"We don't need a website—we have Facebook and Instagram."
I hear this from local business owners all the time. And I get it. Social media is free, it's where your customers already are, and it feels like enough.
But here's what I tell them: you're building your business on rented land. And the landlord can change the rules whenever they want.
The Facebook Wake-Up Call
Remember when Facebook changed their algorithm a few years back? Business page reach dropped 50-70% overnight. Businesses that had spent years building their following suddenly couldn't reach their own audience without paying for ads.
That wasn't a bug. That was a business decision. Facebook wanted ad revenue, so they throttled organic reach.
Instagram could do the same thing tomorrow. TikTok might actually get banned. These platforms don't care about your business—they care about their shareholders.
What Happens When Someone Googles You
Here's a scenario: Someone in McMinnville needs a plumber. They Google "plumber McMinnville Oregon."
What comes up? Websites. Google Business listings. Not Facebook pages sitting at the bottom of page 2.
If you don't have a website, you're invisible to everyone who searches before they buy. And that's most people.
The Trust Problem
This one's uncomfortable, but it's real: many customers see a business without a website as less legitimate. It signals "hobby" instead of "serious business." It makes people wonder if you'll still be around next year.
Fair? Maybe not. True? Absolutely.
What a Website Actually Does For You
A good website isn't a digital brochure that sits there looking pretty. It's a 24/7 employee that:
- Answers questions so you don't have to repeat yourself
- Books appointments while you're sleeping
- Collects leads through contact forms
- Shows up in Google when people search
- Builds trust with reviews and real information
"But Websites Are Expensive"
They used to be. Not anymore.
A solid small business website runs $2,000-5,000 for something custom. Monthly hosting and maintenance is usually $50-150. Compare that to what you're spending on ads that stop working the moment you stop paying.
A website is an asset you own. It works for you 24/7, for years.
What Actually Matters
For Yamhill County businesses, here's what we focus on:
- Mobile-first — Over 60% of local searches are on phones
- Fast loading — Under 3 seconds or people leave
- Phone number visible — On every single page
- Google integration — Reviews and maps embedded
- Local SEO — So you show up for "near me" searches
Use Both—But Know Which One You Own
I'm not saying delete your Instagram. Social media is great for engagement, for building relationships, for showing personality.
But it should drive traffic to your website—the thing you own and control. Capture emails. Build your list. Don't be at the mercy of algorithm changes.
Your website is home base. Social media is marketing. Don't confuse the two.
Let's Talk
If you're running a Yamhill County business without a website—or with one that hasn't been updated since 2015—reach out. We build fast, modern sites for local businesses. Sites that actually generate leads, not just sit there.
No pressure, no pitch. Just a conversation about what would actually help your business.
