Quick answer
You need a website if people search Google for what you do, if you lose leads because you can't answer fast enough, or if you need to explain services and prices in more detail than a social profile allows. If none of those apply yet, a complete Google Business Profile with steady reviews is the better first investment.
TorontoIn North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York, Downtown and the Beaches, the businesses that show up first for 'near me' searches almost always have a site behind their Google listing. We can tell you honestly whether you're ready, working from our Toronto base. We work with you by video and on site where it helps.
When is a Google Business Profile enough?
A complete Google Business Profile with steady reviews is enough if you are fully booked by referrals and your customers find you through your profile.
If that describes you right now, invest time in reviews before spending money on a site.
When do you actually need a website?
You need one when any of these situations apply to your business.
- People search Google for your service in your area and choose from the results. Google surfaces websites, not Instagram grids.
- You need to explain services, prices or coverage areas in more detail than a social bio allows.
- You want bookings or quote requests to come in without you picking up the phone.
- You compete with businesses that have a professional site and you look smaller than you are.
If you want to automate lead follow-up or set up appointment reminders, those automations need a home base.
What does a website cost to build and run?
With BuildSites, $297 a month plus tax, no upfront build cost, maintenance included. A typical Toronto agency charges $2,500 to $8,000 upfront plus $100 to $300 a month, which comes to $5,200 to $11,600 in the first year.
$3,564 is the first-year total on the BuildSites Website plan (12 months at $297 a month plus tax).
$0 upfront means your first payment is due the day the site goes live, with no design, build or setup fee.
See the full cost breakdown for Toronto or read how a 48-hour build works if you need to go live fast.
What do you get for that monthly fee?
Up to 8 pages, written and designed for your business, live in 48 hours once we have your logo and services list. Maintenance is included every month.
- Hosting, SSL and uptime monitoring every minute
- Security updates within 24 hours
- Nightly backups kept for 30 days
- Edits usually live the same day
- Unlimited edits included
The domain, content and your accounts are yours from day one. The site itself is yours once the 12-month term is complete.
How do the website and automation plans compare?
Both plans cost $297 a month separately. Running them together costs $445 a month, saving $149 a month.
| Plan | Monthly cost (plus tax) | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Website only | $297 | Up to 8 pages, hosting, maintenance, edits |
| Automation only | $297 | Lead follow-up, reminders, invoicing, review requests |
| Website and automation | $445 | Both plans together, saving $149 a month |
The 12-month term applies to all plans, then month to month with 30 days' notice. Remaining months are due on early cancellation. Text messaging for automations is billed by the provider, typically $20 to $40 a month.
Visit the pricing page for the full breakdown.
What if you are not ready for a website yet?
Start with a complete Google Business Profile and collect reviews consistently. When leads start slipping through or you need to explain your services in more detail, that is the signal to build.
Read local SEO basics to get more from your profile before you invest in a site.
Questions we get asked
Is a Facebook page enough for a small business?
For a business that depends on Google search, no. A page on a platform that controls who sees it is not a reliable foundation.
How long does it take to get a website live?
BuildSites has your site live in 48 hours once we have your logo and services list. Bilingual French and English sites usually take one to two weeks.
What if I cannot write the content myself?
We write it with you from a short call. Most owners can talk about their business for 20 minutes; that's all we need.
Can I add automation later if I start with just a website?
Running both plans together costs $445 a month plus tax, saving $149 a month compared to two separate plans at $297 each.
Who owns the website if I cancel?
The domain, content and your accounts are yours from day one. The site itself is yours once the 12-month term is complete. Remaining months are due on early cancellation.
Next step
Talk to us about your business
A 20-minute call. We'll tell you what we'd build, how long it takes and what it costs. Toronto, the GTA and Montréal.