73% of small businesses have a website. If you’re in the other 27%, you could be losing customers to competitors, even if you don’t realise it. Whether you’re a plumber in St Helens, a landscaper in Warrington, or an accountant in Liverpool, having a website dramatically improves your local SEO.
“But my business is local” or “I don’t need to expand” aren’t reasons to skip a website, they are reasons you need one. Local customers are searching online for businesses like yours right now. Here are six reasons every local business needs a website:
1) Proves your business exists
Your website serves as your digital storefront. It’s the first place potential customers go to learn about your services, check your credentials and make their decision.
In 2025, customers expect businesses to have a website. Without one, they may question whether you’re established, professional or even real. A Facebook page alone doesn’t carry the same weight, as anyone can create one in minutes.
A website ensures your business is visible to potential customers 24/7, building credibility and trust. It serves as a central hub for all your essential information like services, hours, and contact details, making it easier for customers to find and reach you. Additionally, a website supports your marketing efforts by driving traffic through SEO and social media, giving you a competitive edge in the market.
2) Helps local customers find you
98% of consumers use the internet to discover local businesses, and 75% of searches with local intent on mobile devices lead to in-person visits to stores within just 24 hours.
Local SEO has become more powerful than ever. A well-optimised website helps you appear in local search results when customers are actively looking for what you offer. Good local SEO practices like including your location in your content, having clear contact information, and maintaining an updated Google Business Profile linked to your site, make it easier for local customers to discover your business.
3) Gives you control over your brand
“My business has a social media page, isn’t that enough?” The short answer is no, but don’t just take our word for it. According to research from Squarespace and YouGov, 79% of Brits agree that a business with a well-designed website is more credible than a business with just a social media page.
Social media platforms are rented space. They control the rules, the algorithms and the layout. If a platform goes down, changes its policies, or loses popularity, your visibility disappears with it. For businesses offering urgent services, like emergency plumbers or electricians, this lack of control can cost you customers and revenue.
In contrast, your website is owned space. It stays up regardless of what happens to Facebook or Instagram. You control the design, the information, and how customers experience your brand. A website also acts as a central hub for all your communications and contact info. If your customers have to travel across different pages and platforms to find the details they need, they’re more likely to give up and choose somewhere else. So, make it as easy as possible for your customers to find you and get everything they need on one page.
Social media is where you have conversations and build relationships. Your website is where customers go to make decisions.
4) Build credibility and trust
A professional website gives you complete control over how you present your business. You decide what information to highlight, how to communicate your brand values, and how to showcase your expertise.
It’s one thing to find your company on Google My Business, but it doesn’t highlight whether you have the expertise, skills or even knowledge in that area. A blog or FAQ section on your website that addresses common questions in your industry demonstrates authority while helping potential customers feel confident about trusting you. For instance, if you’re an electrician, answering questions like “How do I know if my wiring is unsafe?” or “What should I expect during a rewire?” can ease customer concerns and position you as the trusted expert before they even pick up the phone
Your website is also the perfect space to share your story, how you got into the business, what drives you, and the experience you bring. Putting a face and personality to your business helps customers feel they’re working with a real person, not just a company name.
5) Stand out from your competition
Most of your competitors have websites, but having one and having a good one are two different things. While many local businesses have websites, most are outdated, hard to navigate, or lacking the information customers are looking for. A flashy website means nothing if it doesn’t work properly.
Broken forms, slow loading times, or confusing layouts will send customers straight to your competitors. Similarly, customers won’t waste time hunting for your email address when a competitor’s site has a WhatsApp button or an enquiry form that guarantees a return call in 24 hours. A well-designed website with clear services, genuine testimonials, and helpful content immediately sets you apart from competitors with neglected sites.
6) Attracts new customers and makes doing business easier
Once potential customers have explored your social media pages, they’re more inclined to go check out your website to find out more information.
Modern customers want convenience. They prefer researching and booking services online rather than making phone calls during business hours. If your website doesn’t offer easy ways to get in touch – like enquiry forms, online booking, or clear call-to-action buttons – you’re creating unnecessary friction that sends customers elsewhere.
Your website works as free advertising. Quality content combined with good SEO helps new customers discover your business organically. Creating informative pages about your services and addressing common problems you solve can attract people actively searching for solutions you provide. This even applies from a local approach, as the more quality information and relevancy on your company website, the more likely your company is to rank high in the local “near me” services.
Need help optimising building your local SEO optimised website?
The Local Edge specialises in helping local businesses optimise their Google Business Profile and dominate local search results. Get in touch with us today and we’ll show you exactly where you stand and how to climb higher.