How to Start Your Small Business in Australia in 2025
Explore how leveraging AI can enable a 4-day workweek, boosting productivity and transforming workplace dynamics.
The idea that you must have a website to start a business is starting to feel a little outdated, especially in Australia’s fast-evolving digital space in 2025. With the rise of tools like Instagram Shops, link-in-bio platforms, email marketing software, and marketplaces like Etsy or Gumtree, launching a business without a traditional website has never been more achievable.
But does that mean websites are irrelevant? Not quite. It all depends on what kind of business you’re starting, how quickly you want to earn, and what you’re willing to spend (or not spend) upfront.
This guide breaks down what you actually need to launch a successful business in 2025, the pros and cons of having a website, and real alternatives that Australians are using to make money online, no coding required.
The short answer: No, but it helps.
Many Australian business owners are generating real income using just a linktree, social media, and email marketing. If you’re testing an idea, starting a small service-based business, or selling products through third-party platforms, skipping the website makes sense, at least initially.
However, if you want to build brand credibility, attract organic search traffic, or scale your offers with content and automation, a website is still a valuable long-term asset.
You can absolutely skip the website if you fall into one of these categories:
These models don’t require complex tech. All you need is a way to show your offer, get in front of people, and collect payments.
Here’s a lean stack of tools you can use to run your business, no website needed:
This combo is how plenty of solopreneurs, side hustlers, and full-time creators are earning online. It’s quick, scalable, and keeps costs low.
Let’s break down a few website substitutes that are working especially well in 2025:
Popular among creators and coaches, Stan Store is like a mini shop that sits in your Instagram bio. You can sell eBooks, book calls, capture emails, and more, all without needing to set up a domain or do any tech work.
Some Aussie entrepreneurs are running $2–5k/month service businesses just through Instagram. Their approach? Post value content, use Stories to pitch, then close leads in the DMs. Easy.
Perfect for local services, pre-loved goods, or one-off product drops. These platforms come with their own traffic, so you don’t need to “market” in the traditional sense.
Writers, designers, and educators are building income streams through paid newsletters or donations, all hosted off someone else’s platform. No tech, no maintenance.
Ideal for digital product sellers. Upload your file, set your price, and start sharing the link. You can promote via socials, email, or forums.
There’s no denying that a professional website gives you more control, flexibility, and authority. Here are a few signs it’s time to get one:
If that sounds like your next step, a simple WordPress site or Webflow build is usually the best route for long-term flexibility in Australia.
| Expense | With Website | Without Website |
|---|---|---|
| Domain + Hosting | $100–300/year | $0 |
| Website Build | $0–3,000+ (one-off) | $0 |
| Maintenance | $50–100/month (optional) | $0 |
| Alternative Tools | $0–50/month | $0–50/month |
| Setup Time | High | Very Low |
Going website-free can save hundreds or thousands of dollars, making it easier to launch your business fast.
So, do you need a website to start a business in 2025? Not at all.
You can absolutely start lean, make real money, and build momentum using tools that are already in your pocket. If you’re in Australia and want to validate your idea without blowing your budget, starting without a website is a smart move.
That said, when you’re ready to scale, systemise, and grow beyond social platforms, investing in a simple site can level up your authority and automation game.
Start scrappy, sell first, and grow into your digital presence as the money starts rolling in.
Explore how leveraging AI can enable a 4-day workweek, boosting productivity and transforming workplace dynamics.
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