There are over 2 million small businesses in New York State, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. These range from family-owned bakeries and contractors to barbershops, tutors, and local service providers. Yet shockingly, studies suggest that around 621,000 of them don’t have a website—that's roughly one in three. In a world where people turn to Google before almost any purchase, that’s not just old-school—it’s dangerous for your bottom line.
Let’s face it: the first thing most of us do when we need a product or service is search online. Whether you’re looking for a nearby plumber, a wedding photographer, or a trustworthy notary, you start with a quick search. If your business doesn’t show up, customers assume you either don’t exist or aren’t legitimate. A report by Verisign found that 84% of consumers believe a business with a website is more credible than one without. That’s a lot of trust lost over something that’s totally fixable.
Beyond trust, visibility is a huge factor. 97% of people learn about local businesses online, according to Forbes. Even if you’re well known in your neighborhood, chances are people in nearby towns or new residents won’t hear about you unless you're online. Word of mouth only goes so far. A website helps you appear in search engines, map listings, and social platforms—essentially putting your business in front of people actively looking for what you offer.
And don’t think websites are only for ecommerce. Even if you don’t sell products online, having a basic website can lead to real, trackable profits. Let’s say your site brings in just two new customers a month, and each spends $150. That’s $300 monthly, or $3,600 annually, from people who probably wouldn’t have found you otherwise. That’s a conservative estimate. In higher-priced industries like construction, wellness, or consulting, a single new client from your website can be worth $1,000 or more.
What’s more, having a website allows you to integrate all your other marketing efforts. Your Facebook, Instagram, Google Business Profile, and even printed flyers should all link back to your site—giving customers a hub where they can learn more, contact you, and trust that you’re the real deal. It also gives you more control over your brand message, photos, testimonials, and promotions than any social media profile ever could.
So why don’t more businesses have websites? The most common reasons are: “It’s too expensive,” “I don’t know how,” and “I’m doing fine without it.” But those arguments just don’t hold up anymore. Website creation has come a long way. You don’t need to spend thousands or learn how to code. In fact, Toohey Services helps businesses in New York and beyond launch fully functional, mobile-friendly websites for under $300—often in just a few days.
We’re not talking about cookie-cutter templates either. These are custom-designed websites tailored to your brand, complete with contact forms, service listings, image galleries, social media links, and everything needed to make a great first impression online. We even help with domain setup, Google indexing, and SEO essentials—so your site doesn’t just look good, it works hard.
And the return on investment? Massive. A GoDaddy survey revealed that small business owners with websites report earning twice as much revenue as those without one. Think about that—double the income just by being searchable online.
In today’s market, you’re not just competing with the shop down the street—you’re up against every business that shows up online when someone Googles what you do. If your competitors are online and you’re not, they’re taking customers who might have chosen you. It’s as simple as that. And every month you delay getting a website, you’re leaving money and credibility on the table.
Don’t let the digital age leave your business behind. With affordable, done-for-you website services from Toohey Services, there’s zero reason to stay invisible. We make it simple, fast, and budget-friendly—so you can focus on what you do best while we build your online presence.
Ready to stop losing customers and start growing? Visit TooheyServices.com and let’s get your business online—professionally, affordably, and quickly.
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