Do You Need a Website in 2025? What Marketing Experts Won’t Tell You
What if I told you that in 2025, you could grow your business without a full-blown website for business purposes?
That’s right. Despite being an SEO and digital marketing agency owner whose online business has long thrived on ranking websites, I’ll admit it now: not every small business needs to create a website, at least not right away.
If you’re in the early stages, chasing new customers and trying to scale without wasting tools, money, or energy, this might be the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.
Thanks to the rise of integrated marketing tools, free website builder platforms, and tools like Google Business Profile (GBP) and Local Service Ads (LSAs), many small businesses are now building visibility and trust without investing in a custom domain or hiring a web designer.
Still, does that mean websites are unnecessary? Not quite. A professional looking website still plays a valuable role depending on your industry, goals, and growth stage.
Let’s break down when you really need a professional website, and how to leverage SEO tools, social media integrations, and more, whether or not you decide to launch your own website right away.
Why Websites Are No Longer Essential for Startups in 2025
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but my answer right now is no." — Avram Gonzales, Founder of Digital Harvest
For years, having a professional online presence meant hiring a web designer, choosing from website templates, buying a domain name, and spending weeks to create a business website. But today’s tools allow you to hit the ground running—without advanced coding knowledge or spending thousands.
Google has changed how it ranks content. Instead of showcasing websites first, search engines now prioritize Local Service Ads, maps, and social media content. As a result, small businesses can earn top search placement without using a traditional site builder at all.
When leads now come from GBP profiles, social media platforms, and online reviews, your website platform becomes just one piece of a larger puzzle, not the entire strategy.
Navigating the New Google Search Landscape: What You Need to Know
Here’s what the typical search engine results page (SERP) looks like in 2025:
- Local Service Ads (LSAs): Google “Guaranteed” businesses appear at the top
- Traditional Google Ads
- Map Pack (3-Pack local results)
- Organic Listings: Most business websites finally appear here, but they’re buried
“Gone are the days of you showing up—or it being possible to show up—for every single search result in a large metropolitan area in a competitive industry like roofing or HVAC.” — Avram Gonzales
This shift favors tools that offer fast visibility. Many website builder platforms today come with built-in SEO tools and drag and drop interfaces that simplify setup, but if your main goal is leads, you might be better off starting with GBP, LSAs, and email marketing.
How to Grow Your Business Without a Website in 2025
If you want to grow your business and reach your customer base without a traditional website, start with these five steps:
Step 1: Prioritize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Google Business Profile is the foundation for local visibility. It’s what shows up on Google Maps and in the 3-Pack.
Here are some actionable tips for optimizing your GBP:
- Complete your profile fully, including business hours, photos, detailed descriptions, and accurate NAP details. (Name, Address, Phone).
- Regularly post updates, offers, or announcements.
- Request reviews from every satisfied customer (more on reviews in Step 3).
When optimized, your GBP becomes one of your most powerful tools for attracting local leads and strengthening your online presence.
Step 2: Launch Google Local Service Ads (LSAs)
LSAs are a game-changer for small businesses. These ads place your business at the very top of the SERP with a trust-boosting "Google Guaranteed" badge.
The benefits of LSA include:
- Pay-Per-Lead Model: You only pay for real leads, not clicks.
- Verification: Google’s screening process adds an extra layer of credibility.
- Easy Setup: LSAs don’t require a website and are relatively straightforward to launch.
Industries like HVAC, plumbing, and legal services are already seeing significant returns with LSAs. Whether you sell online or focus on in-person events, check if your industry is eligible and get started quickly to dominate your local area.
Step 3: Use Reviews to Fuel Everything
Reviews are more than social proof; they directly impact your GBP visibility and ad performance. Google favors businesses with high review counts and positive ratings, so they’re essential to your strategy.
- Gather Reviews Consistently: Use automated tools like Podium or Birdeye to request reviews after every transaction.
- Display Reviews Across Platforms: Reviews boost credibility on your GBP and LSAs simultaneously.
- Respond to Feedback: Replying to reviews fosters trust and encourages others to leave feedback.
Step 4 (Optional): Add a Simple Three-Page Website
While not mandatory, a minimal website can enhance your legitimacy. Think of it as an online business card using customizable templates from the right website builder.
Focus on these three pages:
- Home: Overview of your services.
- About: Share your story and build trust.
- Contact: Include your phone number, email, and physical address.
This setup costs less than $1,000 upfront and around $100/month to maintain. It’s an affordable way to establish a professional online presence without distractions. It can be launched using a free website builder with drag-and-drop design tools.
Many platforms include built-in marketing tools, SEO tools, and even email marketing. It’s an affordable, user-friendly way to establish a professional online presence without distractions.
Step 5: Grow Until a Website Makes Sense
Eventually, a more advanced professional looking website will support campaigns, SEO, and online store functions.
Invest in a full website for your business when you:
- Expand to new areas or audiences
- Need advanced functionality like gated content or lead funnels
- Want a stronger brand presence with a perfect domain name
For startups, focus on what drives results today, and save the advanced functionality for later.
When a Full Website Does Matter
In some cases, skipping a custom domain name or full site can hold you back. A well-built professional website is essential if:
- You’re competing in a saturated market
- You offer niche services and need space for creating content
- You want to control every detail of your page layout, analytics, and user experience
This is where investing in the right website builder pays off—giving you all the tools to customize, optimize, and grow on your terms.
Final Takeaway: Start With What Moves the Needle
"Websites are important, but not in startup mode—not in the very beginning," — Avram Gonzales
Start with what gets real traction: your GBP, LSAs, social platforms, and online reviews. These offer faster wins with fewer upfront costs—and still build the client trust needed to succeed.
Once you’re ready to scale, you can choose the website builder that fits your brand, pick the perfect domain, and publish a site that’s optimized for your audience.
Let Digital Harvest Help You Get Set Up
Need help with SEO tools, GBP verification, LSA setup, or choosing the right website platform for your business? Digital Harvest specializes in cutting through the red tape to get your Google tools up and running quickly and effectively.
We’re here to make it easy.
- Book a Free Consultation: Talk to our team of experts
- Connect on LinkedIn: Chat with me, Avram Gonzales
- Explore Our Blog: Learn how to launch a free website, optimize your listings, and turn your online visibility into action
Take the first step toward your ideal online presence and do it on your own terms.