Social Media Versus Websites

I have often been asked the question:
“If I am active on social media, why do I need a website?”
There are several reasons why it’s not one or the other, an either or situation – especially if you are a new author or a start up business.

Here is why your business needs a website

If you think that social media as a way to replace a website presence, think again. In reality, the two work symbiotically together, and you need both in order to reach the largest audience.
While Facebook Pages and Twitter are hot today and very valuable resources, they also can come and go.  Remember MySpace?

Your website is your main hub

This is the landing station where you will build your company presence and brand.  Maintaining your social networks is still important – they are feeders back to your website which is one of the first and most important elements in marketing.  You own the domain name, yes – you pay for hosting and domain registration – but it belongs to you.  The time and years of effort that will go into your online business is an investment that you control.  I especially like WordPress as a development platform because it is data base driven, meaning that while you can change the theme (look and design) your content remains.  All the page content, the blog posts you have written – everything stays even with a website makeover, unless you choose to remove it.  Gone are the days when re-creating a static website meant starting from scratch.
Advertising on social media can be very pricey – I have clients who regularly spend $100 per post.  While that can provide value in some cases, depending on what you are promoting, the real value of $100 invested in your website will take you further, longer.
Think of your own domain and website as all about you, especially when it comes to presenting an image to the world. The benefits of a landing page include:
• Opportunity for product and service information and announcements
• Building an email subscriber list to nurture
• Connections to your social networks
• Generates leads and builds a lasting community
Social networks come and go, and are constantly evolving. But a website stays with your domain name, and is something that your audience can identify and connect with for the long term. Adding a blog additionally enhances your status and expertise, with the benefit of showing up on Google’s search results.
Finally, if you selling a book, product, or service an easy-to-understand website is vital for online sales. Not only can you direct visitors to places like Amazon and affiliate links, but you can purchase paid advertisements through Google that can lead directly to your domain. Make building a website a priority when starting any new venture this year.
Need help with a website or social media branding/promotion? My company Online Promotion Success is here to help!
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