Why Do I Need A Website When I’ve Already Got A Facebook Page?

It’s a fair question – Facebook is free, familiar, and most of your customers are probably already there. However, relying solely on Facebook for your online presence comes with significant limitations that could affect your business growth.

The Simple Truth

In the UK, in 2024, 97.8% of the total population had access to the internet but millions still do not use Facebook. Some people avoid it completely, and younger people often prefer other platforms. When these potential customers try to look at your Facebook page, they’ll hit a wall asking them to log in – and many, myself included, will just look elsewhere.

The Challenges of Facebook-Only Marketing

Limited Control

Facebook keeps changing things, and you’ve got to play by their rules. Imagine if your landlord kept moving your furniture around and painting your walls different colours – that’s basically what can happen with your Facebook page.

• Facebook can change its layout, features, or rules at any time without warning
• Your content appears alongside ads and competitors
• You don’t own your Facebook presence – Meta does
• If Facebook experiences technical issues, your business presence goes down too

Professional Credibility

• Many customers expect established businesses to have their own websites
• A dedicated website shows long-term commitment to your business
• Professional email addresses (yourname@yourbusiness.co.uk) require your own domain

Better Customer Experience

Having your own website doesn’t mean it needs to be fancy or expensive. Even a simple one can:

• Show your services clearly
• Easy-to-find contact details
• Give you complete control over how you present your work
• Help people find you without needing a Facebook account
• Simple booking or enquiry forms
• Professional portfolio of your work
• Customer testimonials in one place

Grow Your Business From Your Website

• Build an email list for customer communications
• Track visitor behaviour to improve your service
• Integrate with other business tools
• Accept online bookings or payments

Search Engine Visibility

When people search for your type of business on Google, a proper website gives you much better chances of being found. With just Facebook, you’re limiting yourself to one small spot in the search results.

• Google and other search engines give preference to business websites over social media pages
• Local customers searching for services often find websites first
• Facebook pages rarely appear in local business searches

Making It Work Together

Having your own website doesn’t mean abandoning Facebook. The two can work together effectively:

• Use Facebook for daily updates and customer engagement
• Direct Facebook followers to your website for bookings and detailed information
• Share website content on your Facebook page
• Use both platforms to reach different customer groups

The Bottom Line

While a Facebook page is a useful marketing tool, it shouldn’t be your only online presence. A dedicated website gives you control, credibility, and the foundation for growth that every small business needs. Think of your website as your digital shop front – it’s an investment in your business’s future that you actually own and control.

Remember, whilst Facebook isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon, and it can be a brilliant addition to your business, it shouldn’t be your only online home. Think of it as a branch of your business, not the whole shop.