Do I need a website? I have a Facebook page!
Absolutely, positively YES! Your business needs a professional website. You may have a fantastic Facebook page, but Google still rules the roost. A website is owned by you, it promotes trust and credibility. Your website will be the central hub of your digital world. Your social media platforms work parallel with your website. Once your found on social media, the next step is a Google search to find a website. Your website shows Expertise, Authority and Trust. EAT!
Facebook offer a free platform, which is easy to setup and to maintain. Facebook gives you an opportunity to interact with existing clients and new opportunities. There is nothing wrong with using social media to drum up business. Facebook plays a vital role in your online marketing strategy, especially when it works in conjunction with your website.
Branding and Professionalism
Your Facebook page has its limitations. Branding is improving; you can add your logo, create a nice cover photo and summarise your “about” section. You will never own the content, the images or the videos. You are still like every other business. You want to be able to showcase your business, control the impression, so it’s uniform and consistent. Facebook maybe free, but do you want to be the business who doesn’t have a professional site?
We have no control if Facebook decide not to continue with certain sections of the business pages. It’s risky to put all your eggs in one basket.
Having your own website will ensure you have the complete control of how it looks and the functionality you need to support your business.
Is your audience on Facebook
You may be missing out on customers. Teenagers once lived on Facebook, today they live on Snapchat, Instagram and WhatsApp. Tomorrow, they will be onto the next shiny app. Even if your customers are on Facebook, they have liked your page, organic reach is not as great as it once was. Only you are the one who can answer if your business growth is working for you on Facebook.
Google Dominates
Yes, Google will return Facebook in its search content. You own your website; you have control over your website with search terms and SEO. Utilising various platforms can help your chances when being found online. Consider using your Facebook page to compliment your website. Engage your clients and prospects on Facebook, create visual branding, colours and images. Create engaging content as a hook from Facebook to link back to your website.
Search Engine Optimisation
Think about how you use Google and Facebook. When you are looking for a business, restaurant or childcare etc. Do you Google it or search Facebook for it? Unless you know the name of the business, it’s less possible to find them on Facebook. As I mentioned earlier, search engine do return Facebook pages, but you have more control over the search for keywords with your website.
Competitive Edge
Websites provide authenticity to your business. When a business has both Facebook and a website, over just a Facebook page, I would choose your competitor who has both. The website acts as a badge of honour, people tend to trust companies and organisations with a professional website. Google will rank you higher when you have a website. It doesn’t have to be lengthy; start small and grow. The website does have to be reliable, easy to use, mobile friendly and search engine optimised.
AffordableWeb.Solutions will work with your budget and can even teach you to complete changes and maintenance yourself. Feel free to contact us for a no obligation conversation.
