Jimba, a baker, lost $50,000 annually for not having a website. Read the full story.

But before that.

Do you know that not having a website can make you keep losing and leaving money on the table?

The statistics show that 36% of small businesses do not have a website, limiting their reach and growth potential.

Introduction

Every modern consumer’s journey rarely starts with a phone call or a store visit. Instead, it all begins with a search. A busy professional needs a caterer for a last-minute event. A new couple wants to find a reliable home appliances store nearby. A female coach is looking for a freelance graphic designer. In all these scenarios, the first stop for them is Google, not your business card.

Jimba, a talented baker who relied solely on Instagram and WhatsApp Catalogue. Her photos and videos were attractive and stunning, her engagement was high and always going viral, but when a corporate client reached out to her for her website link to review her full menu, past works and pricing, she had nothing to show. She just lost a contract of $50,000 annually because her social media presence was vibrant, but no structured website. 

In 2025, a website is a vital investment, and a reminder to countless entrepreneurs who believe they can get by without a website.

So let’s talk about the pros of having a functional website.

The Credibility: How a Website Can Build Trust and Authority

In this digital space, trust is currency, and a professional website is the bank. According to research, 75% of consumers admit to judging a business’s credibility based on having a professional and functional website. This isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about signalling to your audience that you are a legitimate, professional, and reliable business.

Without a website, your business may appear outdated, unprofessional, or even untrustworthy. You lose the opportunity to showcase social proof, such as customer testimonials, case studies, and a portfolio of your work. These elements are vital.

For instance, Testimonials are incredibly powerful, with 92% of consumers reading them before making an online purchase. A dedicated “About Us” page allows you to share your brand story and values, creating a human connection that social media posts often can’t replicate. 

The Visibility: How a Website Can Open the Door to New Customers

81% of consumers research products and services online before making a purchase, and a significant portion of that research begins with a search engine. When a customer searches for “local food” or “marketing consultant,” your business won’t appear in the search results if you don’t have a website optimised with the right keywords.

Although platforms like Instagram and TikTok are excellent for community building, they don’t provide the same SEO benefits. They are rented spaces, and you are at the mercy of their algorithms. A website is your own digital real estate. It’s a 24/7 sales and marketing tool that works to attract new customers through organic search traffic. Case studies from small businesses with modern websites show a 15-50% increase in revenue after establishing a strong online presence. For them, a website isn’t an expense; it is a growth engine.

The Efficiency: Saving Time and Increasing Revenue

Beyond professionalism, the credibility and visibility benefits, a professional website is a massive time-saver. Consider how much time you spend answering repetitive questions through DMs, emails, and phone calls. “How many hours will this take?” “What products or services do you offer?” “How can I book a consultation with your brand?”

A well-designed website acts as an automated customer service hub. A comprehensive FAQ section, clear service pages with pricing details, and a simple contact or booking form can handle these common inquiries instantly. It improves the customer experience and also frees up your time to focus on what you do best, delivering your product or service. This increased efficiency translates directly into more revenue and a better work-life balance for you as an entrepreneur.

Conclusion: Investing in a Professional Website is Vital

Even though the cost of having a website in 2025 is not a one-time fee. It’s continuous. But I’m sure you don’t want to keep losing customers and money to your competitors.

A full-blown website won’t cost you up to $1500. Many entrepreneurs assume building a website is so expensive, so they don’t research or do market surveys for website costs from website designers or agencies. Why should you lose that huge contract because you don’t have a website? I’m sure you don’t want to be like Jimba. She learnt the hard way. That’s why Masi Brands can help you get an affordable and responsive website without breaking the bank..

Masi Brands specialises in creating powerful, professionally designed websites that tell your brand’s story and drive business growth. Build digital assets that are not just beautiful but are strategically optimised to attract your ideal customers and convert them into loyal clients.

You can check out a portfolio of success stories from entrepreneurs just like you who decided to invest in their future and business.

Stop allowing your competition to steal your customers.

Ready to build a functional website for your business or brand? Book a free consultation with Masi Brands today and get set to building the digital foundation for your business to thrive in 2025 and beyond.