Website vs Facebook for business is a question I hear from a lot of small business owners. If you already have a Facebook page that gets likes, comments, and messages, it might seem like a website is unnecessary. The truth is, while Facebook is a powerful marketing tool, it is not a complete replacement for a website. In this post, we will look at why both matter, what each one can and cannot do, and how they work together to grow your business. I will share examples of how businesses combine the two and see better results than using Facebook alone.
1. Facebook Is a Tool, Not a Home Base
Think of Facebook as a rented space. You are building your presence on someone else’s property. The rules can change without warning. Your posts might stop reaching people because of an algorithm update. Your page could even be shut down without your control.
A website is your own online real estate. You decide how it looks, what it says, and how customers interact with it. When you own the space, you own the audience too. For example, a bakery owner in Texas once told me that her Facebook page was hacked and she lost access for weeks. During that time, her only consistent sales came from customers who found her website on Google and placed orders there.
💡 A website is your online home. Facebook is the billboard on the highway that points people to it.
2. A Website Builds Trust in a Way Facebook Cannot
A Facebook page can show photos, reviews, and updates. But most customers see a website as a sign of credibility. It is where they go to confirm you are a real business. A well-designed site with your services, testimonials, and contact information instantly makes you look more professional.
Think of your own habits. If you discover a new business on Facebook, you might scroll through their posts, but if you are serious about buying, you will often search for their website. That is where you expect to see their full list of services, business hours, and pricing. If a customer has to choose between two businesses, one with only a Facebook page and one with both a website and Facebook, most will choose the one with the website.
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3. Website vs Facebook for Business Why You Need Both
The smartest approach is not choosing one over the other. Facebook is great for engagement and reaching new people. Your website is where the real conversion happens. On Facebook, people might like your post and move on. On your site, they can book an appointment, fill out a form, or buy something right away.
One local gym owner I worked with posted class schedules and fitness tips on Facebook, which brought in plenty of attention. But it was her website’s membership sign-up page that turned casual followers into paying members. She promoted her website link in every Facebook post, which doubled her online sign-ups in three months.
4. Search Engines Cannot Fully Rely on Facebook
Google and other search engines index Facebook pages, but they give more weight to actual websites. If someone searches for your service in their city, your website is more likely to show up higher in the results. A Facebook page alone might not rank well, especially in competitive industries.
A website with proper SEO can help you appear when customers are ready to buy. You can also link your Facebook to your website to get even more visibility. If you want to see how your site performs in search and loading speed, you can check it for free using Google PageSpeed Insights.
For example, a home cleaning service in Florida had a strong Facebook presence but barely appeared in Google results. After adding a simple website with SEO-focused content, they started ranking in the top three for “house cleaning in Orlando” within two months, bringing in more inquiries than Facebook alone ever did.
5. Your Website Gives You Full Control Over Content
On Facebook, you are limited to the features and layout the platform provides. With a website, you decide everything. You can add booking systems, custom forms, product catalogs, and more. You can write blog posts that rank on Google for years. You can track exactly how visitors use your site and improve it over time.
A landscaping company I know used to rely only on Facebook messages for bookings. Once they added a website with an online booking form and project gallery, they noticed two big changes. First, customers booked more often because it was easier than sending a message and waiting for a reply. Second, their gallery kept bringing in new leads long after the posts were made, something Facebook could not do as effectively.
💡 Not sure if your site is the problem?
Get a free website audit and find out what is holding your site back.
👉 Request Your Free Website Audit
FAQs
1. Is Facebook enough for my business?
Facebook is a good start, but it should not be your only online presence. A website gives you more control and builds trust in ways Facebook cannot. You can learn more about our web design services at Salt Web Designer.
2. How can a website help if I already get Facebook leads?
A website lets you convert those leads more effectively. On your site, you can guide visitors to book, buy, or contact you without distractions. For example, you can offer a special discount for people who fill out your online form, which is harder to manage on Facebook.
3. Does a website cost more than Facebook?
Facebook is free, but it has limitations. A website is an investment that can bring in more customers and revenue over time. Many small businesses recover the cost of their website within months through increased sales. Facebook is free, but it has limitations. A website is an investment that can bring in more customers and revenue over time.
4. Can I link my Facebook page to my website?
Yes. Linking them helps customers find you on both platforms and improves your visibility online. Adding your website link in your Facebook bio and posts makes it easier for people to take the next step.
5. How do I decide between website vs Facebook for business?
You do not have to choose. Use both together for the best results. Learn more about why this works at Salt Web Designer.
Conclusion
Facebook is a powerful platform for reaching and engaging with customers. But it is not a replacement for a website. A website gives you control, credibility, and the ability to convert visitors into paying customers. Use Facebook to connect and your website to close the deal.
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Visit Salt Web Designer and let us make it happen.