Website vs Social Media: Why You Need Both

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Do I really need a website when I’ve already got a decent following on Facebook or Instagram?” – you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear from UK small business owners, especially tradespeople and service providers who are already juggling fifty other things before lunch.

So let’s get real for a moment: your business needs both a website and social media. But one of them should come first. (Spoiler alert – it’s your website.)

In this post, we’ll walk you through:

• Why social media alone isn’t enough

• What a website can do that social media can’t

• How both work together to bring in more leads

• Real examples from small UK businesses

• FAQs to help you decide what to do next

And if by the end of this, you're nodding along and ready to get started, we’ll tell you exactly how to do it without spending a fortune or battling with tech headaches.

Social Media: Great But Not the Whole Picture

Let’s give credit where it’s due: social media is brilliant for visibility, engagement, and community building.

You can:

• Post daily updates and behind-the-scenes photos

• Chat directly with your audience in comments or DMs

• Promote your offers and run giveaways

• Get feedback and reviews

• Reach new people through shares and hashtags

Sounds great, right? And it is – to a point.

But here’s the thing…

You don’t own your social media account.
You’re building your business on rented land.

Let that sink in for a second.

The Facebook Fiasco: An All-Too-Common Tale

Let’s take “Sue” – a real business owner we spoke to in Basildon. Sue runs a mobile beauty service and built a strong local following on Facebook over two years. One day, her business page was mysteriously restricted. She couldn’t post, message, or even boost ads.

Facebook never explained why.

No warning. No appeal. No business.

Her bookings dried up within weeks. And because she’d never built a proper website, she had nowhere else to send her customers. Sue’s story isn’t rare. It’s more common than you’d think.

Why a Website Comes First (Even Before Social Media)

Let’s break down the reasons your website should be the foundation of your online presence:

1. You Own It

Your website is yours. No algorithm changes. No shadow bans. No one can delete it except you.

It’s your digital home.

2. It Builds Trust

When people look you up, they expect to find a website. No matter how flashy your Instagram is, if you don’t have a website, it feels… unfinished.

Think about it – when you search for a plumber, would you rather book someone with:

• Just a Facebook page and a dodgy hot tub photo from 2020
  or

• A professional website with reviews, service info, and a phone number?

Exactly.

3. It Shows Up in Google Searches

Social media posts rarely appear in search engine results.

Your website, on the other hand, can show up when someone types:

• “electrician in Southend”

• “wedding cakes near me”

• “emergency locksmith Canvey Island”

No boosting. No paying for ads. Just showing up when people need you.

4. You Can Update It Anytime

Got a new service? Changing prices? Holiday hours?

Your website can reflect that instantly.

And if you use the right platform (like the one we use at the 99 Quid Website), you don’t have to mess around with coding or plugins – it’s built to be easy.

5. It’s the Hub of Your Online World

Your social media? Great for chatting and connecting. But your website?

That’s where you book the job.

Social is the invite. The website is where they RSVP and show up.

Real Example: John the Roofer

John, a roofer in Grays, came to us saying, “I don’t need a website. I get all my work from Facebook.”

We asked him one question: “How do people find you when your posts get buried?”

He realised people weren’t seeing his posts unless he boosted them – and even then, they weren’t always converting.

We built John a simple website with:

• Services listed clearly

• Local keywords (hello, “Grays flat roof repairs”)

• A quote request form

• A Google Map pin

Six weeks later, he was getting leads from people Googling roofing in his area – not just Facebook friends.

Now, his Facebook points people to his website. It works. He gets more jobs. And he stopped paying to boost posts altogether.

What Happens When You Only Have One

1. Only Social Media (No Website)

You risk:

• Losing everything if your account is blocked

• Missing out on Google traffic

• Looking less professional

• Relying on paid ads for visibility

2. Only Website (No Social Media)

You miss:

• A free way to build community

• Word-of-mouth referrals via shares

• Easy daily updates

• Instant engagement with your audience

So Which Should You Start With?

We recommend: Start with your website.

Here’s why:

• It gives your business a home base

• You can start collecting leads right away

• Social media can then drive people to your site

• It’s a long-term asset (not just a trend)

• It builds your credibility from Day One

Think of it like this…

Website = Your Shop
Social Media = Your Signposts

You wouldn’t set up posters all over town if you didn’t have a shop for people to walk into.

FAQs: Websites vs Social Media

Do I need to be on every social media platform?

Nope. Pick one or two where your audience hangs out. For example, if you’re a florist, Instagram is brilliant. If you’re a driving instructor, Facebook and Google are a good combo.

What if I don’t have time to manage a website?

That’s why we exist! At the 99 Quid Website Company, we build simple, stress-free websites that work hard in the background while you’re out doing what you do best. No faff, no tech headaches.

How much should I pay for a small business website?

Some agencies will quote thousands. That’s fine if you need something fancy. But most local service businesses just need something clear, fast, and easy to update.

That’s what we do – professional websites for just £99, built on our own reliable platform (no WordPress dramas here).

Can I use my website instead of social media?

You can – and many do. But we recommend using both. Your website is your base. Your social media is your mouthpiece. Together, they work wonders.

Isn’t it easier to just use my Facebook page?

It’s easier at first, sure. But long-term, it’s risky. If Facebook changes the rules (again), or you lose your page, you’re back to square one. A website gives you control.

Why 99 Quid Websites?

We build websites for real people – trades, small businesses, sole traders, and service providers across the UK.

✅ Built on our own solid platform
✅ No plugins, no jargon
✅ You own your site – always
✅ Support when you need it
✅ Built to get found in Google

All for just £99+_Vat. Because getting a proper website shouldn’t feel like you’re applying for a mortgage.

Don’t Build on Borrowed Land

Social media is brilliant – but unpredictable. You can build a loyal following one week and have it disappear the next.

Your website? That’s yours for life.

Start with your website. Get the foundations right. Then let social media do what it’s good at – bringing people to your digital doorstep.

Ready to Finally Get a Website That Works?

If you’ve been putting it off or thinking “I’ll do it next month,” let’s make it happen. Your future customers are already searching for what you offer. Let’s make sure they find you – not your competitor.

👉 Contact Us Here today and get your professionally built website for just £99.

Let’s get your business online the right way – simple, smart, and built to last.