The honest answer: maybe not yet
We build websites, so you might expect us to say everyone needs one. They don't. A small corner shop, a local kiosk or a tradesman who's booked solid through word of mouth can do very well without one.
What every business in Malta does need is to be findable. Many people look for local businesses on Google Maps and then message on WhatsApp. If those two things work, you've covered the basics.
When Google Maps and social media are enough
A complete Google Business Profile shows your hours, location, photos, phone and reviews, all free. Add an active Facebook or Instagram page with recent photos, and many customers will have everything they need.
- Your customers are mostly local and already know you.
- People contact you by phone or WhatsApp and that works fine.
- Your prices and services are simple and rarely change.
- You're not trying to win bigger jobs or business clients.
- You'll actually keep the profile and social pages up to date.
When a website starts to pay off
A website earns its keep when people need more than an address and a phone number before they decide.
- Bookings and orders: salons, clinics, restaurants and short lets save a lot of back-and-forth messages when people can book or order online.
- Tourists: visitors search in English, often before they land. A clear site with prices and directions helps them choose you.
- Bigger jobs: construction firms, property agents and professional services get judged on how they look online. A proper site with past work builds trust.
- Lots of information: full menus, price lists, service areas across Malta and Gozo, or FAQs don't fit well on a social post.
- Searching beyond Maps: a site gives Google more to show when people search for what you do, not just your name.
Social media pages aren't yours
Your Facebook and Instagram pages belong to the platforms. Accounts get hacked, locked or hidden by algorithm changes, and you can't do much about it. Not everyone has an account either, and some people won't log in just to see your prices.
A website on your own domain is something you control. With Boost, the domain is registered in your name, so it stays yours whatever happens.
A simple way to decide
Ask yourself three questions. Do customers regularly message to ask the same things, like prices, hours or availability? Do you lose bookings because people can't reach you after hours? Would a tourist or new customer struggle to understand what you offer from your Instagram alone? If you answer yes to any of these, a small site will probably help.
If the answer is no to all three, start by getting your Google profile right. You can always add a site later.
If you do want one, keep it small
Most small businesses don't need a big site. Three good pages usually cover it: what you do, prices or menu, and how to find and contact you. That's what our €150 one-off website is built around, with WhatsApp and Google Maps buttons and your Google Business Profile set up too. After launch it's from €60 a year for domain, hosting and SSL, with no monthly bill unless you want one.
Still weighing up doing it yourself? Read Wix vs a web designer. Ready to go? Fill in the 4-question brief.