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Woman business owner who may need a new Smart & Simple website.

 

Do I Really Need a Website?

Contributed by Tonya Crowe Barlow, Smart & Simple Communications

Design Staff

June 27, 2025

If you’re between 40 and 60 and running a business, you may be asking yourself: Do I really need a website? After all, you’ve gotten by this long with referrals, repeat clients, maybe even a strong presence on Facebook. But here’s the reality: in today’s digital-first world, a professional website is more essential than ever.

1. Your Customers Are Online — Even If You Aren’t

According to Pew Research, 96% of U.S. adults aged 50 to 64 use the internet 1. Whether someone is looking for a roofer, accountant, or massage therapist, they’re more likely to search Google than flip through the Yellow Pages. If you don’t have a website, you’re invisible to a large portion of your potential audience. Also, a well-designed website can communicate what you do, why you do it, and tell your story to users! The more users know, the more credible your business will seem.

 

2. A Website Builds Trust and Credibility

In a survey by Verisign, 84% of consumers said a business with a website is more credible than one without 2. A professional-looking website tells people you’re legitimate, stable, and invested in your work — especially important for clients who may be comparing you to competitors. Of course, social media is a great way to connect and highlight your business, but it can’t do what a web presence can.

 

3. Why Social Media Isn’t Enough

Relying solely on Facebook or Instagram limits your reach and control. Social platforms change algorithms frequently, and if your page gets hacked or shut down, you could lose your audience overnight. A website gives you full control of your brand and your message.

 

4. It’s More Affordable Than You Think

Website builders like Squarespace and Wix make it easier than ever to build a professional site without hiring a developer. However, these options can limit your SEO and you may run into big headaches if your business outgrows the limitations. Smart and Simple Communications has a digital department ready to create an affordable, high-end website that works for you and has effective SEO built in from the beginning. Many small business websites can be set up for around $750 — a small investment with a high return. Even better, you OWN the site with the design and all the SEO.

 

5. You Can Attract New Clients While You Sleep

Your website works 24/7. It can answer questions, collect leads, show off your portfolio, and even book appointments while you’re off the clock. That means less time on the phone and more time doing what you do best, running your business!

 

Conclusion

If you’re running a business —large or small — a website isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Think of it as your digital storefront: always open, always available, and always representing you.

So, do you really need a website?
If you care about visibility, credibility, and growth — the answer is a definite yes. Make Smart & Simple Communications your first call! Ask for Jill

Sources

  1. Pew Research Center. (2024). Internet/Broadband Fact Sheet. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/ ↩
  2. Verisign. (2015). Benefits of a Website for Small Businesses. https://www.verisign.com/en_US/website-presence/online/benefits-of-having-a-website/index.xhtml ↩