Running a small business is like running a food truck: fast-paced, exciting, and full of decisions that could make or break your day. One of the most important decisions you’ll make in the digital world? Where to park your online presence: a Facebook page or a dedicated website?
On the surface, Facebook feels like the fast lane, quick, easy, and buzzing with people. But is that enough to build something lasting?
Let’s break it down so you can make the smartest choice for your business.
The Perks of a Facebook Page: Fast, Free, and Familiar
1. Quick to Launch, Easy to Use
Think of Facebook as a ready-made storefront. You open the doors, flip on the lights, and you’re in business, all without touching code or hiring a developer. It’s perfect for beginners or business owners with tight timelines and tighter budgets.
2. Built-In Audience
Over 3 billion people use Facebook monthly. It’s like setting up shop in the busiest digital marketplace in town. You’ve got access to customers, tools to interact like likes, comments, and messages, and powerful insights to see what’s working.
A study from Statista shows popular social networks worldwide as of February 2025, by monthly active users (millions).
3. Affordable Advertising with Laser Targeting
Facebook Ads let you reach your ideal audience without spending like a corporate giant. Want to promote dog grooming services to pet owners within 10 miles? Facebook’s got you covered.
4. Mobile-First, Always
Most people scroll through Facebook on their phones. Lucky for you, your page is already mobile-friendly with no extra design work needed.
5. Community Connection
From events to groups to messenger replies, Facebook thrives on connection. A small coffee shop, for example, can use its page to share daily brews, respond to reviews, and create a loyal following.
Demographics Matter, Too
Before you put all your eggs in Facebook’s basket, consider the demographics. Facebook’s users tend to be older compared to Instagram or TikTok, which skew younger. If your audience is younger or trend-driven, platforms like Instagram might be a better playground. But if you’re targeting homeowners, local families, or professionals, Facebook still delivers impressive reach and engagement.
For a breakdown of how to choose based on your audience, see this guide to selecting social media platforms.
The Risks of Going Facebook-Only: Great Start, Not a Long-Term Strategy
1. You’re Playing in Facebook’s Sandbox
Your page, your audience, your content, Facebook controls it all. If they tweak the algorithm, your reach could drop overnight. Worst case? Your page could get suspended without warning.
Meta’s recent algorithm changes have significantly impacted global organic and paid reach.
2. Limited Design = Limited Branding
Your Facebook page looks like every other business’s page. There’s no custom layout or tailored experience, just your logo, posts, and a few tabs. You’re building your brand inside someone else’s house.
3. Poor SEO Visibility
Try Googling your services. Chances are, your Facebook page won’t show up anywhere near the top. Unlike websites, Facebook pages aren’t built to dominate search engines. That means you miss out on valuable organic traffic.
4. Not Made for Serious Selling
Yes, Facebook has a Shop feature, but it’s basic. If you want to sell products, manage orders, track inventory, or offer discounts, a real e-commerce website like Shopify or WooCommerce will serve you better.
5. No Ownership of Customer Data
On Facebook, your customer list is essentially Facebook’s. You can’t fully control how you collect, store, or use that data, making email marketing or analytics a lot trickier.
6. Professionalism Matters
Let’s be honest, having only a Facebook page may give off a “side hustle” vibe. A polished website, on the other hand, says you mean business.
The Best of Both Worlds: Facebook + Website = Online Power Couple
Here’s the truth: you don’t have to choose just one.
Think of Facebook as your party, fun, casual, and interactive. Think of your website as your home, organized, private, and entirely yours. Together, they’re a dynamic duo.
Example: A local bakery might post mouth-watering daily specials and behind-the-scenes videos on Facebook to build community while using their website to take orders, share their full menu, and manage payments seamlessly.
Starting with Facebook makes sense for many businesses. But as your business grows, so should your digital foundation. Tools like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress make it easy to build a sleek, professional website without needing to know a single line of code or explore web design and development options tailored for small businesses.
Final Thoughts: Think Long-Term, Think Ownership
Facebook is an excellent starting point. It’s free, fast, and familiar. But building your business solely on rented ground is risky. A website gives you full control, better branding, and long-term SEO and sales benefits.
If you’re serious about growing your business, a hybrid approach is your best bet. Let Facebook be your megaphone, but let your website be your home.
Need help getting started?
At c3digitus, we specialize in building cost-effective, high-impact websites for small businesses. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading from social media, we’ve got your back.
Let’s create your online home. Reach out today!
