When should you invest in a website?

In today’s digital world, your Google Business Profile might be the first thing customers see when searching for your business online. But once they click on your website link, that’s where the real first impression happens. A solid web presence can make or break how potential customers perceive your business. So, when should you take the leap and invest in a website? This blog will walk you through the key factors that make it essential for your business and when it’s the right time to do so.

Can you get by without a website?

Some business owners choose not to invest in a website because they believe social media or platforms like Yelp and Google Business Profile are enough to represent their brand. They may argue that a Facebook page or Instagram account can serve as their digital storefront. And for businesses just starting out, social media can provide a low-cost way to reach potential customers and engage with their audience.

The reality of relying only on social media or third-party platforms

While social media and third-party platforms like Google Business Profile can help you gain some visibility, they are not replacements for a fully functional website. Here’s why relying solely on these platforms is risky:

  1. You don’t own your audience: On social media platforms, you don’t truly own your audience. The platform does. If the platform changes its algorithm or decides to restrict your account, your entire digital presence could be compromised. A website gives you direct control over your customer base.
  2. Limited branding and customization: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Yelp restrict how much you can customize and control your business profile. You’re at the mercy of their design, layout, and limitations. A website, on the other hand, allows you to fully express your brand, offering a more immersive and tailored experience to your customers.
  3. Algorithm changes: Social media algorithms constantly change, and your posts may not always get the visibility they once did. A drop in engagement could mean a drop in business if you don’t have other channels—like a website—bringing in traffic.
  4. Reduced credibility: People expect businesses to have a professional website. Even if they find your business on social media, they often click through to your website to learn more about you, your services, and your credibility. Not having one may lead to potential customers questioning your legitimacy or professionalism.

When is it worth investing in a website?

If your business is relatively unknown or you’re struggling to establish a foothold in your local market, investing in a website is critical. A website gives you full control over your brand’s story and services. It allows you to highlight your unique offerings, showcase testimonials, and provide detailed information that customers often look for before making a decision. Plus, a website improves your credibility—people tend to trust businesses more when they have a professional, well-designed site.

What is the best time to launch a website?

The best time to launch a website is when your business is ready to take the next step in its growth. Whether you’re a startup looking to make your mark or an established local business wanting to expand your reach, having a website is an essential tool for visibility.

Launching a site is especially important when you want to start digital marketing efforts. You can’t run effective online campaigns without a destination, and a website serves as that central hub where you can capture leads, showcase your expertise, and funnel customers toward making a purchase. If you’re serious about growing your business and reaching more customers, you can’t afford to delay launching a site.

5 signs it’s time for your business to invest in professional website design

Whether you started your business without a website or are relying on a free, basic version, there comes a time when investing in a professional website is necessary to elevate your business. Wondering if you’ve reached that point? Here are five clear signs that it’s time to take the leap.

  1. Your competitors have great websites

If your competition has a sleek, professional website and you don’t, you’re likely losing potential customers to them. A well-designed website establishes credibility, showcases your brand, and makes your business more accessible. Even if your competitors don’t have one, this is your opportunity to gain an edge, making it easier for customers to choose you. With a strong, branded online presence, your business can stand out in the market. 

  1. You want to expand your reach

Relying solely on social media to promote your business limits your reach. While platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for engagement, search engines like Google are where most people go to find businesses. By having an optimized, SEO-friendly website, you can reach a broader audience and show up in search results when people are looking for services or products like yours. 

  1. Customers can’t find you online

In today’s digital-first world, most consumers expect businesses to have a website. If customers are searching for you online and coming up empty-handed, you risk losing them to a competitor that does have a professional site. A website serves as your digital storefront, available 24/7, giving potential customers a place to learn more about your offerings, read testimonials, and easily contact you.

  1. You’re unhappy with your current website

If you have a website but it doesn’t feel right—whether it’s too generic, outdated, or doesn’t reflect your brand—it’s time for an upgrade. A poorly designed website can hurt your business, as it may give visitors a bad impression or fail to communicate your value effectively. If you’re embarrassed to send people to your site, investing in a new, professional design can help you create a website you’re proud of and confident will attract the right clients.

  1. You’ve been in business for a while but haven’t made the leap

If you’ve been in business for over a year and still don’t have a professional website, it’s time to step up. By this point, you’ve likely honed your offerings and understand your target audience. A well-designed website will solidify your brand’s identity, help you reach your ideal clients, and set you apart from competitors. Investing in a professional website signals that you’re serious about your business and ready for long-term growth.

A professional website isn’t just a digital placeholder; it’s a powerful tool for growing your business, building credibility, and connecting with more customers. If any of these signs resonate with you, it’s time to invest in a website that takes your business to the next level.

How much should you invest in a website?

The cost of building a website can vary depending on your needs and business goals. For small businesses or those just starting, a basic website may range from $2,500-$5,000 if you’re working with a freelancer to $5,000-$10,000 if you’re working with a full-fledged marketing agency. This price typically includes a simple, functional design, basic SEO optimization, and contact forms.

If you’re looking for a more robust website with advanced features like e-commerce, custom development, or integrations with third-party services, your cost will increase. Think of this as a long-term investment in your business; a well-designed site can generate leads, increase sales, and position your business as a trustworthy brand in your industry.

When should I invest in SEO?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) should be part of your website investment from the start. SEO is the practice of optimizing your site so that it ranks higher on Google and other search engines. The better your SEO, the more likely customers will find you when searching for products or services you offer.

Local SEO can drive more people to your physical location or service area, giving you a competitive edge. You should invest in SEO once your site is live, and if possible, even before that by ensuring the website is built with SEO best practices in mind. This includes things like having clean code, fast load times, and mobile responsiveness. An SEO strategy becomes even more crucial if you’re in a competitive market or if you rely heavily on local traffic.

Things to look for when hiring a web designer

Before you invest in a website, it’s important to choose the right web designer for your business. Consider the following when shopping around for a freelancer or marketing agency to help you with your website:

  • Portfolio: Does the designer have experience building websites in your industry or similar markets?
  • Customization: Will they provide a custom design or use templates? Custom designs ensure your website is unique and tailored to your business, though templates may provide a lower cost option.
  • SEO Knowledge: The designer should have a strong understanding of SEO best practices to help your site rank for terms your audience is searching for.
  • Support: Can they offer ongoing maintenance or updates? It’s important to keep your website content fresh and the site itself secure. If you need regular updates (things like your hours, new products etc) you could also consider outsourcing this with a marketing agency that offers website hosting & maintenance.

Wondering how much a website should cost? There are lots of variables to consider when answering that question, but it will come down to your unique business’ needs and the features you want included on your site. A standard 4-5 page brochure site will cost a lot less than an e-commerce store selling products, digital downloads etc.

When is the right time to invest in a website?

Investing in a website is a non-negotiable for any business that wants to grow and succeed past their first few years in business. Your website is about more than just being online—it should be a powerful marketing tool that can drive sales, build credibility, and help you stay ahead of competitors.

Whether you’re looking to gain credibility locally or attract better customers, the right website will be one of the most valuable investments you make for your business.

I’ve been riding my whole life, and like to take my horse Lilly out on trail rides behind our house – along with our two goats!

-Emily King, owner