Why Every Small Business in Long Island Needs a Website

A barber (and small business owner) is smiling while viewing his new website on his laptop in his shop. Image is an illustration generated by AI. — A barber (and small business owner) is smiling while viewing his new website on his laptop in his shop. *Image is an illustration generated by AI.*

If you own a small business in Nassau or Suffolk County of Long Island, you might be wondering: Do I really need a website? Maybe you rely on word-of-mouth, social media, or foot traffic to keep things going. But here’s the truth—having a professional website isn’t just an option anymore; it’s a must-have. Let’s break down why.

1. Most of Your Customers Are Searching Online

A whopping 81% of customers research a business online before making a purchase. Even if they plan to visit your store in person, 70-80% will check your website first to learn more about your products, services, and reputation (Marketing Scoop).

What happens if they search for your business and don’t find a website? Chances are, they’ll move on to a competitor who does.

2. A Website Builds Trust and Credibility

Would you trust a business with no online presence? Probably not. Consumers expect a professional website where they can:

✅ Learn about your services

✅ Read customer reviews

✅ Find contact information

✅ See pricing and availability

Without a website, potential customers may assume your business is outdated—or worse, not legitimate. Having a well-designed, easy-to-navigate site instantly makes your business look more professional and trustworthy.

3. Websites Offer a Huge Return on Investment

Many small business owners hesitate to invest in a website because of cost. But consider this: a professionally designed site can increase lead conversion rates by 3-8x and boost revenue by 60-90% in just one year (Marketing Scoop).

Even a basic website acts as a 24/7 salesperson, bringing in new customers while you sleep. And with 72% of local searches leading to in-person visits within 24 hours, a well-optimized site can dramatically increase foot traffic (Marketing Scoop).

4. Social Media Isn’t Enough

Some business owners think, I have an Instagram page, so I don’t need a website. While social media is great for marketing, it has major limitations:

🔹 You don’t own it—Algorithms change, and your reach can disappear overnight.

🔹 Limited searchability—Most people use Google to find businesses, not Instagram or Facebook.

🔹 Not professional—A well-designed website makes a stronger impression than a scattered collection of social posts.

A website is the foundation of your online presence. You can still use social media, but it should lead customers to a site you fully control.

5. Your Competitors Already Have One

Right now, 73% of small businesses already have a website, and another 23.5% are planning to build one soon (Marketing Scoop). That means only 3.5% of businesses don’t see the value—and those are the ones falling behind.

If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself: Can I afford to lose customers to competitors who are easier to find online?

6. It’s Easier (and More Affordable) Than You Think

Building a website doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. At AI1 Web Design, we specialize in making the process simple for small business owners in Nassau and Suffolk. Whether you want to be hands-on or let us handle everything, we offer affordable solutions tailored to your needs.