Reality Check

Let’s be honest: these days, if you don’t have a website, you're not really in business.

For local businesses, relying solely on word-of-mouth isn’t enough anymore. With the population of Willis expected to triple—from around 10,000 to 30,000 by 2030—many newcomers won’t have local connections to ask for recommendations. Even if they do, they’ll still want to research your business first.

Potential customers want to research your business—learning about what you offer, the costs, where you're located, and what sets you apart—before making a hiring decision or purchase.

Why Every Small Business Needs a Website—Even the Smallest Ones

Customers Expect to Learn About You Online

When people search for a local service or product, they want quick answers: What do you offer? Where are you? Can I trust you? If all they see is a phone number or vague listing, they’ll move on.

A Simple Website Builds Trust

You don’t need anything fancy. Just a clean page with:

  • What you do or sell
  • A few words or photos
  • How to contact or buy from you

That alone makes you look real, reliable, and ready to help.

You’re Losing Business You Never Knew About

People might find your name, but if your site doesn’t explain why they should choose you, they won’t. A website is your chance to make a solid first impression — or miss the opportunity entirely.

It Works While You Work

Even when you’re busy or closed, your site is:

  • Answering questions
  • Showing your work
  • Helping people reach out or buy

It’s like having a 24/7 helper for your business.

Social Media Alone Isn't the Answer

Social media just doesn’t cut it anymore. It’s too fragmented, with too many different platforms and profiles to manage. Regularly creating content for posts or ads in different formats is time-consuming—and for many small business owners, it’s simply not sustainable.

Even when it works, social media shouldn’t be the end goal — it should guide people to your website, where they can learn more and be encouraged to take action.

Bottom Line

There are other ways to market, of course, but ultimately they should all point back to your own domain name, your own website, and your own @mycompany.com email address. These tools represent your unique brand, showcase your services or products, and, most importantly, convey professionalism, trust, and commitment to your potential customers.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be yours!