In this guide7 questions answered
If customers already find you and your calendar is full, you may not need one today. But most businesses do better with one. A Facebook page and a Google Business Profile are great for being found and for staying in touch. They are not yours, though, they show up less in search, and they give you little room to explain your services, show your prices or take bookings. A simple website fills those gaps.
What does a Facebook page do well?
- It is free and quick to set up. You can be online in an afternoon.
- It is great for regulars. Posts, photos and messages keep you in front of people who already know you.
- Reviews and recommendations. Locals often ask for recommendations in Facebook groups.
- Messages. Many customers like sending a quick message instead of calling.
What does a Google Business Profile do well?
A Google Business Profile is how you show up on Google Maps and in the map results on Google Search. For a local business, it is often the most important free listing there is. It shows your hours, reviews, photos, phone number and directions. If you do not have one yet, set it up before anything else. Our guide to getting on Google Maps shows how.
What can a Facebook page not do?
You do not own it
Facebook decides what you can post, who sees it and whether your page stays up. Pages get hacked, restricted or taken down, sometimes by mistake, and getting help can be slow. Google can suspend a business profile too. A website on your own domain is the one place online you fully control.
It does not show up much in Google searches
When someone searches "bathroom remodel in Murfreesboro", Google mostly shows the map results and business websites. A Facebook page rarely ranks for searches like that. Your posts are also hard for Google and AI tools to read and use as sources.
AI tools need something to read
When people ask ChatGPT or Google's AI for a recommendation, those tools read websites, listings and reviews. A website with a clear page for each service gives them something solid to quote. A Facebook feed full of short posts gives them much less. Our guide to AEO explains how this works.
Little room to explain
Customers want to know what you do, what it costs, where you work and why they should pick you. A Facebook page buries that under a feed of posts. A website puts it on one clear page, in order, every time.
It can look less established
For some customers, especially for bigger jobs, a business with only a Facebook page can feel less established. A simple website with your name, services, real photos and reviews tells them you are serious.
When can a Facebook page and Google profile be enough?
- You get most of your work from referrals and regulars.
- You are fully booked and not trying to grow.
- You are testing a side business before committing to it.
Even then, set up your Google Business Profile properly. It costs nothing and it is where most local customers will look you up.
When is a website worth it?
- You want new customers who do not know you yet.
- You offer several services and want each one to show up in search.
- Your jobs are big enough that customers compare a few options before calling.
- You want to take bookings, quote requests or payments online.
- You want to show up when people ask AI tools for a recommendation.
Do I have to choose one?
No, and you should not. The best setup uses all three together. Your Google Business Profile helps people find you on the map. Your Facebook page keeps regulars engaged. Your website ties it all together, and both of the others link back to it. Keep your name, address and phone number the same in all three.
How much does a simple website cost?
Less than many owners expect. Our Starter website is $299, paid once, for up to 3 pages, and you own it. Growth is $999 for 4 to 12 pages, which suits a business with several services. There is no required monthly fee. Care plans start at $49 a month if you want us to keep it updated. Our guide to what a small business website costs compares the options.
Want to see what your website could look like first? We will build you a free homepage preview using what is already on your Facebook page and Google profile, with no obligation.