Small Business Insights

The Digital Shift is Here

Over 80% of Filipinos now search online before making a purchase decision. If your business doesn't show up in that search, you're missing out on potential customers who are actively looking for your products or services.

A Website Builds Trust

When customers find a professional website, they immediately perceive your business as more legitimate and trustworthy. It's your chance to make a great first impression before they ever walk through your door.

It Works 24/7

Unlike a physical store, your website never closes. Customers can learn about your services, check your prices, and even contact you at 3 AM. Your website is your tireless salesperson.

Reach Beyond Your Barangay

A physical store limits you to customers in your immediate area. A website can attract customers from across your city, your province, or even the entire country.

It's More Affordable Than Ever

Professional websites no longer cost hundreds of thousands of pesos. With services like Gace Builds, you can get a quality website starting at ₱15,000 – less than what you might spend on a month's worth of traditional advertising.

Your Competitors Already Have One

Check Google right now for businesses similar to yours in your area. Chances are, at least some of them already have websites. Don't let them capture all the online customers – it's time to level the playing field.

Why Facebook + Website is a Powerful Combo

Over 90 million Filipinos use Facebook. It's the perfect place to find customers. But Facebook posts disappear quickly. Your website is where you can provide detailed information, build credibility, and convert visitors into customers.

Step 1: Add Your Website Link Everywhere

Put your website URL in your Facebook page's About section, your profile, and include it in relevant posts. Make it easy for people to find your site.

Step 2: Share Valuable Content

Don't just post "buy my product!" Share tips, behind-the-scenes content, customer stories, and helpful information. Then link to your website for more details.

Step 3: Use Facebook Shop

If you sell products, set up Facebook Shop and link it to your website. Customers can browse on Facebook and complete purchases on your site.

Step 4: Run Targeted Ads

Even with a small budget (as low as ₱100/day), you can run Facebook ads that drive traffic to specific pages on your website – like a special promotion or new service announcement.

Step 5: Engage and Respond

When people comment or message you, respond quickly and direct them to relevant pages on your website. This builds relationships and drives traffic.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO helps your business appear when people search for things like "bakery near me" or "electrician in Makati." It's about being visible to customers in your area who are actively looking for what you offer.

Step 1: Claim Your Google Business Profile

This is the most important step. Go to business.google.com and claim your business listing. Fill out every field completely – business hours, photos, services, and contact information.

Step 2: Get Reviews

Ask happy customers to leave Google reviews. More positive reviews = higher rankings. Make it easy by sending them a direct link to your review page.

Step 3: Use Local Keywords

On your website, mention your location naturally. Instead of just "web development services," write "web development services in Quezon City" or "serving small businesses across Metro Manila."

Step 4: Be Consistent

Your business name, address, and phone number should be exactly the same everywhere – your website, Facebook page, Google listing, and any online directories.

Step 5: Create Local Content

Write about topics relevant to your local audience. A restaurant might write about "Best Filipino Comfort Food in [Your City]" or a contractor about "Home Renovation Trends in Metro Manila."

Mistake #1: No Mobile Optimization

Over 80% of Filipino internet users browse on mobile phones. If your website is hard to read or navigate on a smartphone, you're losing the majority of your potential customers.

Solution: Always test your website on mobile devices. A responsive design automatically adjusts to any screen size.

Mistake #2: Missing Contact Information

Many business websites bury their contact information or don't include it at all. Customers who can't easily find how to reach you will simply go to a competitor.

Solution: Put your phone number and email in the header. Have a dedicated Contact page with multiple ways to reach you.

Mistake #3: Slow Loading Speed

Filipino internet can be slow and expensive. If your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, over half of visitors will leave before seeing anything.

Solution: Optimize images, minimize code, and choose a fast hosting provider. Test your speed at tools like GTmetrix.

Mistake #4: Outdated Information

Nothing says "abandoned business" like a website with last year's promotions or outdated business hours. Customers will question if you're even still operating.

Solution: Review your website at least monthly. Update hours, prices, and remove expired promotions immediately.

Mistake #5: No Clear Call to Action

Many websites describe services beautifully but never tell visitors what to do next. Don't leave customers guessing.

Solution: Every page should have a clear next step – "Call Now," "Get a Quote," "Visit Our Store," or "Learn More."

Understanding Website Costs

Website pricing in the Philippines varies wildly – from free DIY builders to agency quotes of ₱500,000+. Understanding what drives costs helps you make informed decisions.

Option 1: DIY Website Builders (₱0 - ₱5,000/year)

Platforms like Wix or Squarespace let you build websites yourself. Good for very simple sites, but limited customization and often look generic. Best for personal projects or very tight budgets.

Option 2: Freelance Developers (₱8,000 - ₱50,000)

Individual freelancers offer affordable rates but quality varies greatly. Risk of disappearing after the project. Good for simple sites if you find a reliable developer.

Option 3: Small Web Studios (₱15,000 - ₱100,000)

Companies like Gace Builds specialize in small business websites. Balance of affordability and quality. Usually includes support and maintenance options.

Option 4: Full-Service Agencies (₱50,000 - ₱500,000+)

Large agencies offer comprehensive services but at premium prices. Best for large companies with complex needs and bigger budgets.

What Affects the Price?

• Number of pages: More pages = more work = higher cost
• Custom design vs. templates: Custom designs cost more but look unique
• Features: E-commerce, booking systems, and custom functionality add cost
• Content: Writing content for you costs extra
• Ongoing support: Maintenance plans are usually monthly fees

What's the Best Value for Small Businesses?

For most Filipino small businesses, a professionally-built website in the ₱15,000 - ₱30,000 range offers the best balance of quality, features, and affordability. You get a professional result without the agency markup.

Why Email Marketing Works

Unlike social media where algorithms control who sees your posts, email goes directly to your customers. Studies show email marketing has an average return of ₱42 for every ₱1 spent.

Step 1: Build Your Email List

Never buy email lists – they don't work and can get you marked as spam. Instead, collect emails from customers who actually want to hear from you.

• Add a signup form to your website
• Offer something valuable in exchange (discount, free guide, etc.)
• Ask customers at checkout
• Run Facebook lead ads

Step 2: Choose an Email Platform

Free options like Mailchimp (up to 500 subscribers) or Brevo make it easy to send professional emails without technical skills.

Step 3: Send Valuable Content

Don't just send sales pitches. Share tips, news, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive offers. Aim for 80% value, 20% promotion.

Step 4: Be Consistent

Whether it's weekly or monthly, stick to a schedule. Customers who expect your emails are more likely to open and read them.

Step 5: Track and Improve

Check your open rates and click rates. Test different subject lines and content to see what your audience responds to best.