When you are working on building your small business credibility, you want to look at setting up a custom website. A lot of small businesses start their online journey the same way by setting up a Facebook page. It feels simple, free, and everyone you know is on Facebook, so why not? At first, it seems like enough. It’s an easy place where you can post updates, share photos, and maybe even get some messages from customers.
But here’s the catch: a Facebook page is not the same as having your own website. Relying only on Facebook is like renting a stall at someone else’s market. You’re there, but you don’t control the space, and you can’t fully make it your own. Having a website, on the other hand, is like owning your own shop. You decide what it looks like, how people move through it, and no one can shut it down on a whim.
Let’s take a deeper dive into why you shouldn’t be using Facebook as your website.
You Don’t Really Own Your Facebook Page
This is the biggest issue. Your Facebook page belongs to Facebook, not you. That means:
- If Facebook decides to change their rules, you have to adapt.
- If they suddenly limit your reach, there’s nothing you can do.
- If your page is flagged by mistake or gets shut down, your entire online presence is gone overnight.
Facebook controls the rules, the reach, and even whether your page stays online. If they change their policies or remove your page, you have no say in it. A website is different. You own the domain, the content, and the design, which means it’s fully under your control and no one can take it away which helps improve your businesses credibility.
Only a Small Fraction of People See Your Posts
You’ve probably noticed this already. You post something exciting, and only a handful of people even react. That’s because Facebook’s algorithm decides who gets to see your updates. On average, less than 17% of your followers see what you post unless you pay for ads.
While Facebook is good for engaging your customers, you also want to make sure you are capturing the rest of your audience with a website. Everyone who visits sees exactly what you want them to see, whether it’s your menu, your booking form, or your online store.
People Search on Google, Not Facebook
Think about how you look for a new restaurant, a dentist, or a dog groomer. Do you go to Facebook and type it in? More often than not, you will probably end up Googling it. That’s what your customers are doing too. More than 90% of users are using Google as the main search engine, so we need to make sure your business shows up there. This will also improve your trustworthiness that improves your business credibility.
A website allows your business to show up in Google search results. A Facebook page rarely ranks well, which means people who are actively looking for what you offer may never even find you leading to lost revenue.
Your Page Looks Like Everyone Else’s
Sure, you can upload a profile picture and a cover photo, but beyond that, every Facebook business page looks basically the same. It’s like setting up your shop in a row of identical booths where nothing makes you stand out or show how credible your business is.
With a website, you control the design. You can choose your colors, layout, photos, and branding to reflect your personality and show customers who you really are. A website gives you freedom to create an experience that feels professional and unique. It will also lend you the credibility your business needs to convince more people to buy from you.
It Just Looks More Professional
First impressions matter. When someone checks out a business online, seeing only a Facebook page can make it feel less established. It might even raise doubts: Is this a real business? How long have they been around?
A website instantly raises what’s called your surface credibility. Surface credibility is the first opinion your users have when they visit your website. You obviously want this to be a positive rating, so that’s why it’s important they see your website over your Facebook page. It shows you’ve invested in your business and you’re serious about serving your customers. Even a simple one-page site can make a world of difference in how professional you look.
Facebook Works Best as a Sidekick, Not the Main Stage
Don’t get me wrong, Facebook is still useful. It’s a great place to connect with customers, share updates, and run ads. But it should be one of your marketing tools, not the foundation.
When you pair your Facebook page with your website, you can increase the amount of customers who find your business, which will turn into increased leads and leads equal money. While RMC can help you boost your Facebook presence, you want to make sure you have a professional website that stands out to your customers.
The Bottom Line
Relying only on Facebook limits your business and puts you at risk of losing control over your online presence. A website gives you ownership, credibility, and the freedom to grow on your own terms. Stay active on Facebook, but make sure you also have a website where your brand can stand strong and your business can truly grow. If you aren’t sure where to start, contact RMC today to request your free consultation.
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