Why You Can No Longer Wait To Have A Website
As social media has been on the rise in recent years, more and more entrepreneurs are exclusively opting for a social media presence rather than for a larger digital footprint.
But what they may be saving in an up-front investment of a site build, they’re ultimately losing in long-term conversions.
In this blog, we’re sharing why social media alone isn’t cutting it anymore and why investing in a website is a smart choice for entrepreneurs struggling to see conversions from social alone.
Why Social Media Alone Isn’t Cutting It Anymore
Ultimately, there are five key reasons why social media just isn’t cutting it anymore and why you’ll see better conversions, brand affinity, and sales from a website. Let’s take a closer look…
Ownership and Control
Social media platforms allow you to create and manage your business's profile, but they ultimately control the rules and algorithms governing your content's reach and visibility.
You may have heard this described as “rented” vs. “owned” platforms. On social media – you’re only renting; however, on a website – you own the real estate.
With a dedicated website, you have full ownership and control over your online space. This means you can tailor your website to reflect your brand's identity, provide a consistent user experience, and make decisions about content presentation without the restrictions imposed by third-party platforms. This also means in the event your social media is hacked or there’s an outage, you still have the ability to communicate with your audience.
Professionalism and Credibility
Having a website lends an air of professionalism and credibility to your business as it's often the first place potential customers or clients will look when they want to learn more about your products or services.
On the other hand, if a potential customer goes to search your site and cannot find any information about you, they’re more likely to take their business to a competitor.
A well-designed website showcases your commitment to your brand and instills trust, whereas relying solely on social media may give the impression that your business isn't as established or serious.
Discoverability and SEO
Search engines are the primary way people discover new businesses and information online. A website that is properly optimized for search engines (SEO) has a better chance of appearing in search results for relevant queries.
Although social media itself is a form of a search engine, social media profiles can be challenging to rank for, or hack the behind-the-scenes, making it harder for potential customers to find you without a dedicated website.
E-commerce and Direct Sales
For businesses that sell products or services, having a website is crucial for e-commerce and direct sales.
While social media can be a valuable channel for promoting your offerings, and newer features like Instagram Shopping have allowed for a more user-friendly shopping experience, it often requires users to leave the platform and navigate through various steps to make a purchase – thus decreasing conversions.
A website streamlines the buying process, providing a more convenient and direct path for customers to complete transactions.
Data and Analytics
Lastly, websites offer comprehensive analytics and data-tracking tools that provide insights into user behavior, traffic, and engagement.
Although many business owners do not currently track this data, it is invaluable for making informed decisions and optimizing your online presence.
Social media platforms offer analytics, but they may not provide the same depth of information about your audience's interactions with your content and often only give you information about the users interacting with you on that particular app in the day-to-day.
Don’t Settle For Social Media Alone
Don’t get us wrong – social media remains a vital component of your online marketing strategy; but it should complement, not replace, your business website.
Having a dedicated website grants you ownership, control, credibility, and the ability to reach a broader audience through search engines. It's a powerful tool for establishing your brand and directly engaging with your audience, making it an essential asset in today's digital business landscape.
If you’d like to hear more about how the team at Lawson House can support you in creating a high-converting website, click here to schedule a call. We’d love to work with you!
