After the recent Facebook down time, it shined a light on the fact that many businesses rely on a single social media channel; and are therefore at their mercy. Here are a few reasons why you should NOT rely solely on social media as your online presence.
Have a website of your own
One of the main reasons why we recommend you have your own website is two-fold:
- You can build traffic to your company with bespoke and eCommerce websites and are in complete control of the content, design and image you put forward to your clients
- You are not reliant on social media channels that may go down without warning, or demand you place ads in order to reach people. You can focus on quality content that addresses user demand, and work towards a solid long term strategy
No control
Social media algorithms are the bane of marketers lives - they change all too frequently. This means constant changes to social media strategies, and being at the mercy of changes that impact your business.
Social media companies are also keen for revenue, so you will be pushed towards buying ads rather than organically growing your following.
Relying solely on social media for your business is not an ideal business model; and relying on one social media channel is even worse.
Use social media AND your own website in tandem
The ideal situation is to have your own website and use social media in tandem. They can organically grow together and have mutually beneficial advantages. Your social channels will send traffic to your website, and your customers can share your website across their social media.
Together, social and your own website can be powerful allies. But relying solely on one or other, and having all your eggs in one basket, should be avoided if possible.
