Do small businesses need a website online?

Do small businesses need a website online?

It may seem ironic to suggest that small businesses start building an online presence without a website. But there’s a very good reason why businesses, and in particular small business start building their online presence even if they don’t have a website and that’s the development of local search.

For many business types a website is never going to be a transactional tool; a plumber, electrician or gardener for instance are never going to be able to complete their services online. For them it will only ever be an information portal to advertise their services and attract customers.

Arguably the website is a tool that can convert customers, answering all their questions, reassuring them of the trustworthiness and integrity of the business and above all getting them to pick up the phone and call the business! But for many types of businesses which operate on a local level it’s most important to raise their profile and awareness of their services on a local level. The most important thing is being found.


If a small business can be found within “search”, the website conversion process can to some extent be removed from the entire customer journey. This reflects the process customers would follow pre-Internet, the customer has a requirement e.g. needs a plumber, the customer searches for a plumber who’s can fulfil that requirement and once they locate one nearby they call. End of process, no website required to convert the customer.

So how can small businesses be found within search on a local level without a website? Well here’s the two most powerful ways this can be achieved –

Google local search results – Probably the most powerful tool of them all and no you don’t need a website. Any business can sign up for a local Google business account, simply fill in some details regarding the types of service you offer, telephone and address, validate the details by phone or post and away you go. These local search results are always displayed at the top of relevant pages meaning you can “out SEO” an SEO expert without a website!

Online Directories – There are thousands of directories and whatever your business, they’ll be several which you can add your details to for free. Some directories will be based on geography, some on service types. Just search for “Free (area) directory” or “Free (tradesman) directory” and you’ll find loads in no time. Plenty of them will allow you to submit without a web address.

Naturally, working for as an SEO Marketing Consultant the suggestion that a business doesn’t need a website is only a short-term one! Due to the low cost of designing and hosting a simple website and the likelihood that it’ll increase conversion, visibility and awareness of the business it will always make sense to get one built. However, if the funds aren’t available for it right now that doesn’t stop you starting to build your online presence for free.