Website vs. Facebook Page in 2024

Website vs. Facebook Page, we have the answer.

Social media platforms originated as a means of helping people connect with friends, family, and colleagues. Over time, these platforms expanded beyond personal use to play an increasingly important role in marketing and creating business relationships. This has been especially true for Facebook, whose billions of monthly users around the globe now constitute the single broadest channel many businesses use to reach their audiences. Given Facebook’s ubiquity and the availability of internal marketing features such as dynamic and lead ads, it’s natural for small business owners and new companies developing marketing strategies to consider establishing their online presence primarily through Facebook business pages rather than custom business websites.

While social media platforms like Facebook undoubtedly play a crucial role in connecting businesses with their audience, relying solely on a Facebook business page can limit growth opportunities. This article will explore the significance of a dedicated business website and why businesses must look beyond social media to unlock their full potential.

The Limitations of Social Media

While platforms like Facebook offer businesses an excellent opportunity to engage with their audience and build a community, they have inherent limitations. A Facebook business page is essentially a subset of the larger platform, subject to its rules, algorithms, and policy changes. This lack of control can impact a business’s ability to effectively showcase its unique identity and brand message.

Brand Customization and Control

A dedicated business website allows a brand to express itself fully. From color schemes and logos to content and layout, businesses have complete control over how they present themselves to their audience. This level of customization is often restricted on social media platforms, limiting the ability to create a unique and memorable brand image.

Search Engine Visibility

One of the key advantages of having a business website is improved search engine visibility. Search engine optimization (SEO) allows businesses to optimize their online content and rank higher on search engine results pages. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of potential customers discovering the business organically. Social media platforms, while valuable, may not provide the same level of control and visibility on search engines.

Check out Google’s Starter Guide to SEO for a comprehensive guide on SEO best practices.

Trust and Personal Information

Although Facebook is among the world’s most widely recognized brands, public perception of Facebook’s trustworthiness with personal information has eroded following years of controversy. In 2022, just 18% of Facebook users agreed or strongly agreed that the platform adequately protects private data. Given user fears over lack of control, hosting registration and landing pages on owned websites allow businesses to build trust from a neutral point of first contact.

The Power of a Dedicated Business Website

1. Credibility and Professionalism

A well-designed business website adds an element of professionalism and credibility to a brand. Customers often associate a dedicated website with a more established and trustworthy business. It serves as a digital storefront where customers can learn about the business, its products or services, and the values that drive its operations.

2. Enhanced Customer Experience

A business website offers a centralized hub for customers to explore products or services, access information, schedule a consultation, and make purchases. With intuitive navigation and user-friendly design, businesses can enhance the overall customer experience. Convenience is crucial to retaining customers and encouraging repeat business—ensuring you provide customers with a responsive and user-friendly experience that aligns with your customer’s needs and expectations can give your business a competitive edge, evolve your brand reputation, and increase targeted audience reach.

➡️ Grade your website in seconds, then learn how to improve it for free. Click to get started!

3. Data Ownership and Privacy

Owning a business website means having control over customer data and privacy. Social media platforms have policies on data usage, and businesses may not fully own the information collected through these channels. With a dedicated website, businesses can implement their own privacy policies and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Tap into E-Commerce Opportunities

A dedicated website provides a direct sales channel for businesses aiming to sell products or services online. E-commerce capabilities allow businesses to reach a broader audience and capitalize on the growing trend of online shopping. Social media platforms may facilitate sales to some extent, but a business website offers a more seamless and personalized shopping experience.

Furthermore, a business website enables the integration of various marketing tools and analytics platforms to grow your business. From email marketing campaigns to in-depth analytics tracking, businesses can gather valuable insights into customer behavior and tailor their strategies accordingly. This level of integration is often challenging to achieve solely through social media channels.

Explore the world of inbound marketing with HubSpot’s Inbound Marketing Certification. It’s a valuable resource for enhancing your digital marketing skills.

Overcoming Obstacles and Getting Started

Cost-Effective Solutions

Contrary to common misconceptions, creating and maintaining a business website doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. Numerous cost-effective solutions, such as website builders and content management systems, make it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The long-term benefits of having a dedicated website far outweigh the initial investment.

Leveraging Facebook advertising is a regular step for many businesses, and when executed properly and as part of your business marketing strategy, can be a lucrative way to increase yield. 3.7 million businesses run ad campaigns through Facebook, spending a combined $5.5 billion to reach potential customers using the platform. Furthermore, the average CPC on Facebook in January of 2024 is $0.546, making it less expensive than its competitors, LinkedIn, Instagram, or YouTube advertising.

User-Friendly Platforms

Building a website no longer requires extensive technical expertise. User-friendly platforms like WordPress and HubSpot CMS provide easy-to-use templates and drag-and-drop features, making the process accessible to those without coding knowledge. This democratization of web development empowers businesses to take control of their online presence.

Website vs. Facebook Page Conclusion

While social media platforms undoubtedly play a crucial role in modern marketing strategies, businesses must recognize their limitations. A dedicated business website enhances brand visibility and provides a platform for direct customer interaction, data ownership, and the flexibility to adapt to evolving market trends. Businesses investing in well-crafted, user-friendly websites are positioned for sustained growth, increased revenue, and a competitive edge. It’s time to move beyond the confines of social media and embrace the limitless possibilities that a dedicated business website can offer.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact our team to get started!