Do I Need a Website for My Business?

Key takeaways:

• A website lays the foundation for long-term business growth.
• A vast majority of small businesses now have a website, and the trend continues to grow each year. 
• Affordable AI-powered tools make building a professional website easier than ever. 

Having an online presence is expected of every business today. 89% of U.S. consumers research a business online, and 80% of those searches lead to conversions. Your competitors know this. They’re already online, capturing potential customers you haven’t reached yet. 

That’s why it’s worth looking at why a website matters more than ever in 2025—before we dive into the specific ways it helps your business grow. 

Why every business needs a website in 2025  

Customers trust businesses with a real website. Without one, you look less credible. A simple homepage with your name, services, and contact info already makes you stand out. 

As competition online continues to grow, the importance of a website for small businesses has never been more urgent. If you wait, your competitors capture the attention first. 

Recent studies show that 81% of shoppers conduct online research before making a purchase. That means your site often gives the first impression of your business.  

And the trend is only growing. As of 2025, 83% of small businesses now have a website, up from 64% in 2018. This shift is driven by the rise of affordable, no-code tools and AI-powered platforms that make building a professional site easier than ever.  

Notably, you should optimize your website for mobile. Otherwise, you’ll be at a disadvantage in Google search engine results pages (SERPs), even if your site is optimized for desktop. This is due to Google’s mobile-first indexing policy where it uses the mobile version of a site’s content for indexing and ranking. 

Having a website isn’t just about being found. It’s about being trusted. According to Forbes, a fast, secure, and accessible website builds trust and drives customer loyalty. In fact, half of users will leave a site if it loads in three seconds .   

The idea that “your website isn’t optional, it’s your storefront” rings true today more than ever, highlighting the importance of an online presence for businesses.  

A website is no longer a nice extra. It’s the foundation for growth, visibility, and customer trust in 2025. 

8 top reasons your business needs a website 

Your website does more than exist online. It builds credibility, gives you control, and opens the door to new opportunities. Here are the main reasons: 

1. Credibility and trust 
2. Control over your online presence vs. social media 
3. SEO and discoverability 
4. 24/7 availability 
5. Social proof and reviews 
6. Growth opportunities with add-ons 
7. Analytics and data-driven decisions 
8. Central hub for your business 

Let’s look at each of the reason in detail: 

1. Credibility and trust 

Customers expect a real business to have a website. Without one, you risk looking unprofessional or inactive. Even a single page with your name, contact details, and services helps build trust. A website shows you’re reliable and ready to do business. 

2. Control over your online presence vs. social media 

Social platforms can change rules, layouts, and algorithms overnight. When you rely only on them, you give up control. This is often called “digital sharecropping”—you’re building on rented land. With your own site, you control the design, the message, and how your brand is presented. 

As our SVP of Product Brian McMullin explains, “All of your content and the website that you build with Network Solutions is yours, and yours alone. ” This ownership gives you full control over your brand and content in a way social platforms do not. Watch the full explanation here. 

3. SEO and discoverability 

Most people start their search for products or services on Google. A website gives you the chance to appear in those results, especially local searches like “plumber near me.” Over time, SEO builds lasting visibility.  

Every blog post, service page, or update strengthens your authority and helps more customers find you.  So, create content for people, not search engines. When you create something that naturally speaks to your audience, SEO follows. 

4. 24/7 availability 

Your website never closes. Customers can make purchases, schedule appointments, or send inquiries at any hour. With eCommerce tools, booking systems, and chat features, your site works even when you’re not available. That kind of access keeps your business open around the clock. 

5. Social proof and reviews 

Word-of-mouth now happens online. A website lets you showcase reviews, testimonials, and case studies in one place. Unlike social media posts that get buried, your best feedback stays visible and becomes part of your brand story. This builds confidence for new customers. 

6. Growth opportunities with add-ons 

Your site grows as your business grows. Start small, then add blogs, online stores, or booking tools when you’re ready. Website builders make these upgrades simple. Unlike social media, which is limited by the platform, your website can scale on your terms. 

7. Analytics and data-driven decisions 

Websites give you insights social media can’t. Analytics show how many people visit, which pages they explore, and where they leave. This data helps you refine your content, improve calls-to-action, and focus on what actually drives results. 

To learn more about using Google Analytics for SEO, check out this helpful guide. 

8. Central hub for your business 

A website ties everything together. It connects your social channels, email campaigns, and ads in one place. When people want to learn more, they land on your site. It becomes the anchor for your brand online and the hub for your growth. 

Do you really need a website if you already have social media?

Some business owners wonder if social media alone is enough. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are powerful, but they come with limits.  

Risks of relying only on social media:  

• Algorithms decide who sees your content, often limiting organic reach.  
• You can’t fully control design, branding, or layout.  
• Platforms can change rules or reduce visibility without warning.  
• Reviews and posts often get buried in fast-moving feeds. 

Advantages of having your own website:  

• You own the platform and control the experience, from layout to content.  
• Full freedom to design, brand, and publish without restrictions.  
• Works alongside your social profiles and Google Business Profile (GBP) to reach the local market and boost discoverability.  
• Customers expect a dedicated site when they’re ready to act or make a purchase.  

As many marketers say, social media is a great tool for visibility, but your website should be your business’s home base.  

In short, social media supports your growth, but it shouldn’t replace a website. Both work best when used together. 

When do I need to create a website? 

Quick answer: You can start creating a website whenever you want. 

However, there are rare situations where a website may not be the first step. These don’t apply to most businesses, but they’re worth mentioning: 

Reason 1: Testing a new idea. If you’re running a side hustle and relying on word-of-mouth, you may not need a site right away. 

Reason 2: Freelancing on platforms. Designers, writers, or consultants who find work through Fiverr, Upwork, or similar platforms can use those profiles instead of a website—at least in the beginning. 

Reason 3: Running hyper-local businesses. Some neighborhood shops thrive on walk-ins and referrals without relying much on online search. 

Even in these cases, a simple one-page website adds legitimacy and gives you room to grow. When your business expands, you’ll be ready to capture customers searching online. 

How much does a business website cost in 2025? 

Building a website today is more affordable than ever. Thanks to the rise of DIY website builders powered by AI, you can create a professional online presence without breaking the bank.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved in building a website for your business in 2025:

AI-powered website builders make it easier to launch a site quickly, with the flexibility to add features as your business grows. These tools allow you to create a professional website without needing technical expertise, so you can focus on running your business. 

Pricing disclaimer: Prices may vary depending on the provider, plan, and any additional features. Always check the fine print for specific terms and services. 

How to create a website in simple steps 

Building a website is simpler today, thanks to intuitive website-building tools. AI-powered builders make the process even easier, allowing you to create a professional site without coding.  

Brian McMullin highlights in a YouTube video about how Network Solutions’ AI website builder makes it easy and quick for beginners to get online, saying, “Our AI technology allows users with little to no coding experience to design and build a custom site in minutes.” This statement reflects the simplicity and efficiency of the AI-powered builder demonstrated in the video. See the demo here. 

He further explains, “We’re using AI to generate content, images, styles, colors, fonts, all of that—so you don’t need to worry about any of that and at the end of the process have a great website that you can fine-tune and ultimately publish online.” 

With this AI assistance, you can focus on the steps below without worrying about design or content generation.  

1. Choose a domain name. Your domain name is like your internet address. So, choose one that’s easy to remember and close to your brand name. 
2. Choose a hosting service provider. A hosting service stores your website’s data, making it accessible online. So, choose one that’s reliable and has the features to ensure your site performs well. Network Solutions is an all-in-one platform with hosting services that provides all your hosting needs. 
3. Pick a website builder. Choose a user-friendly website builder that suits your needs. Make sure they’re easy for beginners, offer customizable templates, and have built-in support for SEO and mobile responsiveness. 
4. Design your website. Start with a professional template and customize it to reflect your brand. Try keeping it clean and simple. This helps create a better customer experience. 
5. Create content. Creating content is an integral part of your SEO efforts. It also gives readers information about your business and your products. 
6. Set up navigation. Try a logical and straightforward menu. This helps visitors find what they need without frustration. Provide clear calls to action to direct them to the next step. 
7. Preview and test. Before launching your website, test it on desktop and mobile devices. Make sure buttons, forms, and navigation all work smoothly. 
8. Publish your website. If everything looks good, you can now go live. Your business is now accessible 24/7. 
9. Now that your website is live, it’s time to start reaching new customers and growing your business. 

Get your business online today 

A website can help your business grow and reach people across the globe. Building one can be easy, especially with modern and reliable tools. You can start small and scale as your business grows.

Network Solutions is a reliable and user-friendly content management system that offers hosting services, SEO tools, a website builder and everything you need to create a solid website.

Frequently asked questions