Which Local Businesses Still Do Not Have Websites in 2026?
Millions of local businesses still operate without a website. Understanding which industries and business types commonly lack online presence helps you identify the best opportunities for website services.
The Reality of Businesses Without Websites in 2026
Current Statistics
- Approximately 27% of small businesses in the US still do not have a website in 2026.
- Many businesses rely solely on social media, Google Business Profile, or word-of-mouth.
- Some industries have website adoption rates below 50%.
- The gap is particularly wide in certain geographic areas and demographics.
Why This Matters
Every business without a website is a potential client. Understanding why they have not built one yet helps you craft outreach that addresses their specific concerns and barriers.
Why They Have Not Built Websites
- 1Cost Perception
Many believe websites cost $5,000-$10,000+ and are not aware of affordable options.
- 2Technical Fear
The idea of building and maintaining a website feels overwhelming and technical.
- 3Time Constraints
Business owners are too busy with daily operations to research and manage a website project.
- 4Past Bad Experiences
Some tried once, got burned by a bad developer, and gave up.
- 5"It Works Fine Without One"
Business has survived this long, so they do not see the urgency.
Trade Services and Contractors
High-Opportunity Trade Categories
Plumbers
Many operate on referrals alone. Emergency services need 24/7 web visibility.
Electricians
High-value services but many rely on truck signage and business cards.
HVAC Technicians
Seasonal demand spikes make online visibility crucial during peak times.
Roofers
High-ticket jobs but often lack professional online presence.
More Trade Service Opportunities
- General Contractors
Need to showcase past projects but many have no portfolio online.
- Painters
Before/after photos are powerful but rarely displayed professionally.
- Flooring Installers
Visual work that benefits from galleries but often only on Facebook.
- Handymen
Broad service range hard to communicate without a proper website.
- Garage Door Services
Emergency services that need 24/7 online booking capability.
Why Trades Lack Websites
- Busy with hands-on work all day, no time for "computer stuff."
- Built business through word-of-mouth and see no reason to change.
- Do not understand how websites generate leads and customers.
- Spouse or family member "handles marketing" via Facebook.
- Tried a DIY website builder once and gave up in frustration.
- Think their Google Business Profile is "basically a website."
The Opportunity
Trade services typically charge $75-$200+ per hour for their work. A single job can be worth $500-$10,000+. Even one new customer per month from a website more than pays for your services. This math is easy to demonstrate.
Personal Services
Beauty and Grooming
- Independent hair stylists and barbers
- Nail technicians and salons
- Estheticians and skincare specialists
- Makeup artists
- Tattoo artists (small shops)
Health and Wellness
- Personal trainers
- Yoga instructors
- Massage therapists
- Chiropractors (small practices)
- Acupuncturists
Care Services
- Pet groomers
- Dog walkers and pet sitters
- Home care providers
- Tutors and music teachers
- Childcare providers
Why Personal Service Providers Often Lack Websites
- 1Rely heavily on Instagram and Facebook for visual portfolios.
- 2Use booking apps like Vagaro, StyleSeat, or Square that feel "good enough."
- 3Solo operators working out of their home or renting space.
- 4Client base is mostly referrals from existing clients.
- 5Lower profit margins make every expense feel significant.
- 6Do not realize a website helps with local SEO and discovery.
Food and Hospitality
Food Service Businesses
- Independent Restaurants
Many rely on Yelp, Google, and DoorDash instead of their own site.
- Food Trucks
Mobile business, often just use social media for location updates.
- Catering Companies
Need menus and booking but many operate on word-of-mouth.
- Bakeries and Specialty Shops
Visual products that deserve better presentation than social media.
- Coffee Shops
Local atmosphere hard to convey without a dedicated website.
Common Barriers in Food Service
- Third-party platforms (Yelp, DoorDash, UberEats) feel sufficient.
- Menus change frequently, worried about keeping site updated.
- Thin profit margins make marketing spend feel risky.
- Kitchen staff and owners are not tech-savvy.
- Facebook page with menu photos seems "good enough."
- Previous website attempts looked amateur or cost too much.
The Value Proposition
A website with online ordering reduces dependency on third-party platforms that take 15-30% commission. Show restaurant owners how a $2,000 website can save them $500+ monthly in delivery app fees while building their own customer database.
Property and Outdoor Services
Lawn and Landscaping
- Lawn care and mowing services
- Landscaping companies
- Tree trimming and removal
- Irrigation and sprinkler services
- Hardscaping (patios, retaining walls)
Property Maintenance
- Cleaning services (residential/commercial)
- Pressure washing
- Window cleaning
- Gutter cleaning
- Junk removal services
Seasonal Services
- Snow removal and plowing
- Pool cleaning and maintenance
- Holiday lighting installation
- Pest control services
- Deck and fence staining
Recurring Revenue Opportunity
These businesses often have seasonal peaks. A website with lead capture and email marketing can help them stay in touch with customers year-round, turning seasonal clients into annual maintenance contracts. Offer website + email marketing packages.
Automotive and Transportation
Automotive Services
- Independent Auto Repair Shops
Compete with chains but often lack online visibility.
- Mobile Mechanics
Convenient service but hard to find without web presence.
- Auto Detailing
Visual results perfect for before/after galleries.
- Tire Shops
Seasonal demand requires year-round visibility.
- Towing Services
Emergency service that needs 24/7 discoverability.
Transportation Services
- Moving Companies (Local)
High-value jobs but compete with national brands online.
- Courier and Delivery Services
Local delivery niche overlooked by big carriers.
- Limo and Car Services
Special events and airport runs need online booking.
- Driving Schools
Parents research extensively before choosing.
Key Challenge
Many automotive businesses think their Google Business Profile reviews are enough. Show them how a website with service menus, online scheduling, and customer testimonials differentiates them from competitors.
Creative and Professional Services
Creative Services
- Photographers (Events, Portraits)
Many only use Instagram, missing SEO opportunities.
- Videographers
Portfolio sites often outdated or on free platforms.
- DJs and Musicians
Event bookings require demos and availability info.
- Event Planners
Portfolio of past events crucial but often poorly displayed.
- Florists
Visual products need better presentation than social media.
Small Professional Practices
- Solo Accountants and Bookkeepers
Need credibility but often just have a LinkedIn profile.
- Insurance Agents
Local independent agents competing with big brands.
- Real Estate Agents
Many rely solely on brokerage sites, missing personal branding.
- Notaries and Mobile Services
Convenience services that people search for when needed.
- Consultants (Various Fields)
Expertise needs a platform but many only use LinkedIn.
The Personal Brand Angle
Creative and professional service providers often underestimate how much a professional website elevates their perceived value. A photographer with a custom portfolio site can charge 2-3x more than one who only uses Instagram. Frame your pitch around premium positioning.
Retail and Specialty Shops
Local Retail
- Boutique clothing stores
- Gift shops and card stores
- Antique and vintage stores
- Hobby and craft supplies
- Pet stores (independent)
Specialty Providers
- Bridal and formal wear
- Jewelry stores (local)
- Sports and outdoor equipment
- Musical instrument stores
- Art supply and frame shops
Service-Retail Hybrid
- Tailoring and alterations
- Shoe repair
- Dry cleaners
- Watch and jewelry repair
- Electronics repair shops
Why Local Retail Often Resists Websites
- "We are a local store, people just walk in."
- Fear of competing with online retailers like Amazon.
- Inventory management for e-commerce seems complex.
- Low margins make every expense feel painful.
- Owner is focused on the floor, not the computer.
- Believe their Facebook page is sufficient.
How to Approach These Businesses
Effective Approaches
- 1Address Their Specific Barrier
If cost is the concern, lead with affordable options. If time is the issue, emphasize you handle everything.
- 2Show ROI in Their Terms
A plumber needs to see how 2 new jobs per month pays for the website. Make the math obvious.
- 3Reference Similar Businesses
Show examples of competitors in their area who have websites. Create urgency without being pushy.
- 4Offer a Specific Solution
Instead of "you need a website," say "I build websites specifically for electricians that include online booking and emergency contact forms."
Approaches to Avoid
- Generic Pitches
"Every business needs a website" does not resonate with someone who has survived 20 years without one.
- Technical Jargon
SEO, responsive design, CMS - these mean nothing to most business owners. Speak in results.
- Criticizing Their Current Approach
"Your Facebook page looks unprofessional" puts them on the defensive immediately.
- Overwhelming with Features
They do not need to hear about 50 features. Focus on the 3 things that matter most to their business.
Sample Outreach Message
"Hi [Name], I specialize in building websites for [industry] businesses in [City]. I noticed you do not have a website yet, and I wanted to share how similar businesses are getting 3-5 new customers per month just from Google searches. I can show you exactly what I would build for you - no obligation. Would you have 15 minutes this week for a quick call?"
Summary
Massive Untapped Market
Millions of businesses still lack websites. Trade services, personal services, food businesses, and local retail represent the largest opportunities.
Understand Their Barriers
Cost perception, technical fear, time constraints, and past bad experiences are the main reasons businesses have not built websites yet.
Specialize for Success
Pick an industry, learn their specific needs, and become the go-to provider for that niche. Specialization builds efficiency and credibility.
Lead with Value, Not Features
Show them the ROI in their terms: new customers, saved time, reduced fees to third-party platforms. Make the investment feel like a no-brainer.
The businesses without websites are not missing because they do not need them. They are missing because no one has shown them the value in a way that makes sense for their situation. Be that person.
Start with one industry, master the pitch, and expand from there. The opportunity is enormous for those willing to do the outreach.