Website, Google Listing or Instagram: Where Should a New Business Start?
“Should I make a website first, or just use Instagram?” We hear this almost every week. The honest answer depends on how your customers find you today, so here is a simple way to decide.
The three starting points
Google Business Profile. Your free listing on Google Search and Maps. It shows your address, phone number, hours, photos and reviews.
A website. Your own page that you control. It explains what you offer, shows prices or examples, and collects enquiries.
Instagram (or Facebook). A place to show your work and talk to customers regularly.
All three matter eventually. The question is which one to do first, because doing all three badly is worse than doing one well.
If customers walk into your shop or clinic
Start with Google Business Profile. People searching “near me” want an address, hours and reviews. A complete profile gets you calls and direction requests without needing a website. Then add WhatsApp for enquiries. Read our Google Business Profile guide to set it up.
If you serve customers at their home or location
Plumbers, electricians, tutors, photographers and makeup artists fall here.
Start with Google Business Profile as a service-area business, plus WhatsApp. Then add Instagram to show finished work, because customers want proof before they call.
If you sell products online or by delivery
Start with Instagram and a simple product catalogue (WhatsApp Business catalogue works well). Add a website when you have regular orders and want to take payment online. Our Instagram SEO guide helps people find your shop.
If you sell to other businesses
Suppliers, manufacturers and contractors fall here.
Start with a website. Business buyers compare suppliers on capability and proof: products, certificates, past work and a fast way to request a quote. Also list your business on directories your buyers use, and set up a Google Business Profile so you can be found by location.
A simple order of work for any business
- Week 1: Claim and complete your Google Business Profile.
- Week 2: Set up WhatsApp Business with a greeting and quick replies.
- Weeks 3 to 4: Start one social account and post consistently.
- Month 2 onward: Build a website that answers customer questions and takes enquiries. See our website design services.
Mistakes to avoid
- Building an expensive website before you have a Google listing.
- Opening five social accounts and updating none.
- Using a different phone number or business name in each place.
- Skipping WhatsApp. In India, most customers will message before they buy.
Which one should you pick?
If you are unsure, start with Google Business Profile. It is free, quick, and it works for almost every local business.
Need help deciding?
Tell us what you sell and where, and we will suggest a starting plan. See our services or contact us.