By Jenny Hopkins
jhopkins@journalnet.com
208-239-3532
Surprisingly,
many small businesses do not have a website. These business owners
say, “I have a Facebook page so I don't need a website.” Facebook
is a great tool for small businesses because it is free and pretty
much everybody uses it.
But there are
some things that Facebook just can't do for your business. Here are a
few advantages to having a company website:
• You don't
have ownership. Yes, it is your business page, but ultimately it is
still owned by Facebook. Your page may get hacked or spammed, and if
it accidentally gets deleted or shut down for some reason you have to
start over. Also, you have to follow Facebook's rules and guidelines
when it comes to promotions, but on your own website you make the
rules.
• Branding.
Facebook pages are not customizable with colors, logo placement,
columns etc. With your company website you can create a custom design
with your brand's logos and colors. Every page looks the same on
Facebook, but your website can be beautiful and custom! Also, your
website will have your own personal domain name, i.e.
www.myownwebsite.com
•
Advertising. You don't control what ads show up on the right hand
rail of Facebook, it could be an ad for your competitors! On your own
website you control the content, not your competition.
• Google
ranking. Facebook and Google are fierce competitors. Think about it —
they are both competing for digital advertising dollars. So a Google
search is much less likely to pull up a Facebook page as a result
than it is a Search Engine Optimized website.
• Fresh
content. Content posted on Facebook moves down on a user's wall
quickly. Also, it tells readers exactly how long ago you made your
last post. If you have not updated your page in weeks or even days
the content that is there may appear stale. Posts on your website are
not dated and do not move down a news feed. Your homepage photos,
mission statement, promotions etc. stay right where you want them to.
•
Credibility. What looks more official and professional for a
business? A Facebook page or a website? If your competitors have a
website, they may be getting more of the traffic simply because
having a website makes the business feel solidified, permanent, like
your business is going to be around for awhile. That is a great thing
to project to your customers!
That's not to
say that a business shouldn't have a Facebook page, of course it
should! It's a free and fun way to reach your audience and promote
sales, contests, etc. But it should not be your primary or only
online presence, it should be used as an extension of your website.
Website design
and hosting are not as expensive as a lot of people think. ISJ Media
offers websites starting at $295 set up and $50 a month. Does your
company need a website? Targeting advertising? Contact me at
jhopkins@journalnet.com
and let me help come up with a solution for your business.
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