“If it isn’t on Google, it doesn’t exist.” – Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia
In this era of instant accessibility of information, consumers want information, and they want it now. Yet in 2025, only 73% of small businesses have their own websites.
It’s essential for your small business to meet consumer expectations for many reasons. According to study by Zippia, 81% of shoppers will research a business online before deciding to make a purchase. Meaning if your business doesn’t have a website, but your competitor does—where will the customer eventually shop?
Why a Website is Essential for Growth
Credibility. Not having a fast and easy source of information online can wreck your chances at new customers. Many consumers even question the legitimacy of the business itself if it doesn’t have a website. A website also allows you to create your own narrative and control how your business is perceived.
Visibility. Done properly, a website pushes your business to the front page of any Google search with search engine optimization (SEO) practices. This increases the chances of potential customers finding your website, and the information they’re seeking.
Flexibility. For small businesses with a limited number of employees, a website gives you the opportunity to direct customers to a source of information when your staff is unavailable; think of it as a 24/7 means of communication. The potential to add e-commerce functionality to the website can also compliment physical sales if your location is unable to open its doors due to a disruption or emergency.
While our website increases visibility for your business, don’t limit yourself by publishing your website and forgetting about it. For your website to continue to bring in new customers, consistent updates need to be made to keep it looking fresh and up to date.
How to Start a Website for Small Businesses
Making a website is not as hard as you think. There are many free platforms with templates where anyone can build a simple website. Whether you choose to host the site on your own or work with a developer, remember to keep it user friendly.
A website should contain all basic information people want to know before visiting, like location, hours, inventory availability, prices, an ‘about us’ section and links to your social media platforms. Before you start designing, strategize what you want to achieve—depending on how complex your site is, your website could be published in just days!
Once your website is up and running, you can gradually upgrade to increase website traffic by adding:
- A customer loyalty program
- Sales on products
- Menu
- Inventory availability
- A blog
A website is a powerful tool for a small business to expand its customer reach and meet existing customers where they are. A website for your small business could help supplement that demand.