We’ve heard this question from small businesses before. “Do I need a website if I have a Facebook page?” They’re under the assumption that if they have a Facebook page for their business that they are “covered” on the online presence front. They might have a tight budget and think advertising is a luxury (hint: when sales are down you should be spending MORE on advertising). Does a Facebook page replace a website? Absolutely not – let’s explain why.
Let’s start with the advantages of a Facebook business page. It’s free to create and post content. Boosting and premium advertising is a different story – we’ll get to that. The network is large and I’m sure most of the people you know are on it. It’s a great place to meet new people (potential customers) and get introduced to new services and products.
From a creative point of view there are obvious limitations. We are limited to basically changing our background and header image. There are also limits on what will be allowed on the network to be shared. If you truly want creative freedom, including your image and brand then you will need to get a website – there’s no way around it. If you want to sell your products and services digitally then you definitely need a website as well.
From a business point of view it can be a great way to interact with customers (if they want to interact with you). Keep in mind they will see your posts and updates once they’ve “liked” your page. We all must be careful, however, to not overwhelm those subscribed with too much as it’s doesn’t take much to prompt an unsubscribe or “hide from timeline.”
Let’s assume you have a page and have asked all your friends, family, and existing customers to like your page. Great. Now what? Now’s the time when one would have to begin with boosting & premium advertising. This can be a great way to get in front of the eyes of potential customers. Keep in mind, just like Google PPC, AdWords, and the others, that the visibility on Facebook stops when the paid promotion stops.
You’re probably saying, “Of course I understand that – but how do I get views that don’t dry up once I stop paid advertisement?” Good question. Let’s think about what it is that we are posting.
These posts, articles, videos, images, etc are all unique and original content. From a search engine optimization (SEO) point of view this “content” is gold. To our search engine friends at Google, Yahoo, and Bing, this original content (properly optimized) is what they crave and want to show to people searching on their networks. This is called “ranking organically”
Alas, here lies our main problem – our hard work creating content is only helping Facebook to rank! Something tells me you would rather help increase your sales, not Mark Zuckerberg’s and the other billionaires at Facebook, Twitter, etc…
A light-bulb might have just went off when you realized that this article was written to show up organically (read: free) on your Google search (most likely something like “do i need a website if I have a Facebook page?”) That phrase you typed in, also known as a long-tail, is fruit ripe for the picking. The longer the phrase the more likely there is less competition, and also that you will rise to the top of the search results.
Tips, tricks, and other SEO strategies like this we will save for a different article and different day (and a search phrase *wink wink*) In summary, should you have a Facebook page? Of course you should (and many other platforms as well.) Just know that I foresee disappointment in your if you think it is a substitute or replacement for your very own website. Mr. Facebook and others will be reaping the benefits of your unique content while you’re left scratching your head wondering where all the inbound calls are.
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Gordo Web Design is a website design and internet marketing agency in Fort Lauderdale. If you, or someone you know, needs help with web design, social media marketing, digital marketing, please contact us or call (954) 501-0703 to get in touch with a committed and passionate team that wants to help you succeed online.
