Is it still worth having your own website for a small business?

Most customers today search online for local service providers - if you're not findable, you're losing potential jobs to the competition. Your own website is still worthwhile for a small business, but it really depends on how important an online presence is for your specific industry. For a trades business, a shop, or a service where people would google you first, a website is basically essential. Even if you're also on Google Maps and social media - a website builds trust and looks more professional.

The good news is you don't have to spend much money anymore. With website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or Jimdo, you can put together a decent site yourself without needing to know how to code. The costs are maybe 10 - 20 euros a month. The only thing that matters is that your site works on mobile and your contact info, opening hours, and what you offer are clearly visible. A lot of people forget that and end up with a fancy but confusing website - that doesn't help.

If your business mainly runs on word of mouth or you operate very locally, sometimes a well-maintained Google Business profile plus a Facebook presence is enough. But honestly: a simple, mobile-friendly website costs you little time and money and definitely won't hurt - quite the opposite, actually.

Google My Business is free and for local businesses often brings more results than your own website - you'll show up on the map, customer reviews are visible, and lots of people don't even search for your website, they just search for "handyman in my city" directly on Google. A website makes more sense if you offer more specialized services that need explanation or if you want to work beyond your local area. For standard services in your neighborhood, a well-maintained Google profile is usually completely enough.

It depends on what you're planning to do with your business. Sure, Google My Business is free and helps with local searches - but a website of your own serves a different purpose. It's your business card on the internet, where you decide what gets said about you and how it looks. With Google My Business you're stuck with their format.

A website is especially worth it if you want to show people who you are, exactly what you offer, and why you're the right choice. That goes beyond just a business listing. Customers often want to see more details, pictures of your work, maybe a few references. If you try to do that only through Google My Business, it comes across as impersonal pretty quick. These days there are also cheap website builders you can operate yourself - you don't need a web designer that'll break the bank.

My advice: combine both. Google My Business is essential for local visibility, but a simple website with the key information and your best photos pays off. It shows you're taking it seriously and you come across as professional.