What is it that a website can do for a small/local business that a Facebook page cannot?

A website offers several advantages for a small or local business that go beyond what a Facebook page can provide. While a Facebook page is a valuable tool for establishing an online presence and engaging with customers, a website offers additional benefits:

1. Professionalism and Credibility: A website lends an air of professionalism and legitimacy to your business. It demonstrates that you are invested in your online presence and are committed to providing information and services to your customers. This credibility can be particularly important for local businesses looking to build trust with potential customers.
2. Customization and Branding: With a website, you have complete control over the design and branding. You can create a unique and tailored online identity that aligns with your business’s image, values, and goals. This level of customization is not as readily achievable on a Facebook page.
3. Ownership and Control: You own and control your website, which means you can decide how it looks, what content it contains, and how it functions. On Facebook, you are subject to the platform’s rules and design limitations, which can change over time.
4. Search Engine Visibility: Websites are discoverable through search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. This means potential customers can find your business when searching for relevant keywords, even if they’re not aware of your business name. Search engine optimization (SEO) can help improve your website’s visibility.
5. Content Flexibility: A website provides more room for content, allowing you to showcase your products or services in detail, provide extensive information about your business, and maintain a blog or news section. This content can help establish you as an authority in your industry.
6. E-Commerce Capabilities: If you sell products, a website can serve as an online store, enabling you to reach a broader audience and facilitate online sales. While you can list products on a Facebook page, the transaction process may be less seamless.
7. Data and Analytics: Websites offer robust analytics tools that provide detailed insights into user behavior. You can track website traffic, user demographics, and other important data, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve your online presence and business performance.
8. Email Marketing Integration: Websites can seamlessly integrate with email marketing platforms, allowing you to build and maintain email lists, send newsletters, and run targeted marketing campaigns.
9. Business Email Addresses: With a website, you can set up professional email addresses using your domain name (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com), which can enhance your brand’s credibility.
10. Independence from Platform Changes: Social media platforms like Facebook frequently update their algorithms and features. Relying solely on a Facebook page means you are subject to these changes, which can impact how your content is seen by your audience. A website offers a more stable online presence.

While both a website and a Facebook page have their merits, a website provides small and local businesses with more autonomy, customization, and control over their online presence. It can serve as a central hub for your online activities, complementing your social media efforts and helping you reach a wider audience, establish trust, and grow your business.

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.