You've set up your Facebook business page, regularly post updates, and engage with your customers through comments and messages. So why would you need a website? While social media plays a vital role in modern business, relying solely on Facebook could be holding your business back from reaching its full potential.
One thing you might not realise as a business owner, is that you don't actually own your Facebook page. When things suddenly start to go wrong, your reach starts dropping and your enquiries plummet, you could end up feeling as though your control is slipping away. It could be that Facebook have changed their algorithm, or discontinued features that you previously found useful, but either way, there's not a lot you can do about it as you are at their mercy.
When it comes to your own website, you own it and are in full control of it at all times. You can always ensure that your brand is properly represented, and can ensure consistency in your outreach and optics.
Picture this: you're looking for a local plumber. You find two options - one with just a Facebook page showing a few posts and reviews, and another with both a Facebook presence and a professional website featuring their services, testimonials, and helpful information about common plumbing issues. Which one would you trust more?
A well-designed website signals that you're serious about your business. It shows potential customers that you've invested in your online presence and are committed to providing them with a professional experience. This level of credibility is particularly important for local businesses competing against larger chains and online retailers.
Facebook's layout and features are standardised - every business page looks essentially the same. With your own website, you can create a unique customer journey tailored to your business needs. Want to highlight your best-selling products? Feature customer success stories? Offer online booking? Your website gives you the freedom to implement these features exactly as you envision them.
When people search for local businesses, they typically use Google or other search engines. While Facebook pages do show up in search results, they're often outranked by proper websites. Having your own site gives you more opportunities to appear in local search results through targeted content and local SEO strategies.
Think about how your customers search for businesses like yours. They might type "hairdresser near me" or "best Indian restaurant in Swansea." A well-optimised website helps ensure your business appears in these crucial local searches.
Rather than replacing your Facebook page, your website should complement it. Use your website as the hub of your online presence, linking to all your social media profiles. This approach lets you leverage the strengths of each platform while maintaining control over your main online presence.
Your Facebook page is brilliant for daily updates, customer interaction, and building community. Your website excels at converting interest into action - whether that's making a booking, requesting a quote, or making a purchase.
Running a local business without a website is like trying to play football with one boot - you can do it, but you're not setting yourself up for success. By combining the community-building power of Facebook with the professional capabilities of your own website, you create a robust online presence that helps your business grow and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
