Social media is brilliant for small businesses. It’s free to start, it’s where your customers spend their time and it lets you show the personality behind your brand. So it’s tempting to think that’s all you need.
But relying on social media alone is a bit like building your shop on land you don’t own.
You don’t own your social media
The platforms set the rules, and they change them all the time. Your posts might reach fewer people overnight. Your account could be hacked or suspended. A platform could fall out of fashion. Your website is yours – nobody can switch it off or decide who sees it.
Websites win on search
When people search Google for what you do, it’s websites that usually show up, not social posts. A good website with helpful content brings in people who are actively looking for your products or services.
Websites build trust
Many people check a business’s website before buying, especially for bigger purchases. A professional website shows you’re established and serious. No website can make people wonder.
Social media builds relationships
Where social media really shines is staying in touch. It keeps you front of mind, lets you share news and behind-the-scenes moments, and gives customers an easy way to chat with you.
How to make them work together
Think of social media as the friendly chat in the street, and your website as the shop you invite people into.
- Link to your website from all your social profiles
- Share your blog posts, offers and new products on social, with a link back to the right page
- Add links to your social profiles on your website
- Use the same logo, colours and tone of voice everywhere
- Send people to specific pages (like a booking or quote page), not just your homepage
Measure what matters
Likes are nice, but enquiries pay the bills. Keep an eye on how many people come to your website from social media, and what they do when they get there.
Need help with either side? We build websites and run social media marketing for local businesses – so we can make sure they work together.