Is a Facebook page enough for a small business?

Plenty of small businesses run happily on a Facebook page. It’s free, quick to update and good for keeping regular customers in the loop. But it does some jobs badly, and a few of those cost you customers without you noticing.

What a Facebook page does well

• Sharing news, offers and photos with people who already follow you
• Quick messages and comments from regulars
• Costs nothing and takes minutes to update

Where it falls short

• Not everyone uses Facebook. Some customers don’t have an account, and some won’t click on a Facebook link at all.
• It’s harder to find on Google. When someone searches for what you do in your area, they usually see websites and Google Maps listings first.
• Information gets buried. Prices, opening times and how to book sink under newer posts.
• You don’t own it. Facebook decides who sees your posts, and an account can be locked or hacked.
• It can look less established. For a bigger job or a booking, a proper website and your own email address build trust.

The best of both

For most small businesses the answer isn’t either-or. Keep Facebook for news and regulars, and have a simple website that:

• Appears on Google for what you do and where
• Shows your prices, photos, reviews and how to book or get a quote
• Has a tap-to-call number and your own email address
• Links to your Facebook page, and your Facebook page links back

Add a complete Google Business Profile, also free, and you’re covered wherever people look.

What a simple website costs

A website of up to 5 pages from me is £595, or £79 a month with nothing to pay upfront, including hosting and small changes. See what a website should cost for typical UK prices.