MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Before we get started on this subject, let me clearly state this is not a pitch to sell you a website. We don’t sell them, and don’t want to either.

Now let’s get to the subject of websites.

Think about your own behavior. When you hear about a business or something that you are interested in buying, your next step is always to search online.

You want to see what they do. Who else does it. You want to see if they look legitimate. You want to see if they feel like someone you can trust. Your customers do the exact same thing. Before they call you. Before they visit you. Before they choose you. They go online and compare you to everyone else who sells what you sell. And what they find—or don’t find—shapes their opinion of your business.

No website sends the wrong message intentionally.

This is the one that kills me… it’s 2026 and some businesses still rely on a Facebook page instead of a website. This is not just a major mistake. You just delegitimized your business to someone looking to buy what you sell.

Customers expect legitimate, established businesses to have a website. When they see you only have a Facebook page, that’s like seeing a roadside store in a cheesy tent instead of a brick-and-mortar building.

Is this business established?
Are they serious?
Are they still active?
Are they professional?
Is this a scam? A fly-by-night business?

Even if none of those concerns are valid, the perception exists. And perception is reality when it comes to online research. They don’t have the time, nor do they care to invest more time into a business that doesn’t appear professional online. They will simply move on to a competitor with a proper website. Not because that competitor is better—but because they appear more credible.

An outdated website can be just as damaging as no website at all.

Many businesses built their website years ago and haven’t touched it since. It may still technically work. But it doesn’t reflect the quality of the business today.

Outdated design, slow load times, missing information, and poor mobile performance all create friction. Customers notice. They may not consciously analyze it—but they feel it. And when something feels off, confidence drops. When confidence drops, they move on.

Most customers are visiting your website on their phone.

Today, almost all website visits happen on mobile devices. If your website is hard to use on a phone, slow to load, or difficult to navigate, customers get frustrated quickly.

They don’t call to explain the problem. They don’t give feedback. They simply leave.

And they choose someone else.

Your website is where customers decide whether to take the next step.

Your website is not just a digital brochure. It’s your first impression. It’s your credibility. It’s where customers decide whether to trust you. It’s where they decide whether to contact you—or keep looking.

Even if they heard about you somewhere else, your website is where they confirm their decision.

Or change it.

Having a bad website is like having an angry cave-person standing at the front door of your business, chasing away customers instead of graciously inviting them into a comfortable shopping experience.

In a competitive market, small disadvantages add up quickly.

If your competitors have modern, professional websites and you don’t, they start with an advantage.

If their website is easier to use, loads faster, and builds confidence, they are more likely to get the call.

Not because they are better at what they do.

But because they made it easier for the customer to choose them.

Final thought

If you want to compete and grow in today’s environment, your website is not optional. It’s foundational. This is not optional in today’s business world.

This is frustrating for me because it’s my job to help you get more new customers. It’s frustrating to see great local businesses hinder their success with something that is a relatively easy fix.

If you just want to talk about it, yell at me, or get some ideas, just reach out.

Connect with Randy via email for more information.