Do I really need a website for my small business in Cairns?

Half my clients in Cairns ask the same question: « I've got Facebook, Instagram and a Google Business Profile. Do I really need a website? »

Short answer: yes. Long answer below.

Social media: you're a tenant

Facebook can shut your page down tomorrow. Instagram can change its algorithm and your reach drops 80 % overnight. You don't own your audience — you rent access to it.

Ask anyone who built their entire business on Instagram in 2020 and lost it all in 2023. There are thousands of them.

A website: you own the house

• It's yours. Forever. No platform can take it from you.
• It ranks on Google — by far the #1 way customers find Cairns businesses (way ahead of social).
• It instantly looks more professional than a Facebook page.
• It allows online bookings, quotes, payments — things social media can't do well.

What about Google Business Profile?

GBP is essential and FREE. But on its own, it's limited: no real product showcase, no detailed services pages, no blog content to attract customers searching for advice.

GBP + website = the magic combination. Each one boosts the other in Google's eyes.

The « I haven't got time » excuse

A modern website doesn't need updating every week. A solid 5-page website with your services, contact info and photos can run for 2-3 years untouched and still bring you customers daily.