Your Online Presence Matters
In today’s digital-first world, having a website is no longer a luxury—it’s a baseline requirement for doing business. Nearly 99% of consumers use the internet to research and discover local businesses, and if you’re not present, you’re essentially invisible. Even more telling, 81% of potential customers look up a company online before ever reaching out.
Right now, about 73% of small businesses have a website, leaving 27% relying solely on social media—or worse, having no online presence at all. That gap can seriously impact credibility, visibility, and overall growth.
So why are some businesses still skipping a website altogether? Let’s break it down.
Why Some Small Businesses Still Don’t Have a Website
A study from Zippia revealed several reasons small businesses avoid websites. Of the 27% without one:
- 40% say they don’t want one
- 28% say they’ll never have one
Here’s what’s driving those decisions:
“My business is too small.” – 35%
Many owners assume their business is too small to justify the cost. But customers don’t think small businesses get a pass—if anything, they expect more transparency. A simple, affordable website is often enough to establish credibility and provide essential information to potential customers.
“It’s not relevant to my industry.” – 27%
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Regardless of industry, your customers will still look for you online. And to many consumers, if you’re not online, you don’t exist.
“Websites are too expensive.” – 26%
Website pricing varies widely—but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
At Traverse Web, most non–eCommerce websites fall well under $2,500, typically around $1,000 – $1,500.
Online-store websites start at $3,000, with most full eCommerce sites landing under $3,500.
(Visit our website for more details.)
“I just use social media instead.” – 21%
Social media is a great supplement, but a terrible replacement. You’re at the mercy of algorithms, platform changes, and inconsistent reach. A website anchors your business and keeps your information accessible 24/7.
“I don’t have the technical knowledge.” – 15%
Good news—you don’t need any.
With Traverse Web’s hosting, you get:
- Up to 1 hour of updates each month
- Full backend maintenance
- Technical support whenever you need it
If you prefer hands-on control, we also provide a one-hour training session so you can manage basic edits yourself.
A Social Media Page Is Not a Website
Social media is powerful, no question. Platforms like Facebook make it easy to share news, photos, promotions, and updates—and your customers are already there.
But the limitations are real:
- Organic reach is shrinking. Only a small percentage of your followers see your posts.
- Audiences differ by platform. You may reach the wrong demographic—or miss the right one entirely.
- Customization is minimal. Your brand must fit the platform’s style, not the other way around.
- You don’t own your profile. If the platform changes rules or your account is restricted, your online presence disappears overnight.
Social media should support your website—not replace it.
Why Having a Website Matters
A dedicated website gives you:
- Full Control Over Your Brand
Your design, your messaging, your processes. You’re not boxed into a platform’s format or limited by its rules.
- Consistent Branding Across All Channels
Your website becomes your home base—everything else links back to it.
- Stronger Search Visibility
With proper SEO, your website can rank in search engine results and reach customers who aren’t already following you on social media.
- Better Tracking and Analytics
Websites let you see:
- Where visitors came from
- What they viewed
- What actions they took
This helps you make smarter marketing decisions.
- Stability and Longevity
Social media trends change fast.
Your website remains the permanent, reliable foundation of your online presence.
How Traverse Web Can Help
At Traverse Web, we create custom websites designed to reflect your business, your personality, and your goals. Our process is collaborative and straightforward—we handle the technical side so you can stay focused on running your business.
Here’s what you can count on:
- Clean, mobile-friendly designs
- Basic SEO optimization
- Fast load times
- Seamless functionality
- Ongoing support and updates
- A partner who cares about your success
Whether you need a simple informational site or a full eCommerce presence, we build websites that are easy to manage and built to grow with your business.
Final Thoughts
Social media is an excellent tool—but it can’t replace the stability, professionalism, and long-term value of a website. A website is the heart of your online presence, and in 2025, it’s one of the most important investments a business can make.
Ready to take the next step?
Let’s build something great together.
Contact Traverse Web:
📞 231-409-5999
📧 updates@traverseweb.com