Ever ask yourself, “why do I need a company website when I can just use social media to promote my business?” Why would you want to build a website that has numerous costs (domains, hosting, designers, SEO, updates, maintenance, and more), when you could just setup social media pages for your business on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram … for FREE?
Without question social media is a powerful part of any modern marketing effort, — but it does not replace a company website.
Social Walled Garden
Social media sites are often described as “walled gardens” or digital labyrinths. The goal of a walled garden is to keep the user neatly captive within its confines utilising its features and functionality. Which sounds ideal, so what’s the problem? The problem is that you have no control over what is advertised or shown within the garden walls. For example, a visitor to your Facebook page may also see ads for a competitor– not what you want. It’s also very easy for a user to become distracted on social media, taking away from your message.
Brand Values
Communicating your brand values to your client or customer is vital to the success of your business. Your website is a unique space where you can deliver that message and persuade your prospects into customers. A website is your own space, no rules, no limitations, a place to deliver exactly what it is you want get across to your customers.
Website Analytics
When you drive traffic to your company website you capture extremely useful web analytics. You find everything about what is working with your site and deep insights into how you can improve it. With a social media page you have weak and lacklustre analytics in comparison. Rich analytics can mean understanding your customers better and delivering more value to them.
Company Website Still Relevant
Pages within social media sites are NOT the equivalent of an actual website. Often a social networking presence is a powerful way to engage and connect with your audience. Ultimately it can be used to drive traffic back to your company website and out of the walled garden. The benefits of a coordinated web effort involving a good company website and social media will only be reaped for those that embrace both.
If you think your business could benefit from social media or website design then our company director Sarah is waiting to hear from you.
You can contact her at info@aiminternet.co.uk or call her today on 0870 062 8760.
You might also like to read our blog post, Content Management System and Web Design
