One question we’ve been asked multiple times by professionals is, “Do I really need a website if I already have a Facebook page?”

YES! 100% Yes!

No matter how amazing your Facebook page is, having a website will always be beneficial.

Here are 6 reasons why we think you need a website, even if you have a Facebook page.

Branding & Professionalism

Facebook is essentially a template. Branding-wise, you’re pretty much limited to your profile picture, cover photo (which has its own rules on what can and can’t go on it), apps, and Milestones (which are purely event-based).

We’ve always believed that a website is “your front door online.” It’s a great place to show who you really are as a brand, and you get much more control over what impression you give first-time clients when you have a proper website.

Owning a website also shows professionalism and credibility. True, Facebook is free – but do you really want to be known as the business who is too cheap to build a website?

 You Don’t (and Can’t) Own Facebook

Another downside to Facebook being free is you don’t own it. What if Facebook suddenly decides it no longer wants to support businesses? Goodbye, Facebook page!

Obviously we don’t anticipate Facebook will shut down its business pages anytime soon, but the reality is that you have no control over what changes they implement. Think back to when Facebook first switched to the new business page timeline model. Remember that Welcome tab you spent so much time and effort on? Thousands of businesses had to scramble around and update their page to accommodate the new layout.

By building your own website, you ensure complete control over how it looks, what it does, and where it goes, along with everything else inside it.

Limited Features

Facebook is also limited when it comes to sharing businesses information. The provided About page is quite restricting. If you wanted to set up separate information pages for services, pricing, team members, etc. you will likely have to create a separate app for each one. It won’t be free and it won’t be easy, so you might as well build a website!

Limited Accessibility

One often overlooked reason – not everyone in your target market is necessarily on Facebook! Even if they were, they’d still need to Like your page. Even if they did Like your page, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will see your updates, since organic reach of Facebook pages has decreased substantially in recent months.

SEO & Searchability

Your customers probably don’t know your business name before they find you. They will probably do a Google search on your business type (e.g., real estate firm in delhi) and then click through the results that pop up on the first page. Although Google and other search engines do index Facebook pages, a website lets you tailor your SEO settings more specifically which makes you easier to find.

Competitiveness

If you only have a Facebook page and your competitor has both, chances are potential your customers will choose your competitor. It all goes back to credibility and professionalism. Plus, imagine if your competitor’s ad pops up on your Facebook page. Yikes.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, you can make your website serve your specific needs in a way that Facebook can never do for you. If you’re going to invest time into building an online presence, we strongly recommend you do it right from the start!