Do Small Business Owners Really Need A Website in 2025?

As a virtual assistant in the online world, I regularly hear this question: “Do I really need a website for my business?”

My answer: YES.

Well, I’m glad we cleared that up!

I suppose you’d like an explanation, ok, let me tell you why I believe small business owners really need a website in 2025.

It’s 2025, Why Do You Not have a Website?

If you are a small business owner and you don’t have a website, you are being left behind. It’s that simple.

We live in a world where EVERYTHING is online, so you need to be too.

Let’s say I meet someone at a networking event, they tell me about their business, it sounds interesting, I talk about my business, we share some laughs about how challenging running a business can be. We suddenly get interrupted and we part ways.

Not to worry, I’ll look them up later. 

But wait, they don’t have a website. 

Right there and then I’m moving on.

Why? Because I want to learn more about the person I met at the event, I want to see a list of their services, I want to feel reassured that the person is legit and has a professionally run business.

Are you starting to realise why it’s important for small business owners to have a website in 2025?

What Are The Benefits of Having a Website?

A website provides you with an element of professionalism.

As mentioned in the above scenario, a small business owner without a website runs the risk of losing potential clients or customers if they don’t have anywhere to direct them.

A website is a wonderful place to showcase your products or services, it also makes it much easier for someone to purchase your offerings directly via your website through easy-to-use payment links.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a blog, but have been put off because you haven’t had anywhere to publish it, your website is the perfect place.

I highly recommend adding a blog to your website, it’s an excellent way to show your authority and expertise on a particular subject. Not to mention how beneficial it is for SEO purposes, as it will help potential clients find your website.

You might think you can run your business via your social media accounts, but while that might be true, you always run the risk of losing access to those accounts. 

Even just this year we’ve seen TikTok banned, then reinstated, we’ve seen Instagram making changes at the drop of a hat, constant algorithm challenges, honestly, the list goes on.

That’s exactly why you need to own your little corner of the internet with a website, and even more importantly perhaps, an email list.

You need to have access to a group of people who are interested in what you offer and are primed to buy from you.

All of that can be done via your website.

Why YOUR Website Must Be Different?

Your website is an extension of your brand and your personality.

There’s no point in having a website that doesn’t reflect who you are as a person, it’s kinda like false advertising.

I’ve seen so many “samey samey” websites created by other virtual assistants because they believe they need to portray a certain aesthetic, or that they need to look like everyone else, for fear of losing out on clients.

I’m here to tell you that “samey samey” websites are OUT!

It’s time to stand out, not blend in with the other hundred websites that all look alike.

I don’t know about you, but I’m so bored with the black and white minimalist look.

It’s ok for a potential client or customer to land on your web page and think, “Oh! Well, this is different, I kinda like it”

Can A Business Survive Without a Website?

There are plenty of small businesses that survive without a website, using social media pages or by word of mouth.

I believe utilising social media, especially Facebook, is an excellent way to get started as a small business owner.

However, there are a few drawbacks to that approach.

1) You won't be able to sell directly, and more importantly, automate your processes and sales using Facebook. You, as the business owner will always have to be involved in the process at some point.

2) How will people find you if they don't already know who you are?

Facebook doesn't give you the option to be discovered organically through an internet search, unless as mentioned above, the person searching for you already knows you and your business name.

3) Creating a professional, well laid out, and strategic website, gives you the added authority that you are a business owner who "means business" not someone who is unwillingly to invest by only using social media as your only source of marketing.

It these subtleties the consuner notices.

4) Social media is not yours. It can be taken away from you at any moment. Do you remeber when Meta went down? DISASTER!

It's calming knowing that you have your own little corner of the internet working hard for you and your business.

Time to ask the question again: Do Small Business Owners Really Need a Website in 2025?

In conclusion, I think it’s safe to say that, YES, small business owners need a website in 2025.

In my experience, when a small business owner asks if they need a website, it’s because they don’t know where to start and would rather be told they can carry on using social media to promote their business.

If that sounds like you, I’d encourage you to check out my Wix website tutorial; it’s absolutely FREE, and you can access it here.

I wanted to create a tool that would be easy to follow, using a web builder that’s easy to use so you can get your website up and running the same day.

Think of your website as your baby, whether that’s a human, fur or plant baby!

It’s something you want to nurture, look after and see grow over time.

There’s only so much you can do on your social media pages.

So, will you create your website today?