Why Local Businesses Still Need a Website (Even If You’re Busy)

If you’re a tradie, café owner, or consultant, you probably feel this already: you’re flat out with work — and building a website feels like another thing on the list.

But here’s the truth 👇

 Local customers are already looking for you online.

 The question is: what do they find when they search your business name?

How Customers Find Tradies, Cafés & Consultants in Australia

Before someone calls, messages, or walks in — they usually search first.

In Australia:

• 9 out of 10 consumers use Google to find a local business

• 76% of people who search for a local service on their phone visit or contact a business within 24 hours

• Businesses with a website are seen as more established and trustworthy

  
  

So even if someone finds you on Instagram or gets your name from a mate — they still

Google you to double-check.

No website often equals:

• “Are they legit?”

• “Are they still operating?”

• “I’ll look for someone else instead.”

Why Instagram Alone Isn’t Enough

Social media is great — but it has limits.

Here’s what Instagram can’t do well for local service businesses:

❌ Show up properly on Google searches 

❌ Clearly explain your services and pricing 

❌ Capture enquiries 24/7 

❌ Build strong trust with new customers 

❌ Look professional when compared side-by-side

Your website does what social media can’t:

• Explains what you do clearly

• Shows where you service

• Answers common customer questions

• Converts visitors into calls or enquiries

• 
  

Think of it this way:

👉 Instagram = attention 👉 Website = conversion

You need both.

“I’m Too Busy for a Website” (That’s Exactly Why You Need One)

This is the biggest misconception.

A website isn’t extra work — it reduces work.

A simple website can:

• Filter out bad-fit enquiries

• Answer repetitive questions

• Pre-sell your service before they contact you

• Make customers trust you before you speak

  
  

Instead of explaining yourself over and over… your website does it once, properly.

Why These Local Industries Are Gold 🥇

Tradies, cafés, and consultants all share one thing:

They rely on local trust.

A website instantly gives you:

• Credibility

• Visibility

• Control over your message

• Ownership (unlike social platforms)

  
  

And the best part? You don’t need a big or expensive website to start getting results.

Start Simple. Grow Later.

Your first website doesn’t need to be perfect.

It just needs to:

• Exist

• Look professional

• Be easy to contact

• Show up when people search

You can improve it later — but you can’t get leads from a website you don’t have.

If you’re a local business owner thinking “Maybe I’ll do it later…”

👉 Later is costing you customers today. Start small. Start smart. Build as you grow. 🚀