Website vs Facebook Page: Which Does Your Business Need?
"I've got a Facebook page - do I really need a website?" It's one of the most common questions small business owners ask. Here's the honest answer: you probably need both, but if you can only have one, it should be a website.
The Quick Answer
Website first, Facebook second. Your website is your digital headquarters that you own and control. Facebook is a valuable outpost, but you're building on rented land. 40% of leads come from search (websites), only 10% from social media.
What Facebook Does Well
Let's give credit where it's due. Facebook is genuinely useful for certain things:
Facebook Strengths
- Free to set up - No cost to create a business page
- Built-in audience - 3 billion users already on the platform
- Easy updates - Post photos, offers, and news in seconds
- Reviews & recommendations - Built-in social proof
- Messenger - Quick customer communication
- Events & Groups - Community building tools
What Facebook Does Poorly
Here's where the problems start:
Facebook Weaknesses
- You don't own it - Meta controls everything, can change rules anytime
- Limited reach - Only 5-10% of followers see your posts (algorithm)
- Can't rank on Google - No search visibility for your business
- Account can be disabled - Happens more often than you'd think
- Limited customisation - Your page looks like everyone else's
- Professional credibility - Some customers expect a "real" website
The Algorithm Problem
You spent months building 1,000 Facebook followers. Great! But only 50-100 of them actually see your posts. Meta wants you to pay for ads to reach the audience you already "have." A website doesn't have this problem - anyone who visits sees your content.
What a Website Does Well
Website Strengths
- You own it completely - No platform can take it away from you
- Ranks on Google - 40% of leads come from search engines
- Always accessible - No login required for visitors
- Full control - Design exactly what you want
- Professional credibility - "Real businesses have websites"
- Data ownership - You control analytics, customer data
- Works 24/7 - Your salesperson that never sleeps
The Data: Where Do Leads Actually Come From?
This is the key question. Where do your potential customers come from?
Search Engines
(Requires website)
Referrals
(Website helps)
Social Media
(Facebook/Instagram)
Other
(Ads, direct, etc.)
Bottom line: Search engines generate 4x more leads than social media. And you need a website to appear in search results.
With a Website
- Visible in 40% of lead sources
- Referrals can easily find you
- Social can link to website
Without a Website (Facebook Only)
- Invisible to 40% of searches
- Referrals may not find Facebook
- Limited to 10% social leads
The Verdict: Both, But Website First
Think of It This Way:
Your Website = Headquarters
Your permanent home. You own the building, the land, and everything in it. Customers can always find you here.
Facebook = Outpost
A booth in a busy marketplace. Great for visibility, but you're renting the space and the landlord makes the rules.
The smart strategy: Build your website first (your permanent home), then use Facebook to drive traffic to it. That way, you get the best of both worlds without depending on either.
"But I Don't Have Time for Both"
Here's the ironic truth:
| Platform | Setup Time | Ongoing Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Page | 30 minutes | 1-5 hours/week (constant posting) |
| Website (AI Builder) | 1-2 hours | 30 mins/month (optional updates) |
The Time Reality
A website actually requires less time than Facebook. Your website works 24/7 without you posting. Facebook needs constant feeding to stay relevant. If you're short on time, a website is the better investment.
The Cost Comparison
| Aspect | Website | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Cost | Free | £8-50 |
| Monthly Cost | Free (but limited reach) | £0-5 |
| To Reach Audience | Need ads (£100+/mo) | Free (Google) |
| Real Cost (Year 1) | Free-£1,200+ | £8-110 |
Facebook is "free" but to actually reach people, you often need to pay for ads. A website costs a small amount upfront but generates leads from Google for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Facebook page replace a website for my business?
No, a Facebook page shouldn't replace a website. While Facebook is free and has a large audience, you don't own your followers (Meta controls the algorithm), you can't rank on Google, and your account can be disabled without warning. Think of Facebook as an outpost to attract attention, but your website as your permanent home base.
Do I need both a website and Facebook page?
Ideally, yes. They serve different purposes: your website is your permanent, searchable online home that you control completely. Facebook helps you engage with an existing audience and share updates. Most businesses should prioritize building their website first, then use Facebook to drive traffic to it.
Why can't I just use Facebook for my business?
Three main reasons: (1) Reach is limited - only 5-10% of your followers see your posts due to the algorithm. (2) No Google visibility - Facebook pages don't rank for search terms. (3) You don't own it - Meta can change rules, reduce your reach, or disable your account at any time.
Which generates more leads - Facebook or a website?
Websites generate significantly more leads. Research shows 40% of small business leads come from search engines (which require a website to rank), while social media including Facebook only generates about 10% of leads. A website is your 24/7 salesperson that appears when people are actively searching for your services.
Is a Facebook page free but a website expensive?
Facebook is free, but websites are now very affordable. AI website builders start from just £8 one-time, making the cost difference negligible. And Facebook's "free" comes at a cost: limited reach, no search visibility, and no ownership of your audience.
Build Your Digital Headquarters
Stop renting space on Facebook. Own your online presence with a professional website - then use Facebook to drive traffic to it.
From £8 • Your permanent online home • Works with Facebook, not instead of it