Do you need a website if you have a Facebook Page?

We all have times when we’re on a tight budget. And let’s face it, most people are going to visit Facebook way more often than they’ll visit your website. After all, Facebook has 2.2 billion monthly active users.

But I’m still surprised how often people ask if a Facebook Page can replace a website! While you may or may not need to spend thousands on a website, a Facebook Page can never truly take the place of a website.

Now, I understand not everyone has the budget or know-how to put together a professional-looking website. You may need to start out with a Facebook Page. But getting a great-looking website should be a goal as soon as you can afford it.

Why? Because it puts you in the driver’s seat!

Let’s face it, one of the multiple downfalls of MySpace was that anyone could modify their design, and many people abused that power. Facebook has made a good choice in locking down the design of Company Pages.

That said, as long as your website looks professional, being in control is a good thing! When you control the experience your website visitors have, you are in control of your destiny!

Do visitors to your website get frustrated trying to find something? You can change it!

Want your website to evoke feelings of trustworthiness? You can use imagery and colors to make that happen!

Want to directly collect email addresses of potential leads? As long as you’re compliant with your local laws, you can do that!

Want to change an element of your layout to collect even more leads? You can do that and even test different options on your website!

Finally, don’t forget your Facebook Page is literally a page on someone else’s website. If Facebook decides that you’ve violated their terms of service, whether it’s accidental or on purpose, they can take it down immediately.

Do you really want your business or nonprofit’s online future completely in Facebook’s control?

Now, I’m not saying a Facebook presence is a bad idea. In fact, I think most businesses and nonprofits can benefit from being active on Facebook. Chances are good your target market is on there!

But don’t ignore the options that are only available when you have your own website.