Being online is crucial for any business' success – that’s a no-brainer.
But perhaps you’re wondering why you'd need a website when you can just use social media to promote your biz – and it's for free?
A lot of creatives, small businesses, and entrepreneurs face this question. That's why, in this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of both approaches to help you figure out what would work best for you.
Pros and Cons of Social Media
Pros:
- Vast audience: social media gives you access to a large number of users, regardless of your niche.
- Building a community: social media shortens the distance between you and your customers, allowing you to build a stronger connection with them and create a loyal community.
- Marketing opportunities: social platforms offer plenty of ways to develop brand recognition and also integrate well with various marketing tools.
- Free and easy to use: signing up for a social media account has no cost and only takes a few minutes. Bonus points – no specific technical skills are needed to keep it running.
Cons:
- Limited control: you're not the owner of your social media account or its content, meaning you’re bound by the platform’s rules and policies.
- Unpredictable reach: constant changes to social media algorithms can restrict how many users actually see your content.
- Risk of data loss: if your account gets suspended or deleted for whatever reason, you risk losing your content, followers, and all the time and effort you’ve invested in its development.
- Constantly shifting trends: social media is always evolving, which requires you to keep up with the latest trends and platform rules. Plus, each platform has its own quirks, making it tricky to follow a one-size-fits-all strategy.
- Not ideal for sales: social media isn't the best place for direct sales and often comes with fees or local restrictions, such as when Meta Store became unavailable in certain regions in 2023.
Takeaway:
Signing up for a free account in social media is a tempting option, especially if you're new in business.
And indeed, it’s great for attracting new customers and building a recognisable brand.
However, relying on social media alone could limit your business growth. For long-term success, a more stable and complex approach is key.
That’s why having a website of your own as your primary channel, with social media as a supporting tool, is essential.
While it does involve some costs — unlike signing up for a free social media account — the benefits of having your own website or online store are significant. Let's cover them below.
Pros and Cons of Having a Website
Pros:
- Ownership and control: You fully own the content of your website, ensuring independence and security. There's no risk of losing data, and you are free to make any tweaks you want to align with your business model.
- Credibility and engagement: A well-created website ensured a positive first impression, encouraging visitors to take action, whether that’s making a purchase or subscribing (known as “conversion”).
- SEO and organic traffic: Search engine optimisation (a.k.a. SEO) boosts your website’s visibility, driving a regular flow of visitors — something social media can't offer to the same degree.
- Personalisation: You can fully customise your website both in terms of design and functionality so that it perfectly suits your vision and needs.
- All in one place: Your clients can easily find everything they need about your product or service, all on your website.
Cons:
- Time and cost: Launching a website takes some time and financial investment, which however pay off over time. Learn more about the expenses you should consider by clicking here.
- Maintenance: Ensuring your website runs smoothly and is up-to-date might require additional resources, especially if you get a specialist to do it. Regular technical maintenance is highly recommended to keep your site current and working properly. Learn more about this here.
Takeaway:
Even though the costs may seem a bit "too much" — especially if you're just starting out and compared to social media which is free — having a website comes with major advantages and is essential for your long-term success.
Having your own website gives you complete control over your content and endless opportunities for growth and customisation.
Over time, the effort and money you put into your website will pay off, giving you a strong foundation for growing your business.
To Sum Up...
And so,
Website or social media?
It’s not about choosing one over the other – the smartest approach is to combine both.
Social media is excellent for boosting visibility and attracting new customers, but it should complement your main channel for showcasing your products or services: your own website.
Creating a website is a crucial move for long-term success — even if the upfront investment feels a bit "too much" for a new business.
Don’t hesitate to invest in the future of your business — the right investment will pay off, bringing more profits and opportunities for growth.
Interested in getting a website or online store that does the work? Reach out through the contact form – together, we'll find the best solution for your needs!