is your home base. It’s where customers go when they want reliable information about your business—your services, your credibility, and how to reach you. If they can’t find you, they’ll move on to a competitor who made the effort.
Here’s why your small business (especially one with local clientele) needs a website:
1. Your Website is Open 24/7
Imagine having a storefront that never closes, where people can browse your services, check your hours, and get answers to their questions—even at 2 AM. Psst, that’s exactly what your website does. It works for you day and night, generating leads, making sales, and helping potential customers learn about your business on their own time. It’s your hardest-working employee, and it doesn’t even ask for a raise.
2. Social Media Isn’t Enough
Social media is a great tool, but it’s just that—a tool, not a complete business strategy. Here’s why relying solely on social media is risky:
You don’t own your platform. If Facebook decides to shut down your page or Instagram suspends your account, your audience goes with it.
Algorithms decide your reach. You could have thousands of followers, but if you fall out of favor with the algorithm only a handful will see it. And who wants to be stuck on the treadmill of endlessly courting the algorithm? Ugh, nightmare.
Limited credibility. A website instantly makes you look more professional and established. Research shows consumers are more trusting of businesses that have a website:
84% trust businesses that have their own website
80% trust businesses that have their own website and are on social media
Just 36% trust businesses that are only on social media
Only 20% trust businesses that do not have a website
3. Your Website Makes You Look Legit
Continuing on that topic, a DIY Facebook page or an Instagram bio with a phone number doesn’t scream professionalism. A well-designed website, on the other hand, tells customers, “Yo, I’m a real business, and I take what I do seriously.”
Your website is where you stand out from competitors and show people why they should choose you. A recent survey reported that even among younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, 80% of individuals check a small business's website before making a purchase to verify its legitimacy.* Your website is your stamp of credibility in the digital world we live in. Consumers simply expect businesses to be online.
4. Your Website Helps Local Customers Find You
Even if you run a local business, your customers are looking for you online. When someone in your area searches for a service you offer, do you show up? If you don’t have a website, the answer is probably not.
Google prioritizes websites in search results. That means if a potential customer Googles “best coffee shop near me” or “local wedding photographer,” the businesses with websites will rank higher than those without one. A website boosts your visibility and helps local customers find you fast.
5. Your Website is a Cost-Effective Marketing Tool
Ads are expensive. Flyers get thrown away. But the upfront cost of designing and developing a professional website is a one-time investment. Compare that to the never-ending expenses of traditional advertising, and it's a no-brainer.
A professionally designed website pays for itself by:
✔ Bringing in new leads
✔ Showcasing your services 24/7
✔ Helping customers contact you easily
✔ Increasing your credibility
Instead of constantly fighting social media algorithms (ew) or paying for ads that disappear after a day, your website serves as a long-term marketing asset—one that you own and control.
6. Your Website Sets You Apart
What makes you different? What is it about your business that makes you stands out over the competitors? Your website is the perfect place to showcase where you shine and how your services are special. First impressions really matter here, which is why I start my design process with a moodboard exercise – as I strive to be as aligned as possible with your brand, personality, and vision. Colors, fonts, logos and overall aesthetics all come into play in creating a site that perfectly represents your style and makes a lasting impression on your customers. Remember, first impressions matter. Wait, did I already say that? Yes! Because they really do matter!
It’s Time to Make It Official
A website isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It builds trust, attracts customers, and helps your business thrive, no matter its size. If you’re ready to finally have an online presence that works for you, I’m here to help.
Check out my Services Page to see how I can create a website that fits your brand and gets real results.
–LINDSEY illicreative.com
