I get this question at least once a week from neighbors here in the Triad. Usually it goes something like: "Joseph, I've been in business for 15 years without a website. Do I really need one now?"

The honest answer? It depends. But let me share what I've seen working with local businesses over the past few years.

When You Might Not Need a Website (Yes, Really)

If you're a plumber who gets all your work from word-of-mouth and you're already turning away customers, you probably don't need a website right this minute. If you're a barbershop with a two-week waitlist, your time and money might be better spent elsewhere.

I'm not going to tell you that every single business absolutely must have a website. That wouldn't be honest.

But Here's What I See Happening

Last month, I talked to a woman who runs a cleaning service in Greensboro. She told me she was losing jobs to competitors who "looked more professional." When I asked what she meant, she said people would Google cleaning services, find companies with nice websites, and never even call her back.

She wasn't losing because her work wasn't good. She was losing because she was invisible to people who were actively looking for exactly what she offered.

The Real Question Isn't "Do I Need a Website?"

It's "How many customers am I missing without one?"

Think about your own behavior. When you need a service—whether it's a contractor, a lawyer, or a restaurant for dinner—where do you look first? Most of us pull out our phones and search.

Your potential customers are doing the same thing. If they can't find you online, they're finding someone else.

What a Website Actually Does for Local Businesses

Here's what I've seen happen when Triad businesses finally get online:

You look legitimate. Whether it's fair or not, people judge businesses by their online presence. A professional website tells customers you're established, trustworthy, and serious about your work.

You're available 24/7. Your website answers questions, shows your work, and lets people contact you even when you're closed or busy. I can't tell you how many business owners tell me they get contacted through their website at 10 PM by people who needed to find them right then.

You control your story. Without a website, people form opinions about your business based on whatever random information they find—old Yelp reviews, outdated Facebook posts, or worse, nothing at all. Your website lets you present yourself the way you want to be seen.

You can compete with bigger companies. A well-designed website doesn't care if you're a one-person operation or a company with 50 employees. Online, you can look just as professional as businesses ten times your size.

"But I'm Not Tech-Savvy"

I hear this all the time, and I get it. Technology can be intimidating.

Here's the thing: you don't need to be tech-savvy to have a website. You need to be tech-savvy to build and maintain one, but that's what people like me are here for. You're good at running your business. Let someone else handle the technical stuff.

Think of it like your truck. You don't need to know how to rebuild an engine to drive to a job site. Same principle.

"But I Have a Facebook Page"

That's great! Social media is important. But here's the problem with relying only on Facebook or Instagram:

You don't own it. Facebook can change their algorithm tomorrow and suddenly nobody sees your posts. They can ban your account, change their rules, or just decide they don't like your business. It's happened to people I know.

Your website is yours. Nobody can take it away or change how it works without your permission.

Plus, plenty of potential customers—especially older folks and business decision-makers—aren't on Facebook much or at all. But almost everyone knows how to use Google.

What About Cost?

I'll be straight with you: a professional website is an investment. For most small businesses here in the Triad, you're looking at $1,500-$5,000 depending on what you need.

That might sound like a lot. But think about it this way: if your website brings you just one or two extra customers a month, it pays for itself pretty quickly. Most businesses I work with tell me their website paid for itself within the first few months.

And if upfront cost is a concern, there are payment plans and options. The point is to get you online and working, not to create financial stress.

The Bottom Line

You probably do need a website in 2025, especially if:

You want to grow your business
You're trying to reach younger customers
You compete with other local businesses
People search online for the services you offer
You want to look professional and established

But even if you check all those boxes, a website isn't magic. It won't fix a bad business or replace good customer service. It's just a tool—a really useful one—that helps people find you and understand what you do.

If you're on the fence, let's just talk. No pressure, no sales pitch. I'm happy to help you figure out if a website makes sense for your situation. After all, we're neighbors. I'd rather give you honest advice than sell you something you don't need.

Do I Really Need a Website for My Small Business in 2025?