A question I get asked a lot is "do I really need a website if I am on WhatsApp." My answer is usually that they do different things. WhatsApp is where conversations happen with people who already know you. A website is where new customers, procurement officers, and supplier verification teams go to confirm your business is real. When someone hears about your business and searches online, what they find — or do not find — shapes their first impression before you even know they exist.

The question is not whether WhatsApp is enough. The question is what happens when someone who does not know you looks for you online. If they find nothing, they question whether you are legitimate. If they find an abandoned Facebook page from three years ago, they question whether you are still active. If they find a clean website with your name, contact details, and what you do, they trust you. For about USD 200 in the first year, your business can have that stable presence. A basic one-page website costs USD 50 to 150 to build, hosting runs about USD 10 per month, and a domain costs around USD 15 per year. Start with the basics and expand later.

When WhatsApp Is Enough If you run a small tuckshop in your neighbourhood, a website is a waste of money. Your customers walk past your door. They know you. WhatsApp works fine for taking orders and answering questions.

If you are a hairdresser or a plumber who gets all their work through referrals, same thing. A website will not bring you more business than a good reputation.

When You Need a Website Here is where a website matters. When a potential customer hears about your business and searches for you online. If they find nothing, they question whether you are real. If they find a Facebook page from 2019 with three posts, they question whether you are active. If they find a clean website that explains what you do and how to reach you, they trust you.

A missing web presence can create doubt during procurement or supplier checks. If a buyer cannot verify your company online, they may move to a business that is easier to check.

How Much It Actually Costs You do not need to spend thousands. A simple one-page website costs between $50 and $150 to build using platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress. Hosting costs about $10 per month. A domain name costs about $15 per year.

If you want something more custom, expect to pay $300 to $500. That is still less than what most people think websites cost.

What to Put on It Your website needs five things. Your business name and what you do. Your contact details including phone, email, and physical address. Your products or services with prices if possible. Testimonials from happy customers. And a way for people to contact you or place an order.

That is it. You do not need a blog, a newsletter, or a live chat. You can add those later if you want. Start with the basics.

The Bottom Line Do both where it makes sense. WhatsApp is where conversations happen. A website is where credibility, contact details, services, and proof can live in one stable place.

If you are serious about growing your business beyond your current customer base, you need some kind of web presence. It does not have to be fancy. It just has to exist.