What a Facebook page does well
- It’s free and quick to set up.
- It’s great for keeping in touch with existing customers and sharing recent work.
- Reviews, photos and messages all in one place.
- Local groups can bring in word-of-mouth work.
What it can’t do
| Facebook page only | Your own website | |
|---|---|---|
| Found on Google | Rarely shows for “service near me” searches | Can rank for your services and areas |
| Who owns it | Meta does; rules, reach and features change without warning | You do |
| Reach | Most of your followers won’t see a typical post | Anyone searching can find it |
| Recommended by AI | AI assistants find little they can quote | Clear pages AI tools can read and recommend |
| Trust | Can look like a hobby or side-line | Looks established and professional |
| Control | Facebook’s layout, Facebook’s ads beside you | Your design, your message, no competitors |
The biggest risk: you don’t own it
Pages get restricted, accounts get hacked and rules change. If your whole business lives on a social media page, losing access means losing your shop window overnight. A website and your own domain are yours, and your Google Business Profile adds a second, free way to be found.
When a Facebook page is enough, for now
If you’re just starting out, most of your work comes from word of mouth, and you’re not trying to be found by strangers on Google, a Facebook page plus a free Google Business Profile can be enough for a while. Spend your money on the business first.
When it’s time for a website
- You want work from people who don’t already know you.
- Customers ask for your website, or you’ve lost jobs to businesses that have one.
- You want to show prices, services and areas clearly, in one place.
- You want to take bookings, enquiries or payments properly.
- You’re tendering for contracts, where a professional website is expected.
Use both, properly
The best set-up is a website as your home base, a Google Business Profile to win local searches, and social media to stay in touch. Link them all to each other and use the same business name everywhere. See what a small business website should include for the essentials.
When you don’t need me
If a Facebook page and a Google Business Profile are bringing in all the work you can handle, you don’t need a website yet. When you’re ready to be found by new customers, see how much a website costs in Birmingham.
Written by Ben Brailsford-Chambers, the web designer behind Clever Rabbit in Oldbury. Last updated 25 October 2026. More guides