In this post, you’ll learn why even a small business can increase its income and benefit significantly from having a website and not just a Facebook business page or other social media account. Social media exposure is important, but having your own website for your business is necessary if you want to establish trust with your potential customers and stand out from your competitors.
You own your website, not your social media accounts
You own your website and it works for you and only you – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Your social media accounts give you exposure, but they don’t work for you. On Facebook, you’re just a user on their platform, where they make all the decisions. Facebook and other social media platforms can make whatever changes they want, whenever they want, without consulting you. Social media is a great tool to promote your business, but it never takes the place of having a professional website for your business.
You don’t own your social media accounts or your Facebook business page or likes. With only a Facebook page, you’re putting all your faith and potential income into a platform that you don’t control! If Facebook shuts down tomorrow or changes their algorithm making it harder for customers to find you, what will you do? With your own website, you control what information your potential clients see, not Facebook. A Facebook business page and other social media accounts for your business are still important and can help your business grow. But they don’t replace the need for a professionally designed and developed website.
Although Facebook is free and that can be extremely appealing when you’re just starting out in business, there are many limitations to your Facebook business page, including the design and overall look of your page. In addition, Facebook owns the rights to the information you post on their platform – even for business pages. Facebook can use your posts and business information to promote their platform without compensating you. With your own website, you control how and what is promoted for your business.
Not having a website hurts your business
You may think all your customers are on Facebook. What about the potential customers that aren’t? How will they find your business? If someone comes across your business information through a Google search, what happens when they follow this link and discover it leads to a Facebook page that they need a Facebook account to access? You lose that potential customer. They’ll purchase from one of your competitors instead. With a website, those potential customers will be led directly to your website instead, where you control what they see, not Facebook.
All business pages look basically the same on Facebook. You can add your own banner image and logo, but your page still has Facebook’s design and looks like everyone else’s. With your own professionally designed website, you can have whatever unique look you want, making your business stand out from your competitors instead of blending in with them. With every social media platform, they always control the design and layout of their site, not you.
By having a professional website that has been created with your potential customers’ needs in mind, you go above and beyond a Facebook page and show credibility to anyone who visits your site. A Facebook business page and other social media accounts for your business are a complement to a professional website, not a replacement for one.
A local business needs a website too
Studies show that 97% of consumers find and research local businesses online. If you don’t have a website, how will these potential customers find you? Simply put, they won’t. They’ll purchase from one of your competitors with a professional website instead. Also, keep in mind that many of today’s savvy consumers won’t buy from a business without a website. A Facebook business page without a website can also lose you that sale.
Even if you have a local business and don’t intend to sell anything online, it’s important to have a website so potential customers can find your business when they search online. If you don’t have a website, your potential customers will be buying from one of your competitors who does. You don’t have to have an online business to have a website bring customers to you. Local businesses can benefit greatly from an online presence. For example, a local restaurant can post their hours, directions and a map, their menu, Yelp reviews, and more, making it easy for patrons to find and visit them.
Customers expect you to have a website
When a potential customer is doing research online before purchasing the service or product you offer, they expect you to have a website for your business and not just a Facebook page. Do your competitors have websites? Who do you think your potential customers will ultimately make a purchase from? Your competitor with a professional website or you with just a Facebook business page? Your business won’t be able to compete without a professional website.
Google and SEO
Having a website for your business will also help your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Facebook pages don’t rank as well when someone does an online search for the service or product you offer. A professionally designed and developed website for your business will rank much higher up in the search results, helping you with your online marketing efforts. Your business has a much better chance of making that next sale from someone searching Google if you have a website that was created for you with SEO in mind.
Final thoughts
Social media accounts for your business are a great way to add exposure to your business website. Your Facebook page or other social media accounts can easily send traffic to your website, where you control the design and information your visitors see. Don’t limit the potential of your business by believing a Facebook business page is a substitute for a professional website. No matter what your business is selling, there are potential customers searching online for it. Not having a website is like throwing money away. Potential customers can’t buy from you if they can’t find you.
No matter what your business is selling, there are potential customers searching online for it.
– Designify Studio
Next steps
If you’ve already started your business and are looking to move forward with a Brand and Web Design that stands out from your competitors and brings your ideal clients to you in droves, let’s talk! You can contact us here. Or if you need more information, check our Services or About pages. Let’s work together to design your business and life without limits.
Are you just starting out with your business or not quite ready to invest in a professional website yet? Then read our comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Starting an Online Business and download the FREE Business Starter Checklist below.
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