Website alternatives for small businesses give customers a place to find your services, see your work and contact you. Compare your options and find a practical starting point for your business in South Africa.
One business profile. A link you can share. No separate hosting to arrange.
You may not need a full website to take your first step online. Start with the information that helps someone decide whether to call, message or visit.
Explain your services and the customers or areas you serve.
Show useful photos and a clear, accurate business description.
Keep your contact details and opening hours up to date.
Free tools, hosted profiles and simple pages solve different problems. Compare what you get, what you manage and the limits before you choose.
For a ready-made home for your business details
Bring your services, photos, location and contact options together on a hosted profile. Share its link with customers and let people browse your business in the directory.
Explore Eyam DiscoverYou use the platform’s layout and features. Published details and gallery limits can depend on your plan.
For eligible businesses serving local customers
A free Google Business Profile helps eligible businesses manage how they appear on Google Search and Maps, with business details, photos and customer reviews.
Explore Google Business ProfileEligibility and verification apply. A Google listing has a different purpose from a standalone website.
For conversations, updates and an existing audience
Use a social business page to share your work and updates. WhatsApp Business can help you organise customer conversations and present a catalogue where available.
Customers may need to search through posts or messages for key details. Reach and available features depend on the platform.
For one link to your existing channels
Collect your social accounts, contact options and other useful links on one short page. It is a simple starting point when you already have places to send people.
A list of links may offer less space for your services, business story and work than a fuller business profile.
For a small site you want to design yourself
A builder such as Canva lets you create a simple business website. This can suit a brochure, introduction or event page when you have time to put it together.
Explore Canva business websitesCheck publishing limits, branding, domain options and which features require payment before choosing a builder.
Free plans and free offers have different limits. Check each provider’s current terms. Eyam’s free-listing offer is subject to eligibility and terms; review its duration and subscription options during signup.
Give your business a home on Eyam Discover. Bring your information together in a hosted profile, then share the link on WhatsApp, social media and your marketing materials.
Publishing a page is the start. Give people useful information and a reason to visit it.
Use a clear description, your service area and accurate contact information. Choose a relevant category so visitors understand what you offer.
Add it to your WhatsApp Business profile, social bios, email signature and customer messages where relevant.
Refresh your photos and services when things change. Keep your business name and contact details consistent across your profiles.
A business profile can be a practical starting point when customers need your services, location, photos and a way to contact you.
A dedicated website may be the better choice for a full online shop, custom workflows, extensive articles or complete control over design. You can also use a website and an Eyam profile together.
Start with your business profileFollow our practical guide to choosing a category, describing your services and service area, and creating a profile customers can contact.
It depends on what customers need to do. A directory profile can present your services and contact details; Google Business Profile can support eligible local businesses on Search and Maps; social pages and WhatsApp help with updates and conversations. A link-in-bio page connects your channels, while a one-page website gives you more freedom over presentation.
Yes. Free options include Google Business Profile for eligible businesses, social business pages and some website builders. Eyam also offers a free-listing claim flow for eligible users, with no card required. Check the offer terms, duration and available plans when signing up; a free offer does not mean every feature or future subscription is free.
No. Eyam hosts your Discover profile and gives you a shareable profile link. You do not need to arrange a separate domain or hosting to use that profile.
A profile can be enough when customers mainly need your services, photos, location and contact options. Consider your own website when you need a custom design, a full online shop, extensive content or integrations that your profile does not provide.
It can be a useful starting point if your customers already use Facebook. Keep your key details easy to find and consider a business profile link alongside it so customers have a clear place to check your services and contact options.
No. A listing gives people a place to learn about and contact your business, but enquiries and search visibility are not guaranteed. Use accurate details, useful photos and a clear description, and share your link with your existing customers.
Choose List your business to open the listing flow. Sign in or create an account, add your business information and select an available plan. If you use Claim your free listing, eligibility and the offer terms apply. Contact options and photo limits depend on your subscription.
Ready to give your business a place online?
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