Introduction

It’s easier than ever to set up a Facebook account for your business or post a few photos on Instagram, maybe even show what you offer with a price list and call it a day. It might be that you create a really strong social media presence and grow a following there. But is a strong social media presence enough to build and grow a serious business?

The short answer: not for everyone.

Now, full disclosure, I build and sell websites for a living, so I may be somewhat biased, but don’t leave just yet! Social media can be excellent for many small businesses, and it serves as a great starting platform. It may be that some businesses never need to grow beyond social media, and that’s okay! However, even though it offers fantastic tools for visibility and engagement, social media simply can't replace the credibility, control, and growth potential that a professional website provides. If you’re serious about building a brand that lasts, you need more than just likes and shares — you need a digital home that’s fully yours.

In this post, we’ll break down the real differences between social media and websites, and help you decide what your business truly needs to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

What Social Media is Great For

Even though I favour websites, there’s no denying it — social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok have revolutionised the way businesses connect with customers. There are many things it can even do better than a website.

1. It's Free and Easy to Use

Setting up a social media account is quick, free, and doesn’t require any technical skills. This makes it a go-to choice for startups and small businesses looking to establish an online presence fast.

2. Building a Community and Brand Awareness

Social media allows you to create a community around your brand, engage directly with your audience, and build loyalty through regular posts, stories, and updates.

3. Advertising Tools and Audience Targeting

Paid advertising on social media can be incredibly effective. Platforms collect a huge amount of data on their users, allowing you to target your ideal customers with precision.

4. Low Barrier to Entry (But At What Cost?)

While it's easy to get started, it’s important to remember that social media isn’t truly free. You’re operating on rented land — and that comes with serious limitations, which we’ll get into next.

Limitations of Relying on Social Media

Even though social media is certainly powerful, building your business on these platforms alone has its risks. As good as they are for visibility, they come with real limitations that can impact your growth over time.

1. You Don't Own the Platform

When you build an audience on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, you’re building it on borrowed ground. If a platform changes its rules, tweaks its algorithm, or even shuts down (remember MySpace?), you could lose access to your customers overnight.

2. Limited Customisation and Branding

Social media pages are designed to look consistent across users — and that’s great for them, but not always for you. You can’t fully control how your brand looks, feels, or interacts compared to what’s possible with a custom website.

3. Algorithm Dependency

Have you ever found yourself posting just because you feel like you have to — hoping it’ll trigger the all-powerful algorithm?

I know plenty of businesses and content creators who’ve fallen into this trap.

Organic reach (the number of people who see your posts without paid ads) has dropped significantly on most platforms. If you want consistent visibility, you’ll likely need to invest in advertising — and those costs can add up quickly.

4. SEO and Search Visibility Are Poor

You’ll often hear SEO (search engine optimisation) mentioned when people talk about websites — and for good reason. A big part of SEO is about getting ranked higher on Google.

Most people start their search for products or services on Google (think searches like “Web Developers in Cumbria”), not Instagram or Facebook.

Although social media pages can appear in search results, they usually need to be very popular to do so. Without a proper website, your business is much less likely to show up — and that means missing out on potential new customers.

5. Platform Changes Are Beyond Your Control

Social media platforms constantly tweak their layouts, rules, and priorities. What works today might not work tomorrow, and adapting to those changes takes time and effort — with no guarantees of success.

Why a Website Might Be Essential for Your Business

There is a very good reason why most businesses eventually invest in a professional website. A website gives you a level of control, credibility, and flexibility that social media simply can’t match.

Here’s why:

1. Full Ownership and Control

When you have your own website, you’re not at the mercy of someone else’s platform. You own your domain, your design, your content — everything. No sudden algorithm, platform changes, or shutdowns can take it away from you.

2. Trust and Credibility

Having a well-designed website instantly makes your business look more established and trustworthy. It shows customers that you’re serious, professional, and here for the long haul. I think most people these days will Google a business before visiting (I know I do). If they see a website in their search, they’re probably going to have a look. This is where you can turn a potential customer into a sale that might have otherwise missed out on.

3. Search Engine Visibility (Google Search + Local SEO)

There's that word again — SEO. In reality, a website is your ticket to being found on Google — especially for local searches like “Coffee shops in Keswick” or “Web designers in Carlisle.” Good SEO practices (like the ones we can provide) will help your website climb the rankings, putting your business in front of people who are actively looking for what you offer.

4. Better Analytics and Data Ownership

With your own website, you can track exactly how people are finding you, what pages they visit, and how long they stay. Tools like Google Analytics (or even simple ones built into website platforms – like Framer, for example, which is what we use) give you real insights that social media often keeps behind the scenes.

5. Scalable Functionality: E-commerce, Bookings, and More

Websites aren’t just online brochures any more. You can add online stores, appointment booking systems, membership areas, user logins — whatever your business needs. Your website can grow and evolve alongside your business, without limits.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business

Every business is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. I might try to sell a website, but the truth is that the right online presence for you depends on your goals, your audience, and where you want to take your business in the future.

Let's look into it.

When Social Media Alone Might Be Enough

For some very small, local businesses or side hustles, a strong social media presence might actually be enough. If you’re just starting out, testing an idea, or working entirely through word-of-mouth, social platforms can be a great (and low-cost) way to get noticed.

Some examples:

• A hobby baker selling cakes to friends and family.

• A part-time dog walker who picks up local clients via Facebook groups.

• A seasonal market stallholder who mainly advertises through Instagram stories.

In cases like these, the investment in a full website might not make sense straight away.

When You Really Need a Website

If you want your business to grow, look professional, and be easily found online, a website moves from being "nice to have" to being essential.

You’ll likely need a proper website if:

• You want to appear on Google and reach new customers.

• You’re selling products or services online (beyond just DMs and PayPal links).

• You want to build a brand that looks polished and credible.

• You want full control over your online presence and future growth.

In short: if your business is more than just a hobby — or you want it to be — you should start thinking about a website sooner rather than later.

How Fellside Web Studio Can Help

At Fellside Web Studio, we work with businesses of all shapes and sizes to design and build websites that are not just beautiful, but practical and future-proof.

Whether you’re ready to launch your very first site, or you’re thinking about upgrading from social media to a full online home, I can help you find the right solution — no jargon, no pressure.

And if you’re still not sure whether you even need a website yet? Feel free to reach out anyway. We’re always happy to have a chat and help you explore options, even if that option is to agree that social media might just be right for you.

TL;DR - What Do I Need?

Just want the quick answer? Well, social media is an amazing tool — and for some businesses, it might be enough. But if you're serious about building a brand that lasts, about reaching new customers, and about taking control of your online presence, a website is a must.

Think of it this way: social media is like renting a stall at a busy market. A website is like owning your own shop on the high street. Both have their place — but only one gives you full ownership and long-term security.

If you’re ready to start building your digital home, or even if you’re just exploring your options, we would love to help.

Feel free to get in touch with Fellside Web Studio — no hard sell, just honest advice to help you find the right next step for your business.