Guides · Websites

Do I Need a Website If I Already Have Facebook or Instagram?

Why most small businesses still need their own website in 2026, even with active social media accounts, and what the website should include.

By Sachin Shah · 10 October 2026 · 5 min read

Quick answer: Yes, most small businesses still need a website. Social media is good for staying in touch, but people searching Google for a business like yours won't find your Instagram. A website builds trust, shows up in search and AI tools, and is something you own.

The short answer

For most small businesses, yes. Social media and a website do different jobs, and they work best together.

Around a third of UK businesses still don’t have a website. That’s a big opportunity for the ones that do.

What social media is good for

• Showing off your work, products and personality
• Staying in touch with existing customers
• Sharing offers, news and behind-the-scenes content

What social media can’t do

Help people who are searching right now

When someone searches Google for “florist in Ealing” or “emergency electrician”, they want a business they can contact today. Google shows websites and Google Maps listings, not Instagram posts.

Build trust with new customers

Many people check for a proper website before they buy or book. A business with only a Facebook page can look less established, even if it isn’t.

Show up in AI answers

More people now ask ChatGPT or Google’s AI for recommendations. These tools mostly learn from websites. A clear website with your services, area and reviews makes it more likely you’ll be recommended.

Belong to you

Social media platforms change their rules all the time. Your reach can drop overnight, and accounts get hacked or suspended. Your website and your domain are yours.

What your website should include

• What you do and where, in one clear sentence at the top
• A page for each main service or product
• Reviews and photos of real work
• Prices or a guide to prices, if you can
• A big, obvious way to call, message, book or buy
• Links to your social media, so the two work together

It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated

A good small business website can be live in a week or two. It doesn’t need dozens of pages, just the right ones. See how much a small business website costs.

Not sure what you need? Get a free website check and we’ll tell you what we’d recommend.

Sachin Shah, founder of SS Consultancy Group. Sachin started his career making cold calls and has spent more than ten years helping businesses grow their sales. He now builds websites and sales systems for small businesses in London and across the UK.