Small businesses are constantly weighing their options for establishing an online presence. It can be tempting to think that a website might be unnecessary. After all, social media is free and offers amazing reach with potential customers. Plus it is especially big in the Philippines among all countries worldwide.

But is it enough for your business?

Let’s break it down.

Social media is definitely:

Low cost.

Most social media platforms are free to use. Truly a budget-friendly way to market your business.

Engagement.

Social media allows for two-way communication, letting you directly engage with your audience.

Instant feedback.

You can get real-time reactions and feedback on whatever you’re selling.

The Case for a Website

Social media’s advantages are not always enough for a business that’s looking to establish long-term credibility. A website offers a more professional and customizable space to showcase your brand, products, and services.

Think of it as your personal storefront online.

Okay, here is a clearer example: think of being on social media as forever joining bazaars. You have a pop-up here and then. It’s like having a silly little business. And that’s great for starters, but after a while you will need a permanent address if you are serious about growing.

The great thing about websites is you can own your space without having to pay the extremely high rental fees monthly.

Here’s why you might need a website:

1. Consumers expect businesses to have a website.

Without one, your business might appear less professional or even suspicious. Scams are so prominent nowadays.

A website helps build credibility and trust, as it allows you to present your business with a polished, reliable platform.

2. A website gives you complete control.

You can design it to reflect your brand’s identity and curate content that directly speaks to your target audience without the limitations imposed by a platform’s algorithms.

3. Your business can be discovered by potential customers searching for relevant keywords.

This is because websites are indexed by search engines like Google. While social media profiles can show up in search results, it may take much effort from customers to find you. This is because social media doesn’t have the same potential for driving organic traffic as a dedicated website.

4. Secure for online payments.

If you plan to sell products or services online, a website provides a secure, scalable platform for e-commerce. Much needed if it involves actual cash transactions!

5. A website allows you to gather detailed analytics about your audience.

Including where they’re coming from, how long they’re on the site, and what actions they take. This kind of data is crucial for making informed decisions about your marketing strategies, something social media platforms don’t always provide in-depth.

Our suggestion?

Have the best of both worlds.

Do both website and social media. Consider a website as an extension of your brand and a long-term asset. You don’t have to make a decision between the two—use both to their full potential! We’ll discuss more of this in another article.

So, do you really need a website?

The bottom line is this: If your business is serious about growth and establishing a strong, professional online presence, a website is a must.

Till next time!