Guide
Do I need a website if I have a Facebook page?
Yes. A Facebook page is a useful extra, but it is not a substitute for a website. You do not own your Facebook page, it can be taken down without warning, it does not show up reliably in Google searches for your trade, and it cannot give you a professional email address or capture enquiries while you sleep. A website is the one online presence you fully control.
Key facts
- Website ownership
- You own and control it fully
- Facebook risk
- Can be suspended or restricted at any time
- Google visibility
- Websites rank for local trade searches
- Best approach
- Website first, Facebook as a supplement
What a Facebook page is good for
A Facebook page is a good addition to your online presence. It is free, it lets customers message you, it shows your reviews, and it can appear in local Facebook searches. For businesses whose customers are active on Facebook, it is worth having.
But it is a supplement to a website, not a replacement. Relying on Facebook alone means you are building your business on rented land.
Why a website matters
A website does six things a Facebook page cannot:
1. It shows up in Google when someone searches for your trade in your area. Facebook pages rarely rank well for these searches.
2. You own it. Facebook can change its rules, limit your reach or suspend your page at any time. Your website is yours.
3. It gives you a professional email address (you@yourbusiness.co.uk) instead of a Facebook Messenger chat.
4. It captures enquiries 24/7 with a form, and can send instant text-back to missed callers.
5. You control the design, the words and the call to action. On Facebook, the layout is fixed.
6. It works for customers who do not use Facebook, which is a significant portion of older homeowners.
| Feature | Website | Facebook page |
|---|---|---|
| Shows in Google searches | Yes | Rarely for local trade searches |
| You own it | Yes | No (Facebook controls it) |
| Professional email | Yes | No |
| Captures enquiries 24/7 | Yes | Only via Messenger |
| Custom design | Yes | No |
| Works without an account | Yes | No |
| Cost | From £350 one-off | Free |
The risk of Facebook-only businesses
We have spoken to tradespeople who lost their entire online presence overnight because Facebook suspended their page or changed its rules. One roofer we know had 200 five-star reviews on Facebook, then his page was restricted for a week after a false flag. He lost three jobs that week because customers could not find him.
A website is your insurance policy. Even if your Facebook page disappears, your website is still there, still ranking on Google, still taking enquiries.
The best setup: both
The most effective approach is to have a website as your main online presence and a Facebook page as a supplementary channel. Your website handles Google searches, enquiries and bookings. Your Facebook page handles social proof, community engagement and reviews. The two should link to each other.
This is what we set up for most of our trade customers: a fast website from £350, plus a Google Business Profile and, where relevant, a Facebook page, all working together.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just use Facebook and not bother with a website?
You can, but you are taking a risk. Facebook can suspend your page, change its rules or reduce your reach at any time. You also will not show up in Google searches for your trade, which is where most new customers are looking.
How much does a basic website cost vs a free Facebook page?
A Facebook page is free. A basic trade website costs from £350 one-off. The website pays for itself with one or two jobs that you would have missed otherwise.
Will a website get me more calls than Facebook?
For most trades, yes. People search Google for a plumber or electrician in their area, not Facebook. A website that ranks in Google will reach customers who never use Facebook at all.
Can my Facebook reviews go on my website?
Yes. You can display Facebook reviews on your website, and we recommend it. But you should also collect reviews on your Google Business Profile, which helps your local search ranking.
Do older customers use Facebook?
Some do, but many homeowners over 50 do not use Facebook or prefer not to message businesses through it. A website with a phone number and a simple form works for everyone.
Should I link my website to my Facebook page?
Yes. Link them both ways. Your website should have a button to your Facebook page for reviews and updates, and your Facebook page should have your website link in the about section.
Book a free discovery call
We will look at your business, answer your questions and show you what your website could look like, all for free.