No Website, No Trust – Why Most Customers Google You First
magine this: you’re sitting at the kitchen table with a cuppa when your boiler packs up. A neighbour recommends a plumber. What do you do? You whip out your phone and Google them, of course.
But… nothing. No website. No details apart from a stray phone number buried on an old trade directory that looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2012.
Do you risk calling them, or do you click on the next plumber who does have a polished website with reviews, a contact form, and clear pricing?
Be honest — it’s the second option every time.
That’s because no website means no trust. Even if you’re the best at what you do, if customers can’t find you online, you’ll struggle to win their business.
This post will explain why customers Google you first, why a website builds instant trust, and how affordable it is to get one sorted with 99 Quid Website (US)
Why Customers Google You First
We live in a “search-first” world. Need a haircut? You Google it. Looking for a tiler in Basildon? You Google it. Want to check if that new café is worth trying? Google reviews will tell you in seconds.
Even when you’re recommended by word of mouth, most people won’t just pick up the phone. They’ll Google you first to confirm:
Are you still trading?
Do you look professional?
Can I see examples of your work?
Is there an easy way to contact you?
Without a website, those answers are missing — and customers simply won’t take the risk.
🔗 Want to know the essentials to include on your site? Read our post “Starting from Scratch? Here’s What Your First Website Really Needs”.
The Trust Factor: Why a Website Matters
Think of your website as your digital shopfront. You wouldn’t run a high street shop with no sign above the door, would you? Yet that’s exactly what you’re doing if you don’t have a website.
A professional website shows:
Credibility: You’re not a fly-by-night business.
Professionalism: You take pride in your work and how you present it.
Accessibility: Customers can contact you easily, any time of day.
Transparency: People can see what you offer without awkward phone calls.
Example: Two Gardeners, One Winner
Let’s say you’re choosing between two gardeners.
Gardener A: Only a name and number scribbled on a flyer.
Gardener B: A clean, easy-to-use website with photos of lawns they’ve transformed, testimonials from happy customers, and a simple “Request a Quote” button.
Who do you trust more with your garden? It’s Gardener B every time.
🔗 If you’d like to see how content helps build this trust, check out “How to Write Website Content That Ranks on Google”.
Common Excuses Small Business Owners Make
We’ve heard it all before, and maybe you’ve even said some of these yourself:
“I get enough work through recommendations.”
“I don’t have time to set up a website.”
“It’ll be too expensive.”
“I’m not tech-savvy enough.”
Here’s the truth:
Recommendations only go so far. People still Google you.
We handle the setup — you don’t need to lift a finger.
At 99 Quid Website Company, a professional site costs less than a night out.
Our platform is designed so you don’t need tech skills.
Excuses keep you invisible. A website makes you visible, credible, and bookable.
🔗 If you’re worried about SEO being “too technical,” our guide “How to Optimise Your Website for SEO (Without a Tech Degree!)” will make it simple.
What Customers Expect From Your Website
You don’t need a huge, complicated site. Most small businesses just need a few essentials to build trust and convert visitors into customers:
Your services – clear, simple descriptions.
Your contact details – phone, email, and a form.
Photos or examples – show off your work.
Testimonials – let happy customers do the selling.
Location info – especially important for local SEO.
That’s it. You don’t need bells and whistles — just the basics, presented professionally.
Anecdote: The Takeaway That Almost Missed Out
A small takeaway in Southend relied solely on Just Eat. But they were frustrated at paying fees and having no way to showcase their full menu. We built them a simple website with their own menu and contact details. Customers started Googling them directly, placing orders without the middleman — saving the business money every single week.
🔗 For more ideas on the basics to get right, see “The Ultimate Small Business SEO Checklist”.
The Cost of Not Having a Website
Here’s the hidden price of not being online:
Missed enquiries. Potential customers go elsewhere.
Lost trust. You look less professional than competitors.
Reduced visibility. You won’t appear on Google Maps or local searches.
Limited growth. You can’t scale without an online presence.
Imagine losing just one customer a week because you’re not online. Over a year, that’s 52 jobs gone. A website pays for itself many times over.
🔗 Curious how long it takes to see results once you’re online? Read “How Long Does SEO Take to Work?”.
FAQs About Having a Website
1. Do I really need a website if I use Facebook or Instagram?
Yes. Social media is a good add-on, but not everyone uses it. And algorithms change. A website is your permanent home online that shows up in Google searches.
2. Isn’t it expensive to get a website built?
Not with us. The 99 Quid Website Company was created to make websites affordable for small businesses. You get a professional site without the hefty agency price tag.
3. What if I don’t have time to manage it?
That’s fine. We design your site to work without constant updates. It’ll do its job of building trust and attracting customers from day one.
4. How long will it take?
We’ve had businesses online in just a few days. No endless back-and-forth, no confusing tech.
5. Do customers really care that much?
Yes. In fact, many will decide against calling you if they can’t find you online. Your competitors already know this.
🔗 Want to go deeper into SEO basics? Our post “What Are Keywords? How to Find the Right Ones for Your Business” explains how to choose the right words to attract local customers.
Why Choose the 99 Quid Website Company?
We’re not here to blind you with jargon. We’re here to get your business online, fast.
Affordable pricing. Just £99 to get your professional site.
No tech headaches. We handle everything for you.
Proven results. Businesses across the UK are winning more customers thanks to their new websites.
Built to last. Our platform keeps your site running smoothly without fuss.
One of our favourite reviews came from a teepee hire and marquee hire company based in Grays Essex - I had such a great experience working with Kevin and Sarah at 99 Quid Websites on my website for MM Event Hire. We specialize in marquees, bell tents, and luxe picnics, and I wanted the website to really capture the feel of what we offer — they absolutely smashed it
Your Next Step
Here’s the bottom line:
If people can’t Google you, they won’t trust you.
If you don’t have a website, you’re invisible.
If you wait, your competitors will keep taking your customers.
The solution is simple and affordable.
👉 Contact Us The 99 Quid Website Company today and let us build you a professional, trust-building website that gets you found on Google.
Because in 2025, being invisible online isn’t an option.
