On this page
- 01Key takeaways
- 02Do you need a website if you have a Facebook page?
- 03How do the costs compare?
- 04What does a website do that Facebook cannot?
- 05What are the risks of Facebook only?
- 06When is a Facebook page enough for now?
- 07What does this look like in practice?
- 08Website vs page checklist
- 09Next step
- 10Sources and further reading
- 11Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
A Facebook page is free to set up, while a basic website costs about £200 to £3,000 plus running costs. Facebook helps you reach and talk to local customers; a website helps you be found in search, show full information and own your presence. Relying on social media alone leaves you exposed to platform changes, so most businesses benefit from both.
- Facebook page: free, plus your time.
- Basic website: about £200 to £3,000.
- Website: found in search, fully controlled.
- Facebook: reach and conversation.
Want to know if you need a website yet? Message us on WhatsApp.
Chat on WhatsApp →Do you need a website if you have a Facebook page?
Most businesses do. A Facebook page is good for updates and conversation, but customers searching on Google often look for a website, and you do not control a social platform's rules, reach or account access. A simple website gives you a home you own that search engines can find.
How do the costs compare?
A Facebook page costs nothing to create but takes ongoing time to post and reply. A basic website costs about £200 to £500 a year to self-build or £1,000 to £3,000 from a freelancer, plus running costs. Both cost time; only the website costs cash to start.
- Facebook page: free, time to post and reply.
- DIY website: about £200 to £500 a year.
- Freelancer website: about £1,000 to £3,000.
Want a low-cost website to sit alongside your page? Message us on WhatsApp and we will discuss your requirements.
Chat on WhatsApp →What does a website do that Facebook cannot?
A website appears in search results for your services, holds full service and price information, gives you a domain and email address, and cannot be suspended by a platform. You can also track enquiries clearly as key events and add booking or payments.
What are the risks of Facebook only?
The risks are losing access if the account is hacked or restricted, falling organic reach, and invisibility to customers who search on Google rather than Facebook. Your audience and content belong to the platform's terms, not to you.
When is a Facebook page enough for now?
A Facebook page can be enough for a very new business testing demand locally, or one whose customers live on Facebook groups. Pair it with a free Google Business Profile, and plan a simple website once work becomes regular.
What does this look like in practice?
At Global Bridge Labs (GBL), a UK cake maker ran entirely from a Facebook page until the account was locked for two weeks. Orders stopped. A £600 builder site with prices, a gallery and an order form now sits alongside the page, and search brings orders from people who never used Facebook.
Website vs page checklist
- Keep your Facebook page active.
- Set up a Google Business Profile.
- Register your domain.
- Build a simple website you control.
- Link the page and site to each other.
- Track enquiries from each.
Next step
Search Google for your service and town. If competitors with websites appear and you do not, it is time for a simple site.
Message us on WhatsApp for a simple website plan, or book a 30-minute consultation.
Chat on WhatsApp →Sources and further reading
- Google Business Profile Help · Google
- SEO Starter Guide · Google Search Central
- About key events · Google Analytics Help
Frequently asked questions
Can a Facebook page replace a website?
For a very new business it can work for a while, but it rarely replaces a website long term. A website appears in search results, holds full information, cannot be suspended by a platform and gives you a professional domain and email. Most businesses benefit from both.
Is a website or social media more important for a small business?
They do different jobs. Social media helps you reach and talk to people; a website helps you be found in search and turn interest into enquiries with full information you control. If you must choose one first, local service businesses often gain more from a simple website and Google Business Profile.
How much does a basic website cost compared with social media?
A Facebook page is free to create but takes time each week. A basic website costs about £200 to £500 a year to self-build, or £1,000 to £3,000 from a freelancer, plus small running costs. The website's cash cost is modest compared with the control it gives you.
Written by
Global Bridge Labs (GBL) is a UK–Sri Lanka partner for social media, websites and BPO. Everything here comes from client delivery, not theory.
