Establishing a digital presence is important and social media plays a huge role. However, there are many reasons why you need more than just a Facebook business page.
When you’re just starting a business or learning about social media for business, it can be tempting to create a Facebook business page and use that as your business’s website or home base.
I see claims like the ones below all too often, which further reiterate your assumption that you don’t need a website:
“I built my six-figure business without a website!”
“You don’t need a website, Facebook is where it’s at!”
Friends, it’s B.S.
Now, I have been doing this long enough to understand why these claims would be a thing and why they’re so believable. After all, more than two billion people use Facebook every month so why not focus efforts solely on that platform? The people are already there, so it kind of makes sense.
Except it really doesn’t.
In its simplest form, a business owner’s goal is to convert someone from potential client to paying client. While there are a million and one different ways to get this done, it is becoming more and more important to establish a digital presence, regardless of if your primary business is brick-and-mortar or online.
I will wholeheartedly agree that part of creating a strong digital foundation is having a strong Facebook business page. But, that’s not the be-all-end-all when it comes to setting a business up for digital success.
You Don’t Own Your Facebook Business Page
If Facebook decides to close up shop tomorrow, where would that leave you? If you’ve put all your eggs into the Facebook basket, you’d be screwed and would have to start from square one.
Harsh? Yes.
But oh so true. Because when you have a website, you own that domain. If Facebook shuts off, it’s no big deal because your community still has a way to reach you and more importantly, you still have a way to reach them!
While the community you build on Facebook is all sorts of valuable, I cannot stress enough the importance of bringing that community over to your website and collecting their contact information. This is your surefire way to protect against any and all future algorithm updates, business changes or social platform shifts.
Your Website is Your Digital First Impression
A potential customer will generally head to Google to find what they’re looking for. They’ll search for something like, “Wedding venues near me,” and see what pops up. Then, they’ll start reading the meta descriptions and begin going down the list, further checking out each venue.
What do you think their first thought will be if the only place they’re able to go to learn more about you is a Facebook page? I would argue that it sends the wrong message; that if you’re not willing to invest in your business and put together a website, why should someone invest in you, your service or your product?
Your Website Highlights Your Best Information
A Facebook business page can only do so much. Yes, its capabilities have come a long way in even just the last few years but it still doesn’t have the same functions of a website.
How do you think a potential client will view your business if the only way to learn more about you is by digging through your business’s Facebook page? Not only does this create more work for them but it also leaves a lot up to their interpretation.
As a service-based business, your website serves as the hub for all the must-know information that you want to communicate with your client. From your portfolio to pricing information to your about page, your website is a way to showcase all of the great information about your company, in an easy-to-navigate format.
A Website Helps You Rank on Google
Search engine optimization or SEO for short, is how your business is found on Google and other search engines.
Yes, a Facebook business page can rank in Google’s search results but it doesn’t even come close to competing with a company’s website.
Why? Because every page of your website is an opportunity to rank. Every page of your site offers great information that Google can sift through. Each blog post is a way to drive traffic to your site and make a connection with that visitor.
Your Facebook business page is only ONE sliver in the SEO puzzle; why not give your business every advantage you can when it comes to helping potential clients find you on search engines?
Final Thoughts
Can you build a successful business with just a Facebook business page? Oh, I’m sure it can be done. But why would you want to? You’re making more work for yourself AND your potential clients.
I know it’s tempting to roll your eyes and keep all your cards in the Facebook basket, not only because it’s a lot easier but also because it’s cheaper. However, my hope is you now understand why having a website is so important. Not only is a website an investment in your business but it’s also an investment in your community – you’re valuing their time and wanting to make it as easy as possible for them to get the information they need.
And if you’re not ready to tackle this whole website thing on your own, I’d love to help out. Click here to drop me a line and get the conversation start.
All my best,
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