The short answer

If your work comes entirely from referrals and repeat customers, a Facebook page might be fine for now. If you want strangers to find you and trust you, I'd get a website. It doesn't have to be big or expensive.

What a website does that Facebook doesn't

  • You control it. Facebook can change how your page looks, who sees your posts or whether your account stays active. A website on your own domain stays yours.
  • Everyone can see it. Some people don't use Facebook at all, and some pages push visitors to log in.
  • It can answer more searches. A page for each service and town gives you more chances to appear when someone searches for what you do.
  • The important details stay easy to find. On Facebook, your prices and services get buried under your latest posts.
  • It looks established. You also get a business email at your own domain.

When Facebook is enough, at least for now

  • You're testing a side business and don't know if it'll last.
  • You're fully booked by word of mouth.
  • Your customers are already an active Facebook community.

If that's you, spend your time on your free Google Business Profile first. It's often the best free thing a local business can do.

The smallest website worth having

For a lot of small businesses, one to three pages covers it: what you do, where you do it, why someone should trust you and how to reach you. My Starter package is $750 for this. You can add more later, and see the full breakdown in my website pricing guide.

Keep your Facebook page, too. They do different jobs. Facebook is good for keeping up with people who already know you. Your website is the place that explains your business to people who don't.

Common questions

Is a Facebook page enough for a small business?

It can be at the very start, or if all of your work comes from referrals. If you want new customers to find and trust you, a website is worth having.

Will a website help me show up on Google?

It gives you a much better chance, since you can have pages about each service and area. It isn't a guarantee, and your Google Business Profile matters a lot for local searches too.

Should I delete my Facebook page if I get a website?

No. Keep it and link the two together. Facebook is good for regular updates, and your website holds the information people need before hiring you.

Have a question about your own site?

Tell me what you're trying to do. I'll give you a straight answer and a flat-rate quote if you need one, usually the same day.

Get a free quote