top of page

Why Every Business Needs a Website (Even if You’re Active on Facebook)

  • Writer: Rachel H
    Rachel H
  • Aug 31
  • 3 min read

As a brand and web designer, I’m always amazed by how many businesses either don’t have a website or treat it like an afterthought—relying instead on a Facebook business page to do the heavy lifting for their online presence.


Don’t get me wrong: Facebook can be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. But if your business is putting all its energy into a social media page without investing in a website you own and control, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable.


Modern cafe interior with wooden furniture, barista working at counter, plants, art on walls. Cozy atmosphere with warm lighting.
Luis Zertuche

A website—whether it’s a simple 2–3 page site or a robust, content-rich platform—is more than just a digital placeholder. It’s your online home base, your most important marketing asset, and one of the best tools for building credibility.


Here are six reasons why every business needs a website as their primary online presence:


  1. You Lose Control on Facebook


The reality is, you don’t control Facebook’s algorithm. Over the years, business page reach has declined dramatically as the platform prioritized personal posts over business content. Even if you’ve built a large following, chances are only a small fraction of your audience actually sees your updates. And that percentage will likely shrink even more in the future.

With a website, however, you decide what your audience sees, how it’s presented, and how people interact with your brand—without worrying about ever-changing platform rules.


2. Clearer, More Reliable Data


Facebook’s analytics can be vague and sometimes misleading. While it’s great for measuring likes and engagement, it’s not always clear how those numbers connect to real leads or sales.


Your website, on the other hand, gives you access to powerful tools like Google Analytics. You can track everything from where your visitors are coming from to what pages they spend time on, which helps you refine your marketing and actually measure ROI.


3. You Need a Destination for Ads


Even if you’re not running ads right now, your business should always be ready for the option. Paid ads need a landing place—and a website is the best destination.

Technically, you can link Google Ads to a Facebook page, but it’s far from ideal. You’ll run into issues like:


  • Higher costs due to lower ad quality scores

  • Limited ad visibility because Facebook is a shared domain

  • No access to full conversion tracking

  • Visitors needing to log into Facebook just to view your page


A website solves all of these problems and ensures your advertising investment actually works for you.


Cozy living area with leather chairs, a green sofa, marble tables, and an orange wall with shelves. White curtains let in natural light.
Cora Pursley

4. Not Everyone Uses Facebook


Here’s the truth: not everyone is on Facebook anymore. Younger generations in particular are moving away from the platform, while some older demographics never joined in the first place.


If your only online presence is tied to Facebook, you’re shutting out an entire segment of potential clients who either can’t—or won’t—engage with you there. A website removes that barrier and makes your business accessible to everyone.


5. Show Off Your Brand Style


Your Facebook page looks like… every other Facebook page. Aside from your cover photo and profile image, there’s not much room to visually express who you are as a business.

A website, however, gives you complete freedom to showcase your brand identity. From colors and typography to layout and imagery, your site sets the tone for how people perceive your business. Whether you’re a high-end design studio, a cozy café, or a professional services firm, your website helps you tell your story your way.


6. Build Instant Credibility


Studies consistently show that businesses with a professional website are seen as more credible than those without one. When potential customers want to learn more about you, they expect to find a website that answers their questions, communicates your values, and makes it easy to take the next step.


A Facebook page alone doesn’t build that same level of trust. But a well-designed website instantly signals professionalism and reliability.


Pizza with toppings dominates the image. Text promotes "Firetower Pizza" and mentions location in Speculator, NY. Bold red and yellow design.
Designed by RH Graphics

The Bottom Line


Your Facebook business page is a great supporting tool, but it should never be your only strategy. Social media platforms come and go, and their rules are always changing. Your website, however, is an asset you own—one that works 24/7 to showcase your brand, attract customers, and grow your business.


If your business doesn’t yet have a website—or if your current site feels outdated—it’s time to make it a priority. A strong, strategic website isn’t just about “being online.” It’s about positioning your business for long-term success.



Comments


bottom of page