11 Reasons Why You Should Have Both
In regional areas, many small businesses rely on Facebook alone because it seems less costly and easier to manage—but this decision often limits growth and visibility.
While Facebook offers a range of tools and a vast audience, a website provides unique advantages that are crucial for long-term success. This report explores why you need a website and why a Facebook page alone may not be enough.
1. Ownership and Control
I know of several friends and relatives who have had their Facebook accounts hacked. And there are many examples of businesses this has happened to as well. This is the risk of not owning the platform you’re using.
A website offers complete ownership and control over content, design, and functionality. Unlike social media platforms, where policies and algorithms can change, a website remains a stable and customisable asset for your business. This control allows businesses to tailor their online presence to meet specific needs and branding requirements.
Hacked Facebook accounts leave businesses out of pocket as ombudsman records spike in Meta complaints
2. Messaging and Reputation Management
You already know the things you can say to draw a positive response from your potential customers and the things to avoid saying that draw negative responses from your potential customers. That’s messaging and you control that with your own website. Messaging on your website should be very carefully thought out and prepared and should frame your business story positively and professionally, not as easy to do on social media channels.
3. Brand Presence and Credibility
A well-designed website significantly enhances a business’s credibility and professionalism. Consumers often perceive businesses with websites as more trustworthy and established compared to those relying solely on social media profiles. A website serves as a digital home and storefront, showcasing your brand’s identity and values.
“85% of Australians read online reviews and research businesses before making a decision, and many won’t consider businesses without a website.” (RedSearch).
4. 24/7 Availability and Customer Convenience
Websites operate around the clock, providing customers with access to information, products, and services at any time. This constant availability enhances customer convenience and can lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
Unlike a Facebook page, a website can include online bookings with ecommerce integrated for those sessions you want booked and paid for. You can also include click-to-call buttons, or e-commerce checkouts and make some money even while you sleep.
As you can see on the bottom of this page of my site, I’ve combined a booking form with an e-commerce checkout.
Or this page where it’s just a straight booking form.
5. Enhanced Marketing and SEO
Websites are central to digital marketing strategies. They allow businesses to implement search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques, improving visibility on search engines like Google. This organic traffic is invaluable for attracting new customers and generating leads.
Whilst your Facebook posts can appear in Google searches, clicking on one often forces the customer to log into Facebook first. This is because many people who use Facebook don’t use it on the web; they use it on their mobile devices only. You don’t have that problem with a search engine listing for your website. They click on the link, and it takes them straight there.
Another big shift we need to address is the rise of AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants. When users ask questions, these bots often act like search engines, scanning the web for relevant content to deliver as responses. If your website doesn’t show up in their results, you effectively vanish from the conversation. In short, if you’re not present online — optimised, indexed on Google and Bing — you miss out on being part of the answer.
6. Data Analytics and Customer Insights
Websites offer robust analytics tools that provide insights into customer behaviour, preferences, and interactions. This data is crucial for refining marketing strategies, improving products, and enhancing customer experiences.
Facebook will provide you with a fair amount of data and customer insights if you’re paying for an advertising campaign, but otherwise, it’s pretty limited.
7. Competitive Advantage
In a saturated market, a polished website can be a significant differentiator. It helps businesses stand out from competitors who may lack an effective web presence. A website also allows for more sophisticated and targeted advertising campaigns.
If you’re in a competitive market and you may be going for a bigger job, and if you’re the only one that has a website with what you do and how you do it laid out very clearly, you stand more of a chance of getting the business than the person who doesn’t have one.
A website helps a potential customer put all the pieces of the puzzle together quickly—that’s if the website is well laid out and designed, and your messaging is clear and describes who you are and what you offer. Provide some social evidence, reviews from others of your competency and professionalism, and you have a better chance than most.
8. Central Hub for Your Online Presence
A website acts as the central hub for all online digital channels. It integrates various digital marketing efforts, such as social media, email campaigns, and online ads, directing traffic back to a single, cohesive platform. This integration ensures a consistent brand message and user experience.
Think of Facebook, Instagram, and your Google business profile as feeder channels—your website is the destination.
9. Cost-Effectiveness
Yes, a website has upfront costs, but compared to the ongoing costs of ads, it’s a one-time investment that keeps paying back, especially with local SEO. Once set up, it just keeps working without ongoing costs.
10. Flexibility and Scalability
Websites offer unparalleled flexibility and scalability. Businesses can easily update content, add new features, and expand their online presence as they grow. This adaptability is essential for keeping up with market trends and customer expectations.
11. Integration with Social Media
While a website is crucial, it doesn’t mean abandoning social media. Facebook and other platforms can complement a website by driving traffic and engaging with customers. However, the website remains the primary platform for detailed information and transactions.
Conclusion
The old saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” is so true on this one. Think of Facebook as leased land—you’re not quite sure what’s going to be done with it in the future. Whereas your website is your home—you own it, you own the content on it. You decide what happens to that property.
That’s why, when it comes to serious marketing, your website should always be the central hub for your digital presence.
