I Have Facebook, Why Do I Need A Website?

I often hear people discussing the need for "something" on the Internet and it frequently boils down to a "Facebook or Website" question. Is there a single answer to this question?

Before I continue let me be clear that the focus of this blog is for an ongoing enterprise. I'm not including a one-time or short time period activity or event that comes and goes.

Facebook Advantages

• It's simple! Anyone can has a page up and running in a matter of minutes.
• Facebook is here to stay. At least for the foreseeable future
• Facebook has ton of viewers.
• It's great for building a community where people can comment and share with others.
• It's designed for small chunks of content.

Website advantages

• Not everybody is using Facebook. Check your demographics and see. Your target audience may not fit with Facebook's user base.
• People don't search for you on Facebook. When was the last time your used Facebook to search for "Restaurants in Tulsa?"
• Your work is rewarded with search engine ranking for your business.
• Facebook calls the shots. You control your website and its content, while you're at the mercy of Facebook and their seemingly constant changes.
• You control the content on your page. Not an ad placed by Facebook to distract visitors from your message. And perhaps send them to a competitor.
• You own your visitor's information that you capture; Facebook owns your visitor information on their site.
• Facebook is a business and needs advertising money coming into its coffers. Hance the push to reduce the reach of your posts unless they are "promoted" (paid for) by you.

Summary

But the "Facebook or Website" question is not necessarily an either-or situation. You don't have to decide on one and exclude the other.

A combination approach is frequently recommended for many organizations and businesses.

A simplified way to look at it is that your website is where all your content ultimately lives, and Facebook is a place you can promote/discuss/share what you’re up to with it. Linking your website to Facebook and vice-versa will also help both with search engine optimization.

Contact R3 Websolutions with any questions you have regarding this topic, or to receive a free analysis of your unique situation and needs. We're here to help.