different tools. different purposes. for most trades, you need to understand what each one actually does before deciding where to spend time and money.
what a facebook page does
posts updates, shares photos, collects reviews, sends and receives messages, creates events. good for staying visible to existing customers and collecting social proof through reviews.
what a website does
permanent online presence you control. appears in google search results. works as a business card for anyone who finds you through search. contact point for new customers who weren't already aware of you.
facebook page limitations
you don't own it. the url, the content, the audience — all on facebook's platform. the page can be suspended or restricted. reach declines as the algorithm changes. younger customers use facebook less than they did.
facebook pages are not indexed well by google. someone searching "plumber near me" finds websites, not facebook pages. staying visible requires regular posting — an empty or inactive page looks abandoned.
website limitations
costs money to build and host. requires a domain name, hosting setup, and someone to build it. does not build ongoing engagement the way social media does — people visit when they need something, not regularly.
which to choose
both if possible. website for search visibility and professional presence. facebook for customer engagement and review collection.
website only if you want search traffic and don't want to post regularly.
facebook only if all your work comes through referrals and you want free review collection.
for trades and professional services
website first. most new customers find a tradesperson through search, not social media. a facebook page supports existing customer relationships. a website creates new ones.
a computer web website is £249. home page, contact page, privacy policy. content written, hosting included for the first year.
based in mere, wiltshire. work anywhere.
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