Do I really need a website for my business?

In this day and age it's hard to find an example of a business that would not benefit from even a simple website that has information about what they do.

For those who say they have more than enough customers, a site may improve your productivity by answering common questions and allowing customers to download forms that you normally print out.

Almost everyone these days will now start their search for a product or service online. Having a website will expose your business to a much bigger audience (providing it is working effectively!) and it keeps working to promote your business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also provides an easy way for your existing customers to spread the word about your business – it's as simple as a link on their Facebook page or in a tweet.

Even if you think you're not ready now, the trend to have everything online will only accelerate as time goes by. You don't want to get to the point where you are so far behind in your knowledge and resources that it will take an enormous effort to catch up with your competitors.

But I have a directory listing/business promo page/Facebook page

This is not the same has a unique, fully functioning website, despite the ongoing commentary about a Facebook page removing the need for an independent web presence.

If for no other reason than you have more control and flexibility about what you do with it.

Even Facebook pages have limitations in terms of layout and the amount of content you can have on it. If you're a small business targeting the consumer market and don't plan to expand beyond what you can manage in your own 8/10/12 hour day you might get away with it.

By all means use these extra listings as a way to further promote your business and drive traffic to your 'main' website.