January 2026
I hear this one all the time from small business owners across Gippsland: "Do I really need a website? I've got Facebook. I've got Google Business Profile. Word of mouth keeps me busy enough."
It's a fair question. In 2026, there are more ways than ever to get your business in front of people. But here's the thing — relying on those channels alone is like building your house on rented land. It works until it doesn't.
Let me explain why a website still matters, even now.
Think about the last time you needed a plumber, or a cafe for lunch, or someone to fix your car. What did you do? You probably Googled it.
When someone in Bairnsdale searches "electrician near me" or a tourist in Lakes Entrance looks up "best coffee," Google shows a mix of results: Google Business Profiles, websites, and sometimes social media pages. But here's what matters — businesses with websites consistently rank higher and look more legitimate.
A Google Business Profile is essential. But it's a starting point, not the finish line. When someone clicks through to learn more about you, where do they land? If it's a Facebook page that hasn't been updated in six months, you've already lost them.
Your website is where people go to get the full picture. Services, prices, photos of your work, how to contact you. It's the digital equivalent of your shopfront — and first impressions count.
Here's a hard truth: customers judge your business by your online presence. Fair or not, that's how it works in 2026.
A tradie with a professional website looks more established than one with just a Facebook page. A cafe with a clean site showing their menu and opening hours seems more organised than one you can't find online at all.
It's not about having something flashy. It's about having something that says "we're a real business that takes this seriously."
I've talked to business owners in regional Victoria who lost jobs to competitors simply because the competitor had a website and they didn't. The customer assumed the other business was bigger, more professional, more trustworthy. Sometimes that's true. Often it's not. But perception is reality when someone's deciding who to call.
Facebook, Instagram, Google Business Profile — these are all rented space. You don't control them. You don't own them. And they can change the rules whenever they want.
Remember when Facebook pages used to reach all your followers? Then they changed the algorithm, and suddenly you're lucky if 5% of people see your posts. Plenty of businesses built their entire marketing around Facebook, only to watch their reach disappear overnight.
Instagram could do the same thing tomorrow. Google could change how Business Profiles work. TikTok could get banned (again). When you build your business presence entirely on platforms you don't control, you're always at their mercy.
Your website is different. It's yours. You control what's on it, how it looks, and how people find it. No algorithm changes, no platform policies, no surprises. It's the one piece of digital real estate that belongs to you.
Social media is great for reaching people. But your website is where you own the relationship.
Here's the uncomfortable bit: if people can't find you online, they find someone else. It's that simple.
A tourist driving through Sale isn't going to ask locals for a lunch recommendation — they're going to Google it. A young couple looking for a builder in Traralgon isn't going to wait for a word-of-mouth referral — they're going to search.
Word of mouth is still powerful. But it's often just the first step. Someone recommends your business, so the potential customer Googles you to find your number or check your reviews. If you don't show up, or if what shows up looks unprofessional, you've lost them before you even had a chance.
Every day you're not online is a day you're invisible to people actively looking for what you offer.
Beyond the big picture, a website just makes your life easier.
Answer questions once. Instead of explaining your services over the phone fifty times, put it on your website. People can find what they need before they call, which means the calls you do get are from people ready to book.
Work while you sleep. Your website is there 24/7. Someone at 10pm can check your prices, see your work, and send you an enquiry — all while you're watching telly.
Show your work. Photos, testimonials, case studies. A website lets you prove you're good at what you do, not just say it.
Look bigger than you are. A sole trader with a good website looks just as professional as a company with ten staff. Online, nobody knows how small you are unless you tell them.
"I'm too busy already." Good problem to have. But what happens when things slow down? Or when you want to grow? A website brings in leads even when word of mouth isn't delivering.
"I don't know anything about websites." You don't need to. That's what people like me are for. A good web developer handles the technical stuff so you can focus on your business.
"It's too expensive." It doesn't have to be. A basic, effective website for a small business can cost less than a month of Facebook ads. And unlike ads, it keeps working year after year.
"Social media is enough." It's a piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture. Social media is great for engagement. But for credibility, searchability, and control? You need a website.
In 2026, having a website isn't about being flashy or keeping up with trends. It's about being findable, looking professional, and owning your online presence.
For cafes, tradies, shops, and service businesses across regional Victoria, a website is still the foundation everything else builds on. Social media comes and goes. Google Business Profile is essential but limited. Word of mouth gets people interested. Your website closes the deal.
If you've been putting it off, now's the time. Get in touch and let's have a chat about what would actually work for your business — no pressure, no jargon, just honest advice.