Why a quarter of Small Businesses Still Don’t Have a Website
And Why That’s a Problem
Did you know that 27% of small businesses don’t have their own website?
At first glance, that number might seem surprising. But many businesses are getting by with Instagram, Etsy, Substack, or booking platforms that promise to handle everything for them.
But, even in 2026, people still look for a website. They may find you through social media, a referral, or a directory, but they often confirm their interest by visiting your site. When there is no website, trust can fizzle.
Social media is Not Enough
Social media platforms can disappear, change rules, or deprioritize content overnight. In addition, these platforms are designed for consumption. They reward speed and novelty, not depth. A potential client might enjoy your posts and still have no clear sense of what you offer, how you work, or whether you are the right fit. A website can offer this context.
A Website Works For You 24/7
One of the most practical roles of a website is problem-solving. A well-structured site answers instead of you:
What do you actually do?
Who is this for?
How does this work?
What happens next?
Is this worth reaching out about?
When those questions are answered, conversations start at a higher level. Time is saved on both sides. This is especially important for service-based businesses, consultants, creatives, and specialists whose work is not instantly obvious.
A website grows with the business
Social posts disappear. Websites accumulate value. Over time, a website becomes:
a record of the work
a home for long-form thinking
a place to clarify positioning
a tool that supports new offers or shifts in direction
Why many businesses avoid building one
For many small businesses, a website might feel expensive, intimidating, or unnecessary if work is already coming in. And:
they don’t know where to start
they assume it has to be big or complicated
they’ve seen bad examples
they’ve been burned by unclear processes before
This is where good design matters. Not visual decoration, but thoughtful structure and guidance. A website should make the business clearer, not harder to explain.
