Website vs. Social Media: Does your business still need a website?
In today's digital age, where social media platforms are booming and communication is instant, the role of websites for small businesses is a topic that often sparks debate. As a female entrepreneur catering to the holistic service and beauty industry, you may be wondering about the relevance of having a dedicated business website. Let's delve into this ongoing dilemma.
The big question of the year is social media vs. website: can your social media account replace your website in 2024?
Social Media Power
Social media serves as a powerful marketing tool, facilitating outreach to new audiences, fostering a community around your brand, nurturing relationships, and sharing valuable content.
The allure of social media lies in its enjoyable and somewhat addictive nature. It's effortless to become immersed in the metrics of likes, follows, and engaging interactions with your audience. These platforms offer visibility, providing a space where your business is both seen and heard, paving the way for the growth of a successful online brand.
While social media accounts are certainly powerful tools for your small business, there is value in a website that social media just can’t provide.
This post will delve into key reasons highlighting the continued importance of having a website for your business. Discover how a website can serve as the foundation for establishing a successful online platform.
So What Distinguishes a Website's Value, Making It Irreplaceable by Your Social Media Account?
1 | You don’t own your social media, but you do own your website.
Consider the significant time you invest in a platform that you don't actually own.
Your Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter accounts are under the control of others.
Social media platforms are subject to algorithm changes, and your content may not always reach your entire audience. And who knows your accounts could be shut down, blocker or censored at any time, and as a small business owner, there is nothing you can do about it.
This is why it is so important to have a good website for your business.
When you launch a new website for your business, you own that online platform.
2 | Your website is versatile and your strongest marketing asset.
The landscape of digital marketing is ever-evolving, but the importance of a website persists.
Websites offer a permanent and organized space for showcasing your brand, unlike social media posts that can get buried in feeds.
As technology advances, websites adapt and incorporate new features, ensuring they remain relevant. Rather than becoming obsolete, websites continue to evolve, providing businesses with a versatile tool for online success.
A website, being your strongest digital marketing tool, allows you to market your business through SEO, copywriting, and branding. A website is a long-term investment that extends beyond the trends of the moment.
3 | A website uses a step-by-step process to help turn potential customers into actual sales.
Consider this: When you come across an intriguing brand on Instagram, your natural inclination is to seek more information about the business and the services it offers. Typically, when you're genuinely interested in learning more about a business, you head to their website.
In essence, while Instagram and Facebook serve as effective platforms to attract potential clients and engage your audience, it's your website that plays a crucial role in finalizing the sale.
A well-designed website instills trust and credibility, essential factors for attracting and retaining clients in the competitive market.
This underscores why websites are crucial for small businesses. They offer a professional and efficient platform where potential clients can find more information about you and your services. It's the place where they continue to navigate through your sales process.
This sales process is designed to guide your clients strategically through the relevant pages of your website, leading them toward making a purchase. Ultimately, at the end of this process, your website provides a space for clients to reach out or make a purchase—whether through a contact form, appointment scheduling, or product purchase.
While social media is effective for generating leads, platforms like Instagram and Facebook lack the customizable system found on websites, which allows you to create a tailored sales process to successfully close deals.
Now that we've established why having a website is crucial for your business (even if you're excelling on Instagram), let's delve into the process of launching your new business website.
Embarking on the journey of launching a website may seem overwhelming and a bit intimidating, but considering the three distinct approaches makes it much more manageable. Here they are:
DIY IT:
Designing the website yourself is the first method to launch a visually appealing site. Web design platforms like Squarespace simplify the process, allowing you to swiftly and effortlessly publish your new website and kickstart your online presence.
PURCHASE A WEB DESIGN TEMPLATE:
Opting for a web design template is the second route to launch your website. This offers a balanced solution where a professional designer creates the template, and you personalize it with your own content, brand colors, and images.
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WEB DESIGNER:
Choosing to hire a professional web designer is the best option. This ensures the launch of a stunning and strategically designed website, positioning you as a professional, marketing your business to your ideal clients, and helping you achieve your small business goals for online success.
In conclusion, while social media is a valuable aspect of your online strategy, a business website remains indispensable for establishing credibility, control, and a comprehensive online presence. Embrace the synergy of both platforms to maximize your reach and impact in the digital landscape.
SHARE THIS POST