Facebook VS Website: Which is better?

True story. I just googled a local restaurant to get some information from their website. Google search results indicated that they did not have a website but they did have a facebook page. Okay. So I clicked on that hoping the information I was after would be on their facebook page. Last active post? 2012. Are you kidding me? And I know they’re still in business! I just drove by their shop a few days ago!

Here’s another example. I need some spa services. I know I want a facial but I’m not sure which kind, which products the spa uses, and how much the services cost. The spa has a facebook page with their address and phone number but no menu of services, no staff bios, no information on products. So what do I do? Find another spa that will give me more information up front in exchange for my money. I’m going to spend my money. But it all boils down to who makes my life easier and who impresses me? Treat me like a lady, dammit!

So, what are the most important take aways to make you realize you still need a freakin’ website no matter how immersed the public is in themselves - ahem, I mean, you…. I mean, social media.

• Don’t count on your customer base to see your posts. News feeds are a fickle beast and just because people Like your page does not mean they can see all your posts.

• Facebook is like a standard Honda Accord in factory grey. Having a website is the equivalent of being on MTV’s mid-2000’s Pimp My Ride and getting an insane paint job, diamond encrusted rims and purple shag seats with mini fish tanks in the head rests. It’s the difference between blending in and being YOU.

• Remember, live by the Wow Factor! It’s a thing for a reason!

• Utilize facebook to boost your web presence and retain your interested customers. Maintain a dialogue with them that you know they’re actually seeing by creating a newsletter (introduce/educate/inspire) and then tell the online world about your story, getting them to subscribe to your newsletter so you never lose touch. Use facebook to enforce the action you want from them (yes, their money, but also): remembering who you are and why they need you in their life.

It’s like a crush at school - do you want to leave them a love note in their locker that could fall out in the next hasty book exchange between classes? Or do you want to go to the pawn shop and buy a boombox to take with you to their front yard so you can blast a romantic love song towards their heart?

Don’t risk being invisible. Make it damn clear you’re here, breathing, alive and interesting.