To Website or Not to Website? That is the Question...

Weighing the pros and cons of owning your digital space in an age of social media domination

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Still wondering if your SME needs its own website? Short answer: yes, especially if you want to build trust, attract customers, and grow on your terms. Here’s why skipping a website is like opening a store with no address.

Your Digital First Impression

Before people visit your store, book your service, or schedule a call, they Google you. And if all they find is a Facebook page last updated in 2022… that’s not exactly confidence-inspiring.

A professional website is your business card, storefront, pitch deck, and contact form all in one. It works 24/7. It tells people, “We’re real, we’re serious, and we’re open for business.”

Social Media Alone isn’t a Strategy

Social media is great until the algorithm changes, your page gets restricted, or your followers start seeing more dog memes than your content.

A website is owned land. Social platforms are rented space.

You need both, but your website is your HQ, your one central, reliable place where customers can learn, trust, and convert.

What a Website Says About Your Business

Having a website signals professionalism and trust. Customers think:

“This business is established.”

“They’ve invested in their brand.”

“I know where to find them.”

“I can contact them anytime.”

Even a clean, one-page site with your logo, services, contact info, and a few testimonials can increase inquiries and sales.

The SME Reality Check

There are 5.5 million SME in the UK, making up over 99% of all businesses, yet a surprising number still rely solely on social media.

Here’s what the digital landscape looks like:

• 76% of UK consumers plan to shop via social media platforms (source)

• But only 25% have actually made purchases there

• Businesses with both a website and social presence see higher trust and conversion rates

• And many SME without websites miss out on local SEO visibility and Google search traffic altogether

  
  

Bottom line? Social media alone leaves you vulnerable. A website ensures you’re searchable, professional, and ready for growth.

But is it Worth the Effort?

I get it, time is tight. Budgets are tight. And building a site might sound like another project for later.

But here’s the thing:

• A custom domain costs as little as £10–15/year

• Website builders like Squarespace or Wix are relatively easy to use

• You don’t need to hire a developer to look professional

  
  

What you get in return:

• A trusted home for your brand

• A clear path for customers to take action

• A long-term asset that grows with your business

When You Might Not Need One (Rare, But Fair)

If you're a hyper-local service with steady word-of-mouth and no plans to scale, you might get away with just social media.

But even then, having a simple landing page helps validate you with new customers or partners.

For most SME, though? It’s non-negotiable.

Final Verdict: Yes, Your Business Needs a Website

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t open a store without a sign, right? So why run your business without a proper online presence?

Your website doesn’t have to be flashy. It just has to be:

✅ Findable

✅ Trustworthy

✅ Easy to navigate

✅ Designed to convert visitors into customers

In 2025, credibility and growth start with a domain name and a few clicks.

Ready to Build? Let’s Make It Easy.

If you're not sure where to start — or just want someone to handle the tech, the branding, and the “ugh” parts — Launch & Grow is here to help.

I specialise in supporting SMEs with:

• Professional Website Design – built to convert and scale with your business

  
  

• Social Media Strategy & Management – grow your audience and stay consistent

  
  

• SEO That Works – so your customers find you first

Whether you’re starting from scratch or levelling up, I can help you launch with confidence and grow with purpose.

Learn more at www.launchandgrow.co.uk