How To Use Facebook For Your Small Business

Let’s be real—running a small business is hectic, and getting the word out can feel like shouting into the void. That’s where Facebook swoops in like a superhero for small businesses. It’s free to start, easy to use, and packed with ways to reach people. But while it’s awesome for promotion, pairing it with a custom website takes things to a whole new level.

Here’s why Facebook is your go-to tool, how a website makes you look like a pro, and some tips to use them together to grow your business.

Facebook: Your Small Business Bestie

If you’re not on Facebook yet, you’re missing out. With billions of people scrolling through it every day (seriously, like 2.9 billion as of 2025), it’s a goldmine for small businesses. Here’s why it’s so great:

• It’s Cheap and Easy: You can set up a page in minutes and start posting for free. Want to splash out? Facebook Ads let you target exactly who you want—say, dog lovers in your town—for just a few quid.

• Chat with Your Crowd: People can like, comment, or message you right away. It’s like having a virtual coffee shop where customers can chat with you and each other.

• Spread the Word Fast: Got a flash sale or a new product? Pop it on Facebook, and your followers see it instantly. If they share it, even better—free word-of-mouth!

• Build a Squad: Pages and groups let you create a little community around your business. Think of it as a fan club that keeps coming back.

For anyone starting out or keeping things lean, Facebook is a no-brainer. You can post a pic of your latest cake, handmade jewellery, or whatever you’re selling, and bam—people are seeing it. It’s quick, it’s fun, and it works.

Okay, But What About a Website?

Now, don’t get me wrong—Facebook is ace for getting noticed, and I’m not here to knock it. It’s brilliant for shouting about your business and getting eyes on what you do. But if you’re ready to level up, stop faffing about, and look like the real deal, a custom website is where it’s at. It’s not just a step above a social page—it’s a whole different league. Here’s why it beats relying on Facebook alone:

• You’re the Boss: Facebook’s layout? Same old, same old for everyone—scroll through, and it’s just a sea of identical pages. Snooze. With a website, you’re in charge. You pick the colours, slap up the pics you love, and create a vibe that screams you. Want a funky design for your quirky gift shop or a sleek look for your plumbing biz? It’s all up to you, not some cookie-cutter template.

• Looks Legit: Let’s keep it real—a sharp, tidy website makes people trust you more. If someone’s choosing between your Facebook page and a competitor with a proper site, guess who’s winning? People reckon a business with a custom website is more serious about what they do. Stats even back this up—most folks say they’d rather spend their cash with a company that’s got a decent online setup over just a social profile.

• More Room to Shine: Facebook posts are tiny—great for a quick “Hey, check this out!” but rubbish if you want to tell your story or show off properly. A website gives you space to go big. Add a page about how you started, chuck in a gallery of your best work, pop in a contact form so people can get in touch easy, or even set up a shop. It’s all the juicy details that won’t squeeze into a status update.

• Google Loves It: Here’s a biggie—when someone’s searching “best coffee in [your town]” or “dog groomers near me,” your Facebook page might not even show up. It’s lost in the feed, drowned out by cat memes and rants. A website, though? Get it sorted with some clever tweaks (SEO, if you’re fancy), and it’ll climb the Google ranks. That means new customers finding you without you lifting a finger.

• It’s Yours Forever: Facebook’s fab until it isn’t. One dodgy post, a random ban, or a sudden algorithm switch, and poof—your audience is gone. With a website, you’re not at the mercy of some tech giant in California. It’s your little corner of the internet, and no one can take it away. That peace of mind? Priceless.

Facebook’s awesome for the quick hype—think of it as your megaphone. But a website? That’s your business’s home base, a proper spot where people can kick back, browse, and get to know you. It’s the difference between renting a stall at a market and owning your own shop. And the best part? You’re not stuck hoping some big tech company doesn’t change the rules overnight.

Team Up Facebook and a Website to Grow

Here’s the cool part: you don’t have to pick one or the other. Use them together, and you’ve got a winning combo. Try these tricks:

• Link It Up: Share a teaser on Facebook—like a new blog post or a discount code—and send people to your website for the full scoop.

• Grab Emails: Stick a “sign up here” box on your site and hype it on Facebook with something like “Join for a freebie!”—now you’ve got a list to keep in touch.

• Show Off: Put your Facebook reviews on your website so everyone sees how awesome you are. Then share your site’s best bits (like a new photo gallery) back on Facebook.

• Keep It Matchy-Matchy: Use the same logo and vibe on both so people know it’s you, wherever they find you.

It’s like Facebook’s the megaphone to get attention, and your website’s the cosy shop where people come to buy.

Need a Website That Pops? Try McKinney’s Website Design

If you’re thinking, “Yeah, I want a website that works with my Facebook game,” we’ve got you covered at McKinney’s Website Design. We’re a UK crew who love helping small businesses like yours stand out online. We’ll whip up a custom site that’s all about you—affordable, good-looking, and ready to grow with your business. Want to chat about it? Contact us at McKinney’s Website Design and let’s make something awesome together.