How a Website Makes You Look Legit

You know when you’re scrolling on your phone looking for a local service—maybe it’s a dog groomer, maybe it’s someone to fix your leaky tap—and you stumble across a Facebook page that hasn’t been updated since 2018? The photos are blurry, there’s no phone number, and the only comment is “Is this still open?”

What’s your first thought?

Exactly: “Doesn’t look very legit.”

Now imagine that’s what someone thinks when they search for your business.

Ouch, right?

In 2025, if your business doesn’t have a proper website, people will question if you’re real, if you’re trustworthy, or—worse still—if you’re even still trading. And that’s not just harsh internet judgement. It’s the simple truth.

In this post, we’re going to explore why a website makes you look legitimate (because it absolutely does), how it helps you gain trust and attract more local customers, and what your first site really needs to make an impact.

If you’re a UK small business owner, a sole trader, or service provider thinking, “Do I really need a website?”—keep reading.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what a good website does for your credibility, and how we can help you get one without spending a fortune (spoiler: it starts from just £99).

1. Why Looking Legit Matters (Even Locally)

We often hear small business owners say:

“Most of my work comes from word-of-mouth.”

That’s brilliant. But here’s the catch:

Even when someone recommends you, people still Google you.

They want to double-check you’re:

• Still active

• Professional

• Trustworthy

• Easy to contact

No one wants to ring a number from a business card only to find it’s out of service. A simple, tidy website reassures people that you’re the real deal. That you’ve taken your business seriously enough to invest in it.

Whether you’re a dog groomer in Derby, a plumber in Portsmouth, or a mobile hairdresser in Huddersfield—your website is your digital front door. If you don’t have one, it’s like having a shop with no sign.

2. What a Website Says About You (Without Saying a Word)

Your website speaks volumes before a single word is read.

It says:

• “I’m established.”

• “I care about how I show up online.”

• “I’m not going to disappear with your deposit.”

• “I’ve got nothing to hide.”

A well-built website shows pride. It shows you’re open for business. It shows your name is worth putting online in bold letters. And all of that builds trust.

One of our customers, a painter and decorator in Essex, told us:

“Before I had a website, I felt invisible. Now people call me and say they found me online and liked what they saw. I’m not chasing jobs anymore—they’re coming to me.”

3. Real-Life Example: From “Maybe” to “Must-Hire”

Let’s take two carpet cleaners. Both serve the same area. Both charge about the same. One has a website, one doesn’t.

You search on Google. One pops up with a neat site:

• Testimonials from happy customers

• Pictures of before and after jobs

• Clear pricing

• Contact details

• FAQs

The other one? A Facebook page that hasn’t been updated in two years. No photos, no reviews, no phone number.

Which one are you going to call?

Exactly. A good website is like showing up to an interview in a clean shirt and polished shoes—it helps you get taken seriously.

4. The Psychology of Trust: Why We Believe Websites

We live in a world where scams are common and people are cautious. Whether you're selling cupcakes or fixing roofs, trust is everything.

Research shows people form an impression about your business in just 0.05 seconds. That’s how quickly they decide if you’re professional—or not.

A clean, modern-looking website builds instant credibility.

• It shows you’ve invested in your business.

• It shows you’re not going anywhere.

• It gives people a sense of security.

You’re no longer “some bloke off Facebook.” You’re a business owner with a real presence.

5. Common Signs a Business Isn’t Legit (And How a Website Fixes That)

Let’s break down the red flags and how a website solves them:

Red FlagWhat It Tells CustomersWebsite FixNo online presence“They might not be real.”A site with your name, services, and contact info proves you’re active.Inconsistent branding“This looks dodgy.”A site gives you a cohesive, professional brand image.No reviews“Are they hiding something?”Your site can showcase testimonials from real clients.Just a mobile number“Anyone could make that up.”Your website shows you’ve invested in something permanent.

6. The Bare Minimum Your Website Needs

Looking legit doesn’t mean your website has to be complicated.

In fact, simple is powerful when done well.

Here’s what you need:

• Clear business name and contact info

• List of services or products

• Photos (even taken on a good phone)

• Testimonials from real customers

• A bit about you – Who are you? Why do you do what you do?

• Call to action – Tell people what to do next (Call? Book? Email?)

We’ll build you a site with all of that—and more—for just £99.

7. What a Website Gives You That Social Media Can’t

Social media is brilliant for interaction—but it has its limits.

Here’s what a website offers that social media simply doesn’t:

WebsiteSocial MediaAlways accessiblePosts disappear quicklyControl over your contentPlatform changes rules constantlyEasy to find on GoogleNot all social pages get indexed wellNo distractions (no competitors on your page)Users get sidetracked by other postsLooks more professionalOften feels casual or incomplete

The truth? You need both. But if you’re choosing where to start—start with your website. It’s your base. Your home online. Social media is just the conversation around it.

8. Our £99 Website Story (And Why It Works)

At the 99 Quid Website Company, we kept hearing the same thing from small businesses:

“I know I need a website. I just don’t have £1,000 lying around.”

So we did something about it.

We built our own platform (not WordPress) that makes it quick, easy, and cost-effective to get online. No faff. No hidden costs. Just a smart, solid site that tells your story and makes you look professional.

You don’t need to be techy. You don’t need to know how to code. You don’t even need to know what “SEO” stands for (we’ll help with that too).

You just need to know your business is worth being taken seriously. And we’ll make sure the world sees that too.

9. FAQ: Your Website Legitimacy Questions Answered

Q: I’ve managed without a website for years. Why now?
A: Times have changed. More people search online before making any decision—even for local businesses. Without a website, you’re invisible to a huge portion of your market.

Q: Can I get by with just Facebook or Instagram?
A: You can survive, yes. But you’ll limit your growth and appear less professional. A website builds more trust, ranks on Google, and gives people confidence in your business.

Q: Isn’t a proper website expensive?
A: Not with us. Our websites start at just £99. You’ll get everything you need to look professional, trustworthy, and findable online.

Q: I’m not tech-savvy. Will I be able to manage it?
A: Absolutely. We build your site for you. No jargon, no complicated dashboards. We take care of the hard bits, so you can focus on your business.

Q: What if I only need something simple?
A: Perfect. A simple, clear website is often more effective than a complex one. That’s exactly what we specialise in.

Q: Will my website show up on Google?
A: Yes! We make sure your site is search-engine-friendly and guide you on how to keep improving your visibility over time.

10. You Deserve to Look Legit

Having a website isn’t just about “keeping up with the times.” It’s about standing tall in your industry, being proud of what you do, and giving customers a reason to trust you.

You deserve to look as good online as you are in real life.

You’ve worked hard to build your business. Don’t let a lack of website hold you back from being taken seriously, getting more calls, and charging what you’re worth.

Because in 2025, having a website isn’t a luxury—it’s the bare minimum for being seen as legit.

11. Get Started we are here to help

Ready to look legit online?

We build smart, professional websites for just £99.

✅ Built on our own secure, fast platform
✅ Designed for small UK businesses like yours
✅ No complicated tech, no long waits
✅ Just a proper website that works

📞 Contact us today to get started. We’ll make it simple, affordable, and totally stress-free.

Let’s get your business online—properly.