Do I Need a Website if I Have a Google Business Profile?
You’ve got your Google Business Profile set up - your business shows on the map, your contact info is live, and people can leave reviews.
You’re already a step ahead of many of your competitors.
So… do you really need a website as well?
The short answer? Not always.
The honest answer? It depends on how much business you want to win.
When a Website Isn’t Strictly Necessary
If you’re just starting out or only need a trickle of new leads, your Google Business Profile can go a long way. You can:
Appear in local searches and on Google Maps
Get calls and messages straight from your profile
Share updates and offers
Collect reviews to build trust
For very small, hyper-local businesses - think mobile dog groomers, driving instructors, or local trades like window cleaners - GBP alone can work, especially if most of your customers come from word-of-mouth or local groups like Facebook Marketplace.
But there’s a ceiling to what GBP can do.
But Here’s What a Website Can Do That GBP Can’t
Even though Google profiles are great, they’re limited. A simple website gives you:
1. Credibility
Some people will Google you and look for a website before they call.
No website? You risk looking unestablished - even if you’re brilliant!
For example, let’s say a couple is looking for a wedding photographer in Southampton. They find two profiles - one with no website and one that links to a clean site with testimonials, a pricing guide, and a gallery.
Who do you think they’ll call?
2. More Search Visibility
Google doesn’t just rank profiles - it ranks websites too.
A basic, well-structured website can help you:
Show up in more searches (not just your business name)
Be found when people search for specific services or questions
Target nearby areas or offer blog content for long-tail keywords
3. Control Over Your Message
While your GBP is limited to basic facts, a website lets you:
Explain your services in detail
Share your values, process, and story
Target the exact customers you want
4. Better Conversion
Websites let you:
Show off testimonials, case studies, or a gallery
Add lead forms or booking tools
Build trust with design and clear info
Track where leads come from
What If I Don’t Have a Big Budget?
You don’t need one.
A good small business website doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
All you really need are:
A home page that explains what you do
A service page (or two) that explains how you help
A contact page that makes it easy to reach you
A few trust signals (testimonials, logos, reviews)
At SO SEO, I write and build affordable, high-converting websites for local businesses - no fluff, just the essentials. Fixed price. Clear process.
Local Example: Meet “Dave”, the Southampton Plumber
“Dave” had a solid Google profile and great reviews, but he wasn’t getting as many calls as expected.
What he needed was a simple three-page site:
A homepage explaining his services and pricing
A testimonials page with case studies from local jobs
A contact page with a form and map
In as little as a month, he will rank for terms like “emergency plumber SO14” and “boiler repair Southampton” - the kinds of things that people actually search into Google.
If you’re just starting out, your Google Business Profile can get you moving. But if you want to look established, show up in more searches, and turn clicks into customers, a website is still worth it.
No jargon. No upselling. Just the honest truth from someone who helps small businesses show up online - without wasting money on stuff they don’t need.
Want a simple, clear site written and built for you? Let’s chat.
Can I rely on just a Google Business Profile without a website?
For very small or hyper-local businesses, a Google Business Profile alone can work initially to get calls, messages, and appear in local searches. But it may limit your growth and credibility.
What benefits does having a website add beyond a Google Business Profile?
A website boosts your credibility, increases search visibility, gives you control over your messaging, allows showcasing testimonials or galleries, and improves conversion through lead forms or booking tools.
Do I need a fancy or expensive website to see these benefits?
Even a simple, clear website with essential info can make a big difference. You don’t need a big budget—just a few well-written pages tailored to your business can help you stand out and get more enquiries.
