In 2025, it might shock you how many businesses still rely on outdated websites – or don’t have one at all! At Costa Consultants International, we work with small and mid-sized businesses across Costa Rica and the globe, and here’s a truth we keep running into: business owners are depending on platforms like Yelp or Facebook to be their online “home.” But if you’re serious about growth, credibility, and attracting modern clients, relying on third-party platforms is not enough.
Let’s talk about why an up-to-date website is your most valuable business asset today—and how much you’re leaving on the table without one.
The Reality in Costa Rica: Outdated or Nonexistent Websites
We’ve seen it over and over again: Costa Rican businesses that have websites built over a decade ago – if at all. Clunky interfaces, pixelated logos, no mobile responsiveness, no clear navigation. In many cases, website design in Costa Rica has no “About Us” section, no “testimonials”, and no way to truly get to know the people behind the company. And in 2025, that’s a red flag to potential clients.
In one recent case, I was searching for an accountant and a lawyer for a local project. I found a few names on Yelp and Facebook, but when they didn’t have a proper website, I moved on. Why? Because I couldn’t quickly learn about their services, their story, or their reviews. I didn’t want to email back and forth – I wanted everything in one place. A clean, professional, modern website acts like your digital storefront. It should do the talking for you.
“But I’m Listed on Yelp…”
Yelp might feel like it’s enough. It’s free to claim your business, and it helps customers find you in local searches. But here’s the truth: Yelp is a tool, not a strategy.
Let’s break down what Yelp really offers:
- Basic listing (free): You can add business info, hours, photos, and respond to reviews.
- Paid features: Yelp ads can cost $90–$1200 USD/month or more depending on your category, market size, and competition. And you’ll need to sign a 3, 6, or 12-month contract.
- Limitations: You can’t control the layout or branding of your listing. You’re one of dozens in your category, and you don’t stand out unless you pay big.
And even if someone finds you there, most serious customers, especially tourists, expats, and professionals, still go looking for your website afterward.
Your Website Is Your Portfolio (Not Just a Place to Put Your Logo)
It’s not just about having a web presence, it’s about making it work for you.
An effective website should include:
- A clean design that looks great on mobile and desktop
- A clear “About Us” section that shares your values, your team, and why you do what you do
- An easy-to-navigate list of services
- Client testimonials or reviews
- Contact options (click-to-call, WhatsApp integration, email forms)
- SEO-friendly structure so you show up on Google (not just Yelp)
A good website doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be strategic. At Costa Consultants International, we specialize in affordable website design, branding, and digital marketing for international and Costa Rican businesses. We have over a decade of experience in affordable digital marketing and website design in Costa Rica and have seen what a difference a strong site can make in customer trust and conversion.
What Happens Without a Website in 2025?
- You lose trust: Customers assume if you’re not online, you’re not legit.
- You lose traffic: People search on Google, not the Yellow Pages anymore.
- You lose control: Platforms like Yelp or Facebook own the user experience.
- You lose leads: Customers can’t understand what you offer in just a few lines on Yelp or a blurry Facebook cover photo.
One major difference we’ve noticed? Businesses with modern websites get up to 70% more inquiries than those without. You wouldn’t rent a storefront with broken windows and a missing sign, so don’t let your online presence send the wrong message.
What a Website Actually Costs (And Why It Pays Off)
You might think building or updating a website is expensive. And yes, some agencies charge thousands of dollars. But at Costa Consultants, we believe in empowering small business owners with digital tools that work without breaking the bank.
Our fully responsive, WordPress website packages start at $1,200 and include:
- Professional mobile-friendly design
- CSS Styling that matches your brand kit (layout, colors, spacing)
- Content strategy consulting
- Lead capture tools
- Optional secure hosting, SEO, booking forms, ecommerce, or bilingual features
Compare that to $1,000/month for Yelp ads, and you don’t even own the platform!
A great website is a one-time investment that keeps delivering value over time. Once you have it, you can link to it from Yelp, Facebook, Google Maps, and email signatures, making your business more discoverable and professional.
You Have a Website…But When Did You Last Update It?
If your site looks like it was made in 2012, that’s almost as bad as having no site at all. Outdated design, slow load times, or non-responsive formatting turns off visitors instantly. Google even penalizes old, insecure sites in search rankings.
Here are signs your site needs a refresh:
- It’s not mobile-friendly
- The logo is pixelated or generic
- It’s hard to find your services or contact info
- It hasn’t been updated in years
- You’re embarrassed to send people to it
- It’s sloooooooowww
Sound familiar? We can help. Costa Consultants offers affordable rebranding packages, where we modernize your entire digital presence – from logo to layout – so you attract the customers you want in 2025.
Your Website is Your First Impression…Make it Count
Whether you’re a tour operator in Tamarindo, a lawyer in San José, or a yoga instructor in Nosara, your website tells your story before you ever get on the phone.
Don’t let an outdated or nonexistent website make people pass you by. You’ve worked hard to build your business, so let your digital presence reflect that.
Let Costa Consultants International help you design your website or relaunch a site that truly represents who you are and what you offer. Your website should work as hard as you do!
Need help getting started?
Book a free consultation with our digital team today. We’ll review your current web presence and suggest the most cost-effective way to build trust, generate leads, and grow your business online, whether you’re in Costa Rica or halfway around the world.
Check out our website design in Costa Rica today or contact us for a free consultation at info@costaconsultants.net.
By Jennifer LaCharite
