Website vs. Social Media: Why You Need Both for Success
Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket – Build a Stronger Online Presence with Both!
Think Social Media is Enough? Think Again.
Many small business owners skip building a website because they think Facebook or Instagram is enough.
🚨 The problem? Social media platforms change constantly, and if you rely on them alone, you’re taking a huge risk.
Facebook’s organic reach has dropped to just 5.2%. (Source: Hootsuite) This means only a small fraction of your followers actually see your posts—unless you pay for ads.
A website and social media work best together. Here’s why you need both to grow your business.
1. Ownership & Control – You Own Your Website, But Not Social Media
Imagine waking up one day and finding out your Facebook page is suspended. It happens all the time, and businesses lose years of followers and content overnight.
Your Website:
- You own it—no one can take it away.
- You control the content, design, and functionality.
- Customers always know where to find you, even if social media changes.
Social Media:
- Not yours—Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok can change algorithms or ban accounts anytime.
- Your reach depends on their rules, not yours.
One-third of small businesses have experienced a social media account suspension or restriction. (Source: Sprout Social)
🔥 Pro Tip: A website is your digital home base—social media should be a tool, not your entire strategy.
2. Visibility & Searchability – Google Ranks Websites, Not Just Social Media Posts
When people search “best coffee shop near me”, do you want your business to show up on Google?
Your Website:
- Ranks on Google (SEO helps new customers find you).
- Shows up in local searches (Google prioritizes websites over social media pages).
- Drives long-term traffic—unlike social media posts, which disappear quickly.
Social Media:
- Limited reach—posts fade within hours and aren’t easily searchable.
- No control over who sees your content (only about 5% of followers see your posts organically).
93% of online experiences start with a search engine. (Source: Search Engine Journal)
🔥 Pro Tip: Want more customers? A Google-optimized website brings in traffic long after you publish content.
3. Lead Generation & Sales – Websites Capture More Customers
Social media is great for engagement, but it doesn’t offer the same sales & lead generation tools as a website.
Your Website:
- Customers can buy directly from your online store.
- Lead capture forms help you collect emails & grow your customer base.
- Online booking systems allow clients to schedule appointments.
Social Media:
- Followers can’t easily shop or book services without leaving the platform.
- You’re forced to rely on DMs or external links, which lowers conversions.
Websites convert more leads than social media pages, with an average 2.35% conversion rate. (Source: HubSpot)
🔥 Pro Tip: Use your website to capture leads and turn social media followers into paying customers.
4. Customer Trust & Branding – A Website Builds More Credibility
Would you trust a business with just a Facebook page but no website?
Your Website:
- Looks more professional (custom branding, detailed information, testimonials).
- Builds trust & credibility (customers expect real businesses to have a website).
- Allows you to create an FAQ, About Us page, and product/service details.
Social Media:
- Lacks depth—limited space to showcase your full brand story.
- Customers may question if your business is legitimate or temporary.
56% of consumers won’t trust a business without a website. (Source: Verisign)
🔥 Pro Tip: A professional website shows you’re serious about your business and builds instant credibility.
How to Make Your Website & Social Media Work Together
A strong digital marketing strategy includes both a website and social media. Here’s how they should work together:
Use Social Media To:
✔️ Attract new customers & engage with your audience.
✔️ Promote blog posts, services, and special offers.
✔️ Direct people to your website for more information & purchases.
Use Your Website To:
✔️ Rank on Google & bring in long-term traffic.
✔️ Capture leads & process sales.
✔️ Provide a central hub for all your business details.
Businesses that combine a website with social media marketing see a 27% increase in sales compared to those using only one. (Source: Forbes)
🔥 Pro Tip: Think of social media as the bait and your website as the fishing net—you need both to catch customers.
Websites + Social Media = Business Growth
Want to grow your business online? Here’s what to do next:
Step 1: Set up a professional website as your digital home base.
Step 2: Use SEO to rank on Google & attract new customers.
Step 3: Use social media to engage your audience & drive traffic to your site.
Step 4: Capture leads & convert visitors into paying customers.
Need a website that works with your social media? YORK Digital Services can build a Google-optimized, high-converting website for your business.
Let’s Get You Online – Contact Us Today! →
Sources:
Hootsuite, Facebook’s Organic Reach Has Dropped to 5.2%
Sprout Social, One-Third of Small Businesses Have Had a Social Media Account Suspended
Search Engine Journal, 93% of Online Experiences Start With a Search Engine
HubSpot, Websites Convert More Leads Than Social Media Pages
Verisign, 56% of Consumers Won’t Trust a Business Without a Website
Forbes, Businesses Using a Website + Social Media See a 27% Increase in Sales