Business Website vs. Facebook Page: Which is Best?
Comparing a business website vs a Facebook page helps you decide where to invest your marketing time. The right balance depends on your customers, the information they need and how you want them to contact you.
Remember that a strong digital presence is a key to success, especially in our tech-oriented world. You will find many reasons to add Facebook to your overall digital marketing initiatives. However, that does not indicate it must be a Facebook page versus a business website conversation.
Nonetheless, keeping a website needs money and time that small business owners do not have in huge supply. Are you looking for methods to streamline your online efforts? Facebook’s updates might seem interesting. But are they good enough to stand in for having your business website?
Which is Best to Have: Business Website or Facebook Page?
For many businesses, a website and Facebook page can work well together.
Keep in mind that there’s no alternative for lead nurturing, user personalization, and brand control which could be accomplished through a business website. Using Facebook only might work for specific consumer-based businesses such as bars, and restaurants. For ecommerce or business-to-business services, consider whether Facebook alone gives customers enough detail and a suitable way to enquire or buy.
Does your standard buyer do a good amount of research before making a buying decision? Then professional web design can help you organise detailed information and guide visitors towards an enquiry.
Here are crucial reasons you need a business website, although you may already have a Facebook page for your business.
Competitiveness
Consumers often trust businesses with a website and Facebook page over those with a Facebook page only. That means there’s a chance of a customer picking a competitor over you, who has both of them. That goes back to professionalism and credibility.
A useful website can demonstrate your experience and explain what makes your business different. For a startup business, clear service information and contact details can help prospective customers assess your offer; having a site alone does not guarantee success.
Searchability and SEO
What would you do if you like to search for a business within your area? Do you search for it on Facebook or Google it? People may use search engines such as Google, social platforms or recommendations. That’s how people will look for a specific product or service relevant to your business.
That suggests there’s less possibility for them to search for you on Facebook unless they know your brand or company. Indeed, Google indexes Facebook pages. Still, your business site offers you the flexibility to optimize for certain keywords or keyphrases that apply to your business, making you much simpler to locate.
Limited accessibility
Take note that not all of your potential audience is available on Facebook or using any social media platform. Following a Page does not ensure that every update will appear in someone’s Feed. Facebook lets people control what they see in Feed, including seeing fewer posts from particular Pages.
A public website gives customers another route to your information without relying on social updates. Review your own enquiries and audience activity when deciding where to invest your time.
Restricted functionalities
A Facebook page provides a standard layout for business information and posts. You can add basic details in its About section, with available fields depending on the Page category. A website gives you more flexibility to organise that information around your own customers’ needs.
You can share information about your team, pricing and services through Facebook content. A website can give these subjects dedicated pages, with navigation, comparison tables or enquiry forms suited to your business. That flexibility helps you explain a complex offer beyond the structure of a social profile.
Control over your online presence
Relying on one platform leaves your customer communication dependent on that service. If Page access or available features change, a separate website gives customers another established place to find your business information.
Nevertheless, you don’t have any control over any modifications the platform chooses to implement. For example, many businesses experienced a difficult time when the platform switched to the new business page timeline model and updated the page to accommodate the new layout.
Your own website gives you greater control over design, content and features. It still depends on hosting, software and regular maintenance, so plan for updates and backups alongside your social-media activity.
A business website and Facebook page can serve complementary purposes. For more context, read our guide to why a business needs a website and assess which benefits match your goals.
If you would like to discuss expanding your business for the security of your future, with a WordPress website that is easy for you to edit, please contact Dreamkatcha to discuss your requirements.