Why Your Small Business Needs a Professional Website

I'm new to this, so please bear with me as I blog. This topic has been pressing for years for small business owners: Is it better to create a page on a social media platform like Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or LinkedIn? Hosting a website can be expensive (not just in cost but also in know-how) for a small business. They can both be beneficial in numerous ways, and they can also work together to attract customers.

When I'm on social media, I receive a notification to follow a friend's page, which often turns out to be a small business venture they've started.  Then, when I go to their page, I see no website. If they have goods, they usually share them via the ma
rketplace or want the person to contact them directly. I can see some of the advantages of using social media. With social media, you can engage with your clientele and provide a brief overview of your business live without the cost of hosting a site or the extra overhead associated with it. However, one major drawback is that you are limited in the products you can sell, as you must abide by the platform's rules and regulations. Additionally, what about individuals who do not have social media accounts? With those limits, you are reaching part of your potential.

On the other hand, having a website can be costly.  Either have someone build one for you and your brand or attempt to do it yourself. It will cost time and money, but it is yours. You don't have to be restricted by what you sell due to rules and regulations or pay additional fees through specific platforms. Don't get me wrong, there are some restrictions, but that's only if you're hosting through a service like Wix or Bluehost, as they have different storage tiers. 

In all, they both have their pros and cons for using them. Social media is an excellent tool for engaging users and providing a brief overview of your company, goods, and services. However, there are limits to what you can show and the information you can provide. When it comes to hosting or creating a website, you can provide more information about your business, including your goods and services. It can be used as a hub for other social media platforms. Overall, both are great tools. They can be used to share your information with the world and to engage with your clients, generating new leads.