Short answer: yes — in most cases, having a Facebook page isn't a substitute for having your own website.

Facebook is a valuable tool for businesses. It can help you keep in touch with customers, share updates, show your latest work and reach new people. But relying on Facebook alone means putting your business's online presence almost entirely in the hands of another company.

A website gives you something different: a place online that belongs to your business.

Your website is your digital home

Think of your Facebook page as a shop window on someone else's high street.

It's useful, and lots of people will see it, but you don't control the high street.

Your website is different. You decide what it looks like, what information it contains, how customers navigate it and what you want them to do next.

You can clearly present your services, prices, portfolio, testimonials, contact details and anything else that's important to your customers — without competing with Facebook's layout, advertising or constantly changing features.

Not everyone uses Facebook

It's easy to assume that because Facebook is so popular, everyone will find your business there.

That's not necessarily the case.

A potential customer may search Google for:

"web designer near me"

"local electrician"

"plumber in Sunderland"

or simply search for your business name.

A website gives those people somewhere professional to go when they're looking for information about your business.

A website makes your business look established

Your online presence often creates the first impression of your business.

A Facebook page can certainly look professional, but a well-designed website gives you much more control over that first impression.

It allows you to present your business exactly how you want it presented — from the colours and photography to the way your services and customer reviews are displayed.

It also gives potential customers somewhere to find all the important information in one place.

Facebook and your website work better together

This doesn't mean you should abandon Facebook.

Quite the opposite.

For many businesses, the best approach is to use both.

Your Facebook page can be used for regular updates, news, photographs, promotions and conversations with customers.

Your website can provide the permanent information about your business and act as the place you send people when they want to find out more.

For example, a Facebook post could say:

"We've just completed another kitchen installation. Take a look at the photos!"

The post can then direct people to your website, where they can see your portfolio, learn about your services and get in touch.

Facebook gets people's attention. Your website gives them somewhere to go.

You don't need a huge website

Another common misconception is that having a website means spending a fortune on a huge, complicated site.

It doesn't.

For many small businesses, a simple, well-designed website containing the right information is more than enough.

A few well-structured pages can tell potential customers:

• Who you are

• What you do

• Where you operate

• Why they should choose you

• What previous customers think

• How they can contact you

The important thing isn't necessarily having lots of pages.

It's having the right information, presented clearly and professionally.

So, do you need both?

For most businesses, yes.

Facebook is an excellent marketing and communication platform, but your website is the foundation of your online presence.

You don't have to choose between the two.

Use Facebook to reach people and keep them engaged, and use your website to give them the information they need to become customers.

Your Facebook page is useful. Your website is yours.

And that's a pretty important difference.