Can I just use Instagram or Facebook as my website?

You can start there, and many new businesses do. You do not own the audience, the page does not appear in search the way a website can, and an ad has less to send people to.

How many pages does a new business website need?

Often one clear page is enough to start: what you do, proof, how to enquire. Add pages for services, pricing and questions once you see what people ask.

Do I need a website before I run ads?

You need somewhere for the ad to send people that matches what it said and takes an enquiry. That can be a single landing page.

Do I need a website for a small business?

Written by Jack Harrington and Gabriel Pozo, the founders of Urban Media, Melbourne. Updated 5 October 2026.

Short answer: if you want people you have never met to find you and trust you, yes. If every customer comes from people who already know you, a social page can carry you for a while.

The better question is what the website has to do. That decides how big it needs to be.

Book a Launch Call See the prices

Nearly all your work comes from referrals and people already know your name.
You do not need to be found on Google.
You can take enquiries and bookings by message without losing any.

When you need a website

You want to be found on Google, including on Maps.
You run ads. An ad needs somewhere that matches what it promised.
You need to explain your price or process before someone will ring.
You want to look established to someone who has never heard of you.

What a small business website has to do

Say what you do, who for and where, in the first screen.
Show real photos of your work.
Give one obvious way to enquire or book, and a phone number that works with one tap.
Load fast on a phone, because most people will arrive on one.

What to build first

Settle the brand first, then build a simple site on it, then add pages as you learn what people ask. The reasoning is in our logo or website first guide.

More guides for new businesses

All of them are on the guides page.

Who is behind this

Jack Harrington and Gabriel Pozo, the founders of Urban Media, on a shoot in Melbourne

Urban Launch is built and run by Urban Media (ABN 28 169 446 902), a Melbourne studio founded by Jack Harrington and Gabriel Pozo. Urban Media makes video, design and websites for clients including Box Hill United, Brighton Grammar and Porsche Club Victoria.

If you want to talk to the people doing the work, call 0456 785 904. More about who we are, and how to check us, is on the About page.

Jack Harrington, co-founder of Urban Media, speaking to camera — Jack Harrington, co-founder of Urban Media, on how Urban Launch works. Captions are on screen.

Common questions

Can I just use Instagram or Facebook as my website?: You can start there, and many new businesses do. You do not own the audience, the page does not appear in search the way a website can, and an ad has less to send people to.
How many pages does a new business website need?: Often one clear page is enough to start: what you do, proof, how to enquire. Add pages for services, pricing and questions once you see what people ask.
Do I need a website before I run ads?: You need somewhere for the ad to send people that matches what it said and takes an enquiry. That can be a single landing page.

Start with a Launch Call

Live and generating enquiries within 45 days, or we keep working at no extra cost until you are. The Launch Call is where we check it is the right fit before we book anything in. For a real example, read the Airwize case study (12 conversions, meaning leads that became sales, in the first month of Google Ads from $70 of ad spend, our figures). You can also read how a launch package compares with hiring separately, or go to the packages and prices on the homepage.

Book a Launch Call

More: Brand and website package, Melbourne, Startup package for a new business, Melbourne, Branding, website and photography package, Melbourne.