Social Media vs a Website
Which is right for you?
So often I hear business owners being told they don’t need a website to be successful. They don’t need a website to get started. They just don’t need a website, because social media can do it all.
Well, today I’ve compiled a list of comparisons between a website and social media and which I believe is the more powerful tool.
1 - Ownership
2 - Strongest digital marketing tool
3 - Convert leads to sales
4 - Professionalism
5 - Automations
6 - On-brand customisations
1 - You own your website
Your website, and everything in it, belongs to you.
This means you can say goodbye to fears of losing your content, algorithm changes affecting your reach and the platform crashing constantly.
You have the confidence knowing you can post exactly what you want, when you want and I can not shout this loud enough: YOU CAN USE AS MANY WORDS AS YOU WANT!
Social Media doesn't quite have that luxury.
Since you don't own the platform, you're at risk of them blocking / censoring your account due to their terms and conditions. They’re always changing the algorithm which affects your sales or worse, if they shut down their platform you can lose ALL of your leads.
Not to mention, I created this blog as a social media post and I really couldn’t go into the depth I wanted because of the character restrictions (if that doesn’t prove my point that websites are just better, I don’t know what will haha!)
2 - A website is your strongest digital marketing tool
There, I said it. Websites are more powerful. They’re just better on many levels.
But I have my reasons!
Here’s the thing:
Social media is great for sharing content with a range of audiences, groups and whatnot but ultimately, your reach is limited to those that use the platform. Which means you’re missing out on clients.
Ultimately, more often than not, once you generate leads, part of converting them is directing them back to your home base (aka, your website).
Your website, on the other hand, has a long-term strategy of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) making it easier for a wider range of people and clientele to find you on Google for years to come.
SEO has so many layers, from image optimisation, URLs, headings, paragraphs, page settings, and so much more! It’s a skill that takes time to learn but it is one that will benefit you, your rankings and the ability to be seen and found on Google.
On top of that, you have all the control over your copy, as well as complete branding and customisation on your website - which I’ll talk more about soon!
3 - Convert leads to sales
Social Media is great for capturing and generating leads. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build trust and a community, but really, it’s best for driving traffic BACK TO your website because it’s your actual website that does the magic of converting those people into paid clients.
It’s your website that makes it easy to find the information I need to decide that you are who I want to work with. Its your website and copy that compels me hire you.
Your website copy carries a lot of weight when it comes to client conversions. On Instagram we’re limited to 2,200 characters for a caption. This makes it difficult to really drive home the depth and complexities you might like to share.
Not to mention, for a while, we’ll follow a persons journey on social media, but when we’re ready to work with them, it’s their website we seek to truly make sure they’re the right investment for our business.
4 - Professionalism
Before we buy anything, or hire someone’s services, we usually do a bit of research.
We’ll stalk their social media feeds, look at and compare services or products, but most often, we look for their website.
Why do we do that though? Because a website shows professionalism.
It shows that they are committed to their business and providing a professional service to their clients and customers.
It’s the same for you too.
Your website builds trust and credibility with your audience and helps convert them into sales. As many know, a website is an investment. So if people can see you’re investing into yourself and your business, then they know the commitment is real, and they know you’re committed to helping them better their own self and business.
A business with only social media to show for it, can give off the vibe that you’re only committed to this as a ‘side-hustle’.
Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a side-hustle, making a little extra cash on the side, I understand the struggles myself!
However, to some people it implies that you’re distracted, it’s something you do casually when you have time, because you’re busy focusing on another big picture - like supporting yourself through university (college to my international friends!), or maybe you’re busy with mum-life and it feels like you won’t have the time to prioritise your clients.
Essentially what I’m trying to say is that a side-hustle, to your clients, can appear like a temporary thing that you’re not fully committed to.
This is why a website is so important! It shows that you are a professional, committed to serving your clients the best you can, as a coach, helping them see results in their life.
It helps you position yourself as a go-to expert in your field.
5 - Automations
While social media continues to improve, there’s still only so much that it can do, especially when it comes to a smooth, automated process.
What happens after you capture a lead on social media?
Do you link them back to a website if you have one? Or if you don’t, do they have to ‘DM’ you to get the deets?
DMs are super time consuming. It’s more frustrating if you’re answering the same questions
ALL. THE. TIME.
The thing is, social media is clunky for converting sales and streamlining processes.
It’s hard finding the information you want when you have to go through a bazillion highlights and old posts trying to find the information you’re looking for…
Who are you?
What do you do?
What do I get in your offer?
What does your process look like?
What are your prices?
Ok, that’s all great, but HOW do I work with you?
If you’re answering a lot of questions like this in DMs then it’s time for a website my friend!
Your website will be your best friend. It has potential to be like a VA where it’s automated and connected with your CRM, making your life sooo much simpler.
6 - On-brand customisations
Let’s face it - there’s only so much you can do with social media.
Yes, you can make the grid look so pretty with your images and graphics. You can change your profile image, have a SHORT bio, a link, highlights on Instagram but you don’t get to fully customise the platform to your brand.
Your website is COMPLETELY designed to your brand. Personally, I think a website can have SO MUCH PERSONALITY given you have complete control and freedom over the vibe, layout, design, communication style, everything!
Overall, social media is a great tool to use in marketing but I wouldn’t recommend basing your entire business on it.
A website is far more powerful in its design and function capabilities but it does need traffic. Given that SEO is a long-term strategy, social media does have its uses when it comes to building trust with your audience and driving the traffic TO your website.
Social media also helps provide extra proof that you’re legit.
So, while one is absolutely more capable than the other, I’m not afraid to admit that when used together, I think as a coach, you have the potential to be an unstoppable force of nature!