If Facebook is currently your business’s only online presence, you are not alone.

A Facebook page can be a useful way to share updates, speak to customers and keep people informed about your business.

However, social media and a dedicated business website serve different purposes. You do not need to choose one or the other. A straightforward website can complement your Facebook activity by giving potential customers a clear place to learn about your business, understand what you offer and find out how to contact you.

What does a business website add?

People who hear about your business through a recommendation, advertisement or social media post may want to find out more before contacting you. A website gives you a dedicated place to present the essential information they need.

Rather than asking visitors to search through a series of social posts, your website can bring your key information together in a clear and accessible format. Facebook can then continue to support your day-to-day communication while directing interested people towards your website when they want more detail.

What should a straightforward small-business website explain?

A useful website does not need to begin with large amounts of complicated content. It should start by answering four basic questions:

• Who are you? Introduce your business and help visitors understand who they will be dealing with.
• What do you provide? Clearly describe your main products or services in language your customers will understand.
• Where do you operate? Explain the areas you serve or tell customers where your business is based.
• How can someone contact you? Make the next step clear by providing suitable contact details or an enquiry route.

These essentials can give prospective customers a useful overview without trying to put every detail about your business onto the website.

A simple website preparation checklist

If you are considering your first website, gathering a few items in advance can make the process feel much more manageable. Start with:

• your correct business name and contact details;
• a short introduction to your business;
• plain-English descriptions of your main products or services;
• the towns, counties or wider areas you cover;
• your logo, brand colours or other existing branding;
• suitable photographs that you have permission to use;
• links to your Facebook page and any other relevant social profiles;
• the action you would most like a visitor to take.

Do not worry if you do not have everything prepared immediately. The important first step is to identify the information a potential customer needs in order to understand your business and get in touch.

Why work with a local website provider?

Website terminology and technical decisions can feel unfamiliar, particularly when you are also busy running a business. Working with a local provider may appeal if you value face-to-face attention, straightforward conversations and ongoing support.

Amazing Websites is based in Waltham, Lincolnshire, and designs and hosts websites aimed specifically at smaller businesses. We speak business rather than expecting owners to understand technical jargon.

A local offer to help you get started

For small businesses in Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire or the Humberside region, getting a dedicated website may cost less than you expect.

Business Hive members can benefit from a free basic website, a free domain name and free hosting for the first 12 months.

If you are not a Business Hive member, the package is available for less than £250.

The local offer is not limited to businesses creating their first website. If you already have a site that needs bringing up to date, you can receive £250 off a website refresh or complete replacement.

Full offer details can be discussed before you decide which option is right for your business.

Take the next step

Whether you currently rely on Facebook, have no online presence or need to update an existing website, start by considering what customers need to know about your business. Amazing Websites can then help you explore a practical route forward.

Find out more about the Amazing Websites local offer and make an enquiry.