The numbers tell a clear story: too many Australian small businesses still lack a website, and it’s costing them visibility, credibility, and customers.
A GoDaddy/YouGov survey found 59% of small businesses operate without a website, rising to 65% in regional areas. Even though these stats date back a few years, more recent research shows digital adoption is still lagging compared to Asia-Pacific peers. In 2025, that gap leaves money on the table for thousands of businesses.
What Are The Common Reasons For Skipping A Website?
- Many owners think their business is “too small,” with 44% believing word-of-mouth is enough.
- Cost worries are another barrier; some expect to pay AU$3,000+ for a simple site.
- Around 17% say they lack time
- And others lean on social platforms or link-in-bio tools instead.
- Digital skills and fears about security or upkeep also deter some.
While these concerns are understandable, they overlook the long-term value and affordability of a professional, scalable site.
What Is The Real Cost of Not Having A Website?
- Not having a site lowers visibility and trust.
- Research shows two-thirds of Australians won’t consider a business they can’t find online.
- Without a central hub, you lose leads, SEO traffic, and control of your brand story.
- You also become dependent on social platforms and their algorithms, face higher ad costs, and miss opportunities to automate bookings, capture enquiries, or integrate email marketing.
- A social-only strategy leaves you exposed if a platform changes its rules or reach.
Social Media Isn’t a Substitute
Australia boasts 20.9 million active social identities, about 78% of the population, and social ads are effective for many SMBs. But social should complement, not replace, a website. Platforms like Facebook or Instagram drive discovery and trust, yet without an owned “home base,” you can’t fully track conversions, optimise SEO, or provide the depth of information customers expect. Relying only on social is risky and often more expensive over time. Are you aware the percentage of your followers seeing an organic post is well and truly under 5%?
Email Marketing Strengthens the Case
Email remains one of Australia’s best-performing channels, with average open rates around 35.9%, nearly double global norms. A well-built website supports email marketing by housing sign-up forms, landing pages, and analytics. Skipping a website means losing the chance to grow a first-party email list and nurture customers directly, something no third-party platform can match.
Industry Insights and Recent Closures
The stakes are high across sectors. Hospitality and retail, two industries hit hard by a 53% rise in business closures in early 2025, depend heavily on a strong online presence for survival. Customers research menus, reviews, and prices before visiting. Without a fast, mobile-friendly site, even loyal patrons may move to competitors who meet these expectations. Do you prefer to visit websites and reviews before making a purchase or visiting a shop, buying online, booking at a restaurant or venue?
How Can Reach Marketing Group Help You?
A modern website doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. Reach Marketing Group builds SEO-friendly, mobile-optimised sites that capture leads, integrate with social media and email campaigns, and grow with your business. We handle strategy, design, security, and ongoing updates so you can focus on running your operation while staying visible, credible, and ready for growth. Don’t be afraid to ask for a quote. We don’t believe in exploiting businesses with humongous website costs.
So, Do You Need An Up To Date and Functional Website.
Yes You Do! Absolutely You Do!
In 2025, a professional website is no longer optional; it’s the foundation of digital success. From boosting search rankings to lowering ad costs and building customer trust, your site is the engine behind every marketing effort. Partner with Reach Marketing Group to create a website that works as hard as you do.