Is Getting a Website Worth It?
Many businesses owners want to know the same thing when thinking about getting a website. They want to if getting a website worth it. As a website developer and marketing expert it’s not always a cut and dry answer. It really depends on your business situation and goals. You want to have a strong grasp on why you want a website, because that will help to determine if getting a website will be worth it. It will also influence what your website should include.
Below are 10 broad advantages of having a website. My hope is that this list will help you understand what a website can offer, and that can help you assess if the advantages are worth the investment.
1. Reach a Wider Audience
A website can take your business beyond the confines of your local area, connecting you with people across the city, country, or even the globe. For niche businesses—like a specialty retailer or a consultant with a unique skill set—this can be a lifeline to finding customers who wouldn’t otherwise stumble across you. Local businesses, like a bakery or a repair shop, need access you a more specific audience, but with search engines algorithms prioritizing locality, being visible online means nearby customers are much more likely to find with a quick search. Depending on your specific situation this might not feel urgent or relevant—but it can be a powerful way to open new doors as your goals evolve.
2. 24/7 Availability
Your website never closes, giving people access to your offerings at any hour. This is a huge advantage for businesses with limited staff or those in service fields—like a counselor or a construction company—where clients might want to explore your work after hours. It’s like having a tireless assistant who’s always ready to share your story. For businesses with fixed schedules, like a retail store, it can also mean answering basic questions (e.g., hours or location) without lifting a finger. If after-hours access isn’t a big need for your audience, this might not top your list—but it’s a perk that can quietly boost convenience and reach. This can also be achieved at least partly through other online services like a Google Business Profile.
3. Showcase Products or Services
Think of your website as a digital storefront, where you can display your goods or skills with flair. For visually driven businesses—like photographers, jewelers, or caterers—high-quality images and videos can captivate potential customers. Service providers, like tutors or accountants, can use it to break down their offerings in a clear, compelling way. It’s your chance to shine! While some businesses might lean more on in-person pitches, having an online showcase still provides a handy starting point for anyone curious about what you do. They are more likely to reach out if they already know you can help them.
4. Build Credibility
A polished website signals professionalism, helping you stand tall alongside bigger players. Customers today often check online before engaging with a business—a sleek site with testimonials or a clear “About” page can ease their doubts. For a small startup or freelancer, this can be a game-changer, proving you’re serious and capable. Design matters, but so does substance—useful content and smooth navigation seal the deal. If you’ve already got a solid reputation locally, you might not feel the pinch—but a website can still amplify your trustworthiness and draw in fresh faces.
5. Collect Leads
Your website can be a place for potential customers to reach out via contact forms and quote request areas. Besides this, you can quietly gather contact info—like emails for newsletter sign-up—which you can nurture into clients. This is gold for businesses aiming to grow. Making it easy for a potential client to reach out can be a crucial part of increasing your business. It’s a low pressure way to get the conversation started. If your business is more product based this might not be your focus—yet even then, collecting contact information and sending occasional emails can nurture loyalty, remind customers you exist, and encourage repeat visits over time.
6. Share Content
A website can be a great place to share blogs, tips, or videos that pull people in and keep them coming back. For thought leaders—like coaches, educators, or health pros—this can establish you as a go-to resource, building a dedicated following. But don’t count it out if you’re product-focused—a bike shop posting repair guides can hook cycling enthusiasts. Service industries also thrive on sharing how to do something, and people deciding that they would rather just hire you to do it. Content doesn’t have to be a chore; even occasional updates can boost your visibility online. If this feels like extra work, start small—it’s a benefit that grows with you.
7. Connect with Customers
With tools like sign ups for newsletters, opening up comments on blogs, and having an area for customer reviews your website becomes a two-way street for building relationships. For businesses that live on loyalty—like cafes, pet groomers, or local services—this can mean taking orders, answering questions, or hearing feedback with ease. It’s about making customers feel heard and valued. If your work doesn’t need much back-and-forth, this might not be your priority—but offering simple ways to connect can be a lot easier for potential clients than calling your business or even stopping in, and it helps clients help you by providing a place for them to publicly praise you.
8. Sell Products, Book Services, & Create Appointments
An e-commerce site turns your website into a revenue engine, letting you sell anytime, anywhere. For retailers, it’s a no-brainer—think of a boutique reaching shoppers nationwide. Service businesses, like therapists or instructors, can offer bookings or digital products too. It’s a chance to expand without a physical footprint. If selling online doesn’t fit your model, that’s okay—but even a hint of digital convenience (like appointment scheduling) could surprise you with its impact.
9. Improve Customer Service
A website can lighten your load by answering common questions with FAQs or guides. For businesses with lots of inquiries—like tech support or specialty shops—this can save time and keep customers happy with quick solutions. It’s self-service that works for everyone. If your customers rarely need extra help, this might not feel essential—but even basic info online can prevent mix-ups and make life easier for all.
10. Stay Competitive
Today, a website is often a necessity—customers expect it, and competitors likely have one. Without it, you risk fading into the background as others grab attention online. A small contractor or consultant, for instance, stays in the game by being searchable and accessible. If you’ve got a unique niche or loyal base, you might dodge this pressure for now—but a website still keeps you sharp and ready for the future.
Not a Magic Fix | A Real Benefit
A website isn’t a magic fix. A website might not always be worth the effort or expense, but it’s an important tool that has helped many businesses. Websites often have exceptional return on investment, but it depends on what problem you expect it to solve, and how ready you are to invest. It’s also important to keep in mind that websites are flexible tools that can adapt to what you need—whether that’s reaching new people, building trust, or streamlining how you work. Not every benefit will feel critical for every business, yet there’s almost always something a website can provide that can improve your business performance. It’s still not always the right timing for every business. At Rose Solutions, we are happy to schedule a chat with you to help you explore how a website might help your business flourish, or we might suggest that it’s the wrong time to embark on your digital journey.