Starting a small business and thinking of just running it on Facebook? It’s tempting; after all, creating a Facebook page is quick and easy, and you’re tapping into a massive platform.
Also, Facebook’s Marketplace acts as the ideal platform to sell stuff.
On average, Facebook Marketplace has around 250 million people using it to make sales. In fact, around 40 percent of Facebook’s total monthly active user base shops on Marketplace.
Now, Facebook is a great starting point for selling your products, no doubt there. That being said, selling your products through a full website offers so much more potential. How so? Let’s find out.
Building a Brand, Not Just a Page
Sell exclusively on Facebook and you’re essentially just one page in a sea of countless others. Sell through a website and you’re establishing a real brand. You have your own corner of the internet where your business has a distinct personality and style.
With a website, customers aren’t distracted by their social feeds or ads for other brands. They’re fully immersed in your brand experience. This sense of ownership over your online space can increase customer trust.
What do we learn from this? A professional website feels more reliable and established than a simple Facebook page.
It’s Easier Than Ever to Create a Website
Building a website used to require a ton of time and technical know-how: we know this. However, thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence, creating a professional site is no longer something you need to hire a developer for.
Enter AI website builders.
These AI website creators help streamline the entire web development process. Using an AI website builder, you can simply input your preferences and let the AI work its magic.
Traditional web development methods, on average, will cost you between $1,000 and $145,000 before you finally get a live website. On top of that, expect to spend around 10-14 weeks building your website.
According to Hocoos, AI website generators can get you started with the web development process practically free of cost. Plus, it takes only minutes to build a website when you’re using AI. Hence, in just minutes, you’ll have a polished, mobile-friendly site that reflects your brand and needs.
These AI-powered tools take care of everything, from layout and design to optimizing for different devices. So, even if you’re not tech-savvy, an AI website generator allows you to dive into web development without feeling overwhelmed.
In short, your website is just a few clicks away, opening up a world of possibilities for your business beyond Facebook.
Enhanced Customer Experience with a Website
A Facebook page is quite limited in terms of design and functionality. While you can post updates and manage comments, it’s hardly the same as a well-structured website that guides customers through a journey.
With a website, you can create product pages that let customers view details, read reviews, and easily add items to their cart. Also, unlike on Facebook, you can categorize products so that browsing becomes a breeze.
Customers appreciate a smooth, seamless shopping experience, and a website lets you deliver exactly that. You can set up intuitive navigation, create a FAQ section, and add a blog to share relevant content with customers.
The result? Shoppers are more likely to stay on your site longer, which can lead to more sales.
Reliable Access to Customer Data
Running a business involves understanding your customers, and a website offers powerful tools for gathering data on who they are and what they want. Google Analytics, for instance, lets you track where visitors come from, what pages they visit, and how long they stay.
This level of insight isn’t available with a Facebook page alone.
With customer data from your website, you can make informed decisions on what products to promote. This data-driven approach helps you grow your business more effectively and build a loyal customer base.
While Facebook can help you connect with a large audience, a dedicated website brings your business to a whole new level. It lets you build your brand, create a memorable customer experience, control your marketing strategies, and gain valuable insights from customer data. Also, with AI website builders making web development a breeze, there’s never been a better time to get started.
Therefore, if you’re serious about growing your business, investing in a website is a decision that pays off in countless ways. Don’t settle for a single page in a vast digital landscape; claim your own space on the web, and watch your business flourish.