Social Media Isn't a Business Strategy: The Hidden Risks of Not Having a Website

Date Published: 9th February 2025

Is relying on Facebook and Instagram enough for your business? No, and it could be costing you more than you think. While social media can be a great tool for engagement, it’s not a substitute for a website. If your business depends entirely on Facebook or Instagram, you’re not only missing out on potential customers but also risking everything on a platform you don’t control.

In this article, we’ll explore the hidden risks of relying on social media alone and why having your own website is the key to long-term business success.

1. You’re Playing by Facebook & Instagram’s Rules (Not Yours!)

Social media platforms change their algorithms all the time. One day, your posts are getting thousands of views; the next, they barely reach 10% of your followers. Why? Because Facebook and Instagram control who sees your content—not you.

✅ Problem: If your business is 100% dependent on social media, you’re at the mercy of algorithm updates, policy changes, and even platform outages.

✅ Solution: With a website, you own your content, control the customer journey, and are not reliant on a third party’s rules.

2. When Facebook or Instagram Goes Down, So Does Your Business

We’ve all seen it—Facebook and Instagram suddenly go offline for hours (sometimes even an entire day). When this happens, businesses relying solely on social media lose revenue, customer engagement, and sales.

Example of a broken Facebook page

🚨 Imagine this: A customer is ready to book your service or buy your product, but Facebook is down. Without a website, they have no other way to reach you, and you just lost a sale.

🔑 Your website is open 24/7, no matter what happens to social media.

3. Competitors with Websites Will Outrank You on Google

Even if your business name appears on Google, customers searching for your services will see competitors with websites first. Search engines prioritise businesses with an online presence beyond just a Facebook page.

Here’s what happens without a website:

  • ❌ Someone searches for your business, but Google shows competitors with websites first.
  • ❌ A potential customer checks a competitor’s website and finds everything they need.
  • ❌ They choose the competitor, and you lose another sale.

With a properly optimised website, your business can rank higher on Google, attract more customers, and stop losing traffic to competitors.

4. Customers Expect a Website (and Trust It More!)

Today’s consumers are smart. If they’re looking for a service or product, they expect to find a website, not just a Facebook page.

Example of a trustworthy website

📌 What customers think when they see a website:

  • ✅ "This business looks professional."
  • ✅ "They have all the information I need in one place."
  • ✅ "I can trust them—they must be legitimate."

📌 What customers think when they only find a Facebook page:

  • ❌ "Do they still operate?"
  • ❌ "Where can I see all their services and prices?"
  • ❌ "They might not be a serious business."

A website builds credibility, provides all the information customers need, and reassures them that you’re a legitimate business.

🚀 Ready to Take Control of Your Business?

Relying on Facebook and Instagram alone is a risky strategy that limits your growth, costs you customers, and puts your business at the mercy of social media platforms.

With a professional website, you get:

  • More visibility on Google
  • More control over your customer journey
  • More trust from potential customers
  • More sales and bookings

Don’t let competitors with websites take your business away. Invest in your website today and future-proof your business!