The Question Every New Business Owner Asks
When you're starting or growing a small business in the UK, one of the first questions you'll face is: do I need a proper website, or is a Facebook page enough?
It's a fair question. Facebook is free, most people are already on it, and setting up a page takes about 20 minutes. A website, on the other hand, costs money and takes time. So why bother?
Here's my honest answer — and it's not as simple as "you need both."
What a Facebook Page Does Well
A Facebook Business Page is genuinely useful for:
- Local visibility — people in your area can find and follow you easily
- Social proof — reviews, likes, and posts build trust quickly
- Community engagement — great for trades, food businesses, and service providers with a local audience
- Quick updates — easy to post offers, photos, and news
- Messenger — customers can contact you directly without picking up the phone
If you're a sole trader just starting out and your customers are mostly local, a Facebook page can absolutely be your first step.
What a Facebook Page Can't Do
Here's where it falls short:
- Google search — Facebook pages rank poorly for most search terms. If someone Googles "IT support in [your town]", your Facebook page is unlikely to appear near the top
- Credibility — many customers — especially businesses — won't take you seriously without a proper website
- Control — Facebook owns your page. They can change the rules, reduce your reach, or suspend your account at any time
- Bookings and enquiries — it's harder to build a proper enquiry or booking flow on Facebook
- Professionalism — a @gmail.com email and a Facebook page signals "hobby", not "business"
What a Website Does That Facebook Can't
A proper website:
- Appears in Google search results for the services you offer
- Gives you a professional email address (you@yourbusiness.co.uk)
- Lets you control exactly how your business is presented
- Builds long-term trust with customers who don't use Facebook
- Works as a 24/7 sales and enquiry tool
For most UK small businesses, a website is the single best long-term investment you can make in your digital presence.
So Which Do You Actually Need?
Here's my honest take:
- Just starting out, very local, tight budget? Start with a Facebook page. It's better than nothing.
- Ready to grow, want to be found on Google, want to look professional? You need a website — and ideally both.
- B2B or service-based business? A website is non-negotiable. Most business customers won't enquire without one.
You Don't Have to Choose — But Start With the Right One
The best approach for most small businesses is a simple, professional website plus an active Facebook page. They work together: your website ranks on Google and converts visitors, while your Facebook page builds community and trust.
If you're not sure where to start, my Starter Business Website service is designed exactly for small UK businesses who need a clean, professional online presence without the agency price tag.
I also offer a Business Digital Audit if you want an honest review of where you currently stand and what to prioritise — no obligation, no jargon.
Or if you'd just like to talk it through, get in touch here and I'll give you a straight answer based on your specific situation.