Why a FaceBook page is NOT a replacement for a business website!

One of the most common excuses I hear for entrepreneurs not having a website for their business is “well, I have a FaceBook page, why do I need a website too?” 😕

On one hand, I get it. When you’re just starting out in business, there’s a bazillion things to do, and a budget that’s not big enough for them all. A Facebook page can be set up in a few minutes, for free – while a website is more involved, both in time and $$$$.

On the other hand, when months (or even years) have gone by, and a business is still getting by with only a Facebook page, I can’t help shaking my head. (And its not just because I’m a web designer, and creating business websites is my livelihood!).

Let’s go through all the reasons why relying on a FaceBook page to do the job of a website is NOT a good idea:

1. You have no control over Facebook!

Facebook is a billion dollar company, and it will always do what’s in its best interests. Which may not always be in alignment with the best interests of your business! Facebook is continually being adapted, from its user interface, to its algorithms, and its terms and conditions. A change to any of one these could end up affecting your business in a way you couldn’t possibly have foreseen, and a way that you have no control over.

You also have little control on how your clients see and interact with your Facebook page. You can add a cover image and a logo – but at the end of the day, Facebook’s branding is still what dominates your business page! You have no control over your pages style, layout or overall colour scheme. And everything you post must adhere to Facebook’s guidelines, or you risk a potential ban.

And should you fall victim to people posting negative comments or reviews on your page – something that could cause serious damage to your reputation – you are totally reliant on Facebook to remove them. Facebook will only remove reviews it considers completely unfair, or that constitute a violation of Facebook’s community standards.

2. Not everyone uses Facebook

While its true that Facebook is the most popular social network in the world, not everyone is a fan. With research earlier this year showing a decline in the number of Facebook users for the first time ever, some pundits are predicting that platform has peaked.

Younger generations in particular tend to favour Instagram and Tik Tok, and there has been a increase in general distrust and disillusionment with FaceBook over the last few years due to privacy concerns and “fake news”.

So there’s no doubt that relying on a Facebook page to be your business’s main online presence could well be losing you clients.

3. Distractions and Competition

Its easy to spend far longer on Facebook than you intend to, simply because there’s so much to do – check news feeds, comment on status updates and photos, play games, instant-message chat and send private messages. Facebook’s interface is carefully designed to keep you on the platform – but not necessarily on one specific page.

How many times have you gone to look at something specific on Facebook, and been distracted by an alert letting you know a friend has added a post, or sent you a instant message? Before you know it, you’re scrolling your news feed, laughing at a funny meme or cat video, accepting a new friend request and messaging a distant family member you haven’t heard from in ages. And, a lot of the time, you completely forget about what brought you to Facebook to begin with.

Unfortunately, with a Facebook business page, you need to compete with all manner of distractions to keep your potential clients focused on your business. You also need to compete with ads that Facebook places on your business page. Ads that may be for businesses, services or products that are in direct competition with yours.

4. Professionalism, Trust and Credibility

With everything you do in business, you need to consider how it affects how your potential clients view you and your business. Which do you think has more credibility, and instills a greater level of trust – a business with only a Facebook page, or one with a professional website?

Having a professional looking website can go a long way to making your business seem more professional. It says that you have invested time and money in your business, that you are committed to your business success. People are less likely to question your legitimacy, and more inclined to build trust and confidence in you and your services.

There’s no doubt that Facebook is a powerful platform for reaching new clients and making connections – and you should be harnessing that power for your business. But your Facebook business page shouldn’t be a replacement for a professional business website. Instead, they should work together for the most effective online solution for your business.