Do I Need a Website If I Already Have Facebook or Instagram?
Plenty of small businesses run entirely on a Facebook page or an Instagram account, and it works, up to a point. Social media is a great tool. It's just not a replacement for a website. Here's an honest look at why.
What social media does well
- Showing your work. Photos and short videos of real jobs, dishes or haircuts are perfect for Instagram.
- Staying in touch. Regulars see your updates, specials and news.
- It's free and fast. You can post from your phone in a minute.
Keep doing all of that. The question is what happens when someone new is looking for a business like yours.
Where social media falls short
1. Google doesn't show it like a website
When someone searches "electrician near me" or "best brunch in Squamish", Google shows Business Profiles and websites. Social pages rarely rank for those searches, and a lot of what's on them isn't easily searchable at all.
2. You don't own it
Your page lives on someone else's platform, under their rules. Accounts get hacked, locked or suspended, and algorithm changes can cut how many people see your posts overnight. Your website and domain are yours.
3. Not everyone is on it
Some of your best potential customers don't have Facebook or Instagram, or won't log in to see your page. A website works for everyone with a browser.
4. Key information gets buried
Your prices, service area, hours and how to book are scattered across old posts. On a website, they're one tap away, every time.
5. It looks less established
Fair or not, many people see a business with only a Facebook page as smaller or riskier, especially for bigger jobs like renovations, or anything involving their home or health.
How they work together
The best setup is both:
- Your website is home base: what you do, where, prices, reviews, and how to book or contact you.
- Your Google Business Profile gets you on the map and links to your website.
- Social media shows off your work and sends people to your website to book.
Put your website link in your Instagram bio and on your Facebook page, and link your social accounts from your website. Each one makes the others stronger.
"But a website is expensive"
It doesn't have to be. A simple, fast site with the pages you actually need (see what pages a small business website needs) is enough for most businesses. And it's one of the few marketing tools that keeps working while you sleep.
Where we fit
FreeSite Company builds small businesses a custom website for free. You see the finished site before you pay anything, and if you keep it, hosting and support is $9 a month*. If you don't love it, you walk away and owe nothing.
Want a custom website without the up-front cost? I'll build it free. You only pay $9/month* if you keep it.