Do you need a website when you have social media?

The golden question for many business owners is, do you start a website or focus on Instagram and Facebook first? Many social media platforms are yet to create a full-blown retail-friendly interface. However, many small-medium sized businesses are finding ways to sell online without the start-up costs associated with a website. Although social media is great for getting eyes over your brand, it may be more important to view the platforms as a tool to drive traffic through to your website. Below, we talk share 4 reasons why websites are the most powerful player for a business owner:

You own the property and the content!

There is no denying that having a website is less risk-averse than using somebody else's. This is the case with social media platforms, where you don't technically own any of the site and could be at risk of your page being interefered with, removed or lost. Websites entitle you to some Intellectual Property rights because you are paying for a domain.

You can easily automate processes such as payment systems

Processing orders, sending emails to confirm shipments, registrations, feedback and so on... imagine doing all of those processes manually? The digital world is intended to make processes more simplified, giving business owners more time to focus on the stuff that technology can’t do. Such as strategy, managing staff, storefronts, events etc. When you own a website, the possibilities are endless for what you can set up automatically. Think about all the touchpoints you experience when buying something online, all of this can be achieved via an intuitive website platform.

Search engines honour websites

A sure way to be discovered online is via search engines. And having a website is a sure way to get noticed! If your website has relevant content that a search engine will deem important enough to rank, you will be sure to see traffic going to your website (win!). Social media pages are not often ranked as they lack SEO capabilities.

It can form part of your overall brand

The design elements on your website can reflect your brand personality and is an extension of your business. Unlike social media platforms where you have a small area to customies your brand, websites allow you to have control over colours, formatting, font types, media and more.