if you run a small business in the uk, you’ve probably wondered at some point whether you really need a website. after all, you’ve got a facebook page, maybe even an instagram account. people are liking your posts, commenting on your reels, and maybe even messaging you directly. so what’s the point of having a website too?
on the flip side, maybe you’ve heard you have to have a website if you want to look professional and grow. and now you’re torn. so, website or social media? where should your business live online? let’s dig into it and see which one actually works best for you.
what’s the real difference, anyway?
on the surface, websites and social media both help you promote your business online. but they’re not built the same way, and they definitely don’t do the same things.
social media is like going to a really busy market or networking event. there’s noise, energy, and loads of people. you can chat, post, comment, and connect quickly. websites, on the other hand, are more like a shopfront or office space. it’s calm, it’s yours, and people come there to focus on you.
control vs chaos
on your website, you’re the boss. you decide the design, the content, the structure, and what visitors see. it doesn’t change without your say-so.
with social media, you’re renting space. the platform makes the rules. algorithms decide who sees your posts. features change all the time. your account could even get suspended for something out of your control. scary, right? a website gives you long-term stability.
first impressions matter
when someone googles your business name, what do they find? if it’s just a facebook page with a few posts and no clear info, that might raise some eyebrows.
a website shows you mean business. it creates instant trust. even a simple site with your logo, services, and contact info makes you look more legit than just a social page. people expect businesses to have websites. it’s not about being fancy. it’s about showing up professionally.
absolutely lost and just have no interest in learning how to sort your website out?
no worries. hit that button, and let’s organise a chat. it’s free and i don’t bite.
where the sales actually happen
think of social media as the party and your website as the checkout counter. sure, you can chat on instagram, build hype on tiktok, and share updates on facebook. but when it’s time to actually book, buy, or get in touch — that’s where a website shines.
your website can have booking forms, online shops, price guides, and testimonials all in one place. it makes it super easy for someone to move from “interested” to “ready to buy” without distractions.
a website is no longer a luxury.
it’s part of the toolkit. it helps people find you, understand what you do, and feel confident choosing your business. and with affordable options out there, now’s a great time to get started.
distractions are everywhere on social media
you know how it goes. you’re checking out a business on facebook, then a cat video pops up. suddenly, you’re laughing at a meme and forgot what you were doing. your customer probably does the same.
your website, though, keeps their focus on you. there are no ads, no viral videos, no other brands competing for attention. it’s just you, your offer, and a clear next step. that kind of focus is priceless.
content that works harder
social media posts come and go fast. you post something amazing on monday, and by wednesday it’s buried under 20 other things. the shelf life is short.
with a website, your content sticks around. blog posts, service pages, and faqs keep working for you day after day. they can even show up in google searches, bringing in new visitors without you lifting a finger. it’s like planting seeds instead of throwing confetti.
but hey, social media still matters
now, we’re not saying ditch social media altogether. it’s a great tool for engaging with your audience, showing personality, and staying top-of-mind.
use it to drive traffic to your website, share behind-the-scenes content, and connect with your community. think of it as the bridge that brings people to your business, not the business itself.
the sweet spot is using both
here’s the real magic — when you combine a solid website with active social media. your website acts as your reliable hub, while your socials bring in energy, updates, and engagement.
they each play different roles, and together they create a well-rounded online presence. the website builds trust, handles bookings, and ranks in search results. social media gets attention, builds relationships, and spreads your message. it’s a powerful duo when done right.
what’s right for your business?
if you’re just starting out and cash is tight, social media can be a great launchpad. but if you’re serious about growing, you’ll need a website eventually. it doesn’t have to be big or expensive — just clear, clean, and helpful.
start where you are, but keep your goals in mind. if you want people to take your business seriously, trust you, and book with ease, a website isn’t optional. it’s essential.
final thoughts from someone who builds both
as someone who helps small uk businesses with websites, i get this question all the time. “can’t i just stick with facebook?” sure, you can. but you’ll be relying on a platform that’s not built with your business’s long-term success in mind.
your website is your digital home. your socials are your digital pub. you need both, but one should definitely be in charge.