You Got Rid of those Jeggings, Now it's Time to Send Your Business Facebook Page to the Recycle Bin
The other day, I needed a haircut, so I typed in that famous go-to, “barber shops near me”. I was really surprised by the majority of what I found: barbershops using Facebook as their online presence in lieu of an actual, legitimate website.
There was a time long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away, when using a Facebook page as a business “website” made sense… those were the days of wine and roses, and everyone had an acre or two of Facebook. But in time, users lost interest and moved onto other platforms and greener pastures, and Facebook suddenly became as popular as a 35mm point-and-shoot, but without the hip, vintage, analog followers.
Stop using Facebook as your business website!
There are so many slick and easy web-building platforms (including those that can schedule appointments, sell products and services, etc.) in a wide range of pricing, I think even my parakeets could put together something impressive. There really is no excuse. If you don’t have a dedicated website and you are only using a Facebook Business page, you have:
Limited Reach and Declining Engagement
Facebook’s organic reach has dramatically declined in recent years, especially for business and organization pages. Most posts are seen by a tiny fraction of followers unless boosted with paid ads.
Younger demographics and many professionals have migrated to other platforms or expect a more robust web presence.
Lack of Credibility and Professionalism
A standalone Facebook page can signal a lack of investment or legitimacy. Most reputable organizations and businesses have their own website, which serves as a digital “home base.”
Many users view a website as a sign of credibility, stability, and professionalism. Relying only on Facebook may raise questions about your resources or seriousness.
Poor Control and Ownership
Facebook owns the platform, meaning you are subject to its ever-changing rules, algorithms, and design. Your page can be limited, suspended, or deleted without recourse. And there is virtually no helpful tech support, so you are pretty much SOL if anything goes south. For example, I'd been a Facebook user since the beginning, but about 6 months ago, I entered three wrong passwords in a row, and within days my account was terminated. No help, no recourse, NO SOUP FOR YOU!
You have little control over how your content appears or is accessed, and you cannot fully customize your branding or user experience.
Limited Functionality
Facebook pages are not optimized for all the functions a modern organization needs: robust information architecture, SEO, e-commerce, analytics, or integrations with other tools. And, important information can be hard to find.
Users may not trust the platform with sensitive interactions (e.g., donations, applications, or private communications). Facebook has a long history of massive data breaches, including one in 2021 that exposed the personal information of over 530 million users—names, phone numbers, and emails—putting millions at risk for scams and identity theft. If you’re trusting Facebook with your business and customer data, you’re taking a serious gamble with privacy and security.
Subpar Search Engine Visibility
Facebook pages rank poorly in search results compared to dedicated websites. If someone Googles your organization, they may not find your Facebook page, or it may be buried beneath more robust competitors.
You miss out on valuable SEO benefits that come from having your own domain and content.
Audience Limitations
Not everyone uses Facebook, and some actively avoid it for privacy or philosophical reasons. A Facebook-only presence excludes these potential supporters, clients, or customers.
Facebook Business pages will come up in a search, but your potential customer is limited in what they can see without signing in, and will eventually be cut off if they don't give in to obnoxious prompts. This leads to frustration and a negative user experience, which reflects poorly on your brand.
But, There’s a Solution!
There are easy, legitimate alternatives to a traditional website—most so simple that even a child could set them up, thanks to drag-and-drop builders and AI tools. Here are a few options:
Easy Website Builders Anyone Can Use
Wix: Offers a free, no-code website builder with hundreds of templates. You simply drag and drop elements (text, images, galleries, videos) to create a professional site. Wix also has an AI website builder that can generate a site for you in minutes-no coding needed.
Squarespace: Known for its sleek, intuitive interface and beautiful templates. It’s highly recommended for beginners and creatives. You can get a site live quickly and easily, with lots of design control and content features.
Hostinger: One of the easiest and most affordable builders, with a drag-and-drop editor and AI features. Great for small businesses just starting out.
GoDaddy: Fast setup process and strong social media integration. Templates and tools are easy enough for anyone to use.
Canva Website Builder: If you can use Canva for graphics, you can build a website! Choose a template, drag and drop your content, and publish instantly to a free Canva domain or your own. Great for one-page sites, portfolios, or event pages.
Benefits of Engaging a DIY Website Builder
The builders listed above offer free plans or trials.
These companies provide secure hosting, SSL certificates, and options for custom domains, adding even further credibility.
You need little if any technical or coding skills—just pick a template, add your info, and publish.
Many of these builders include AI tools to automate design and suggest content, making setup even easier.
If building your own website feels overwhelming or is out of the question, there are great alternatives that can get you online quickly and professionally. Hiring a local web designer is a smart option if you want personalized service, direct communication, and someone who understands your community and business landscape. Local designers often provide better support, are more accountable, and can offer ongoing help as your business grows or your website needs change.
On the other hand, platforms like Fiverr give you access to a vast pool of freelance web designers from around the world, often at very affordable rates. You can browse portfolios, compare prices, and read reviews before making a choice. Fiverr also protects your payment until you’re satisfied with the work, making it a low-risk way to get a website up and running fast. Whether you choose to work with someone local or online, getting a professional website is easier and more accessible than ever, and far better than a Facebook page.
In summary
Using your Facebook business page as a website is like keeping the CLOSED sign on your door. With tools like Wix, Squarespace, Canva, and GoDaddy, and an endless supply of local and online designers, anyone can launch a real, professional-looking website very quickly.
Bottom line: Facebook has become its own worst enemy, and many predict its shark-jumping moment is just around the corner. Recent policy shifts, including the high-profile removal of third-party fact-checking widely seen as an effort to appease the Trump administration, have accelerated a decline in user trust and engagement. Organic reach for business pages is now among the lowest in social media, with median engagement rates hovering around 0.015%. Meanwhile, younger audiences and professionals are migrating to other platforms, and Facebook’s role as a credible business hub is fading fast.
Despite its massive user base—over 3 billion monthly active users—Facebook’s engagement and influence for brands are shrinking, especially for those relying solely on a Facebook page as their online presence. With increased competition, changing user preferences, and the platform’s declining visibility in search, relying on Facebook alone is riskier than ever. Many potential customers may never see your offerings and will instead connect with competitors who maintain a robust, independent web presence.
The good news? With tools like Wix, Squarespace, and Canva, launching a professional website is easier and faster than ever, even for complete beginners. C'mon, it’s 2025... what’s holding you back?