“My Facebook page is doing great—why would I need a website?”
This question comes up more often than you might think. When your social media posts are getting likes, comments, and shares, it’s easy to assume you’ve got your online presence covered. After all, if customers are finding you and engaging with your content on socials, what more do you need?
Many small business owners fall into this thinking, especially when social media feels like it’s working well. The engagement is there, the followers are growing, and best of all—it’s free. But here’s the reality check: relying only on social media means you’re building your business on rented land—and the landlord can change the rules anytime they want.
The “Good Enough” Trap
Let’s be honest—social media just feels easier than building a website. Setting up a Facebook business page takes minutes, not days. Posting a photo on Instagram costs nothing upfront. Plus, people are already there, scrolling and engaging.
This thinking makes sense on the surface. Why spend money on a website when you can reach customers for free on social media? The problem is, this “good enough” mindset can actually hurt your business in ways you might not realize.
You Don’t Really Own Your Social Media
Here’s something most business owners don’t think about: you don’t actually own your social media accounts. You’re borrowing space on someone else’s platform.
What does this mean for your business?
- Algorithm changes can kill your reach overnight. Remember when Facebook changed their algorithm and business posts suddenly got way less visibility? That wasn’t a bug—it was a business decision that affected millions of companies.
- Your account could get suspended or deleted. Maybe someone reports your content by mistake, or you accidentally violate a policy you didn’t know existed. Suddenly, years of work building your following could disappear.
- Platforms can change their rules anytime. What’s allowed today might not be allowed tomorrow. You have no say in these decisions.
- Platforms can disappear entirely. Remember MySpace? Vine? Google+? Platforms that seemed permanent just… weren’t.
What Customers Really Think
When potential customers are researching businesses, they often look for multiple touchpoints to build trust. While social media can showcase your personality and work, many customers still expect established businesses to have a professional website.
Think about your own behavior. When you’re considering hiring a contractor, buying from a new company, or trying a new restaurant, don’t you usually look for their website?
The reality is:
- A professional website signals that you’re serious about your business
- Social media alone can sometimes feel temporary or incomplete to potential customers
- Having both social media AND a website gives customers confidence in your legitimacy
What Social Media Can’t Do
Social media platforms are powerful, but they have serious limitations for business owners:
- Limited customization: You can’t fully control how your business information appears. You’re stuck with whatever layout and features the platform provides.
- Restricted business tools: Try setting up a detailed contact form on Instagram. Or creating a comprehensive service catalog on Facebook. These platforms aren’t built for complex business needs.
- Poor search engine visibility: When someone searches Google for “plumber near me” or “best pizza in town,” your social media posts probably won’t show up. But your website can.
- Limited analytics: Social media gives you basic stats, but you can’t track detailed customer behavior or conversion rates like you can with a website.
The Smart Strategy: Use Both
Here’s the key insight: social media should drive traffic to your website, not replace it.
Think of it like this:
- Social media = Your storefront window and friendly introduction
- Website = Your actual store where business happens
Social media is perfect for showing your personality, sharing quick updates, and engaging with customers. But when someone wants to learn more about your services, see your full portfolio, or contact you for a quote, they should go to your website.
What Your Website Should Include
You don’t need a fancy, expensive website. A simple, professional site with these basics will serve you well:
Essential information:
- What you do and who you serve
- Your contact information and location
- Your hours of operation
- How customers can reach you or request services
Trust builders:
- Customer testimonials and reviews
- Photos of your work or team
- Your story and experience
- Professional design that reflects your brand
Business tools:
- Contact forms for easy inquiries
- Service descriptions and pricing (if appropriate)
- Online scheduling or ordering (if relevant)
Making the Transition
Ready to add a professional website to your marketing strategy? The good news is you don’t have to figure this out on your own or pause your social media efforts while you get a website built.
- Keep your social media momentum going. Your current social media presence is valuable—don’t stop what’s working. A professional website will actually make your social media more effective by giving you a destination to send interested prospects.
- Start with a professional foundation. Rather than trying to piece together a DIY website that might look amateur or miss important business features, work with professionals who understand what small businesses need. A well-designed website pays for itself by converting more visitors into customers.
- Get everything connected seamlessly. The real power comes when your social media and website work together. Your social media should drive traffic back to your website where conversions happen.
- Focus on what you do best. While you’re spending time running your business and engaging on social media, let web professionals handle the technical details of creating a site that actually works for your business goals.
The Bottom Line
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with customers and building relationships. But it’s not a replacement for having your own website.
Think of successful businesses in your area. The ones that have been around for years and continue to grow almost certainly have both: an active social media presence AND a professional website.
In 2025, customers expect businesses to have a complete online presence. Social media gets their attention, but your website earns their trust and converts them into customers.
Ready to see how a professional website can work with your existing social media success?
Schedule a free consultation today. We’ll review your current online presence, discuss your business goals, and show you exactly how a professional website can take your digital marketing to the next level. No pressure, no sales pitch—just honest advice about what will work best for your business. Your social media brought you this far. Let’s build a website that takes you the rest of the way.
