Posted by on Jun 20, 2010 in Social Media | 6 comments

I had an interesting discussion with an internet marketer recently.  He was shifting his business exclusively to Facebook marketing  He argued that with the advent of FBML he could create complete web experiences for his clients, and they no longer needed their own website.  While I think Facebook as some extraordinary applications for small business owners, I am not ready to abandon my own website.

In a recent blog post  Michael Grey gave some compelling reasons why business owners should hold on to their own site:

When you redirect your website to a twitter page, facebook page, wikipedia page or any other page not under your absolute complete control, you are no longer your own master.
A lot of web 2.0 companies have a spotty track record and have been known to make some really bad decisions in the past, and I’d put Facebook near the top of the bad decision makers list. Anyone remember the beacon fiasco,  holocaust denial incident, or recent privacy kerfufle? When you put all your marketing eggs in the Facebook basket you put the fate of your company under the guidance, regulations, and terms of service of a company that has shown increasingly poor decision making with alarming regularity.
I am spending more and more time on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. That is where I meet people.  But the ultimate goal is still to drive them to my website, because this is where I work!
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  • http://gosestories.com Chuck Gose

    This came up in a group conversation a few weeks back. And just like businesses still need mailing addresses and phone numbers, they also still need their own web site. Not EVERYBODY is on Facebook. . . yet.

  • http://www.roundpeg.biz Lorraine

    Even when they are, I think there is still a place for both. I like Facebook for the more informal conversations and the lighter side of Roundpeg ( see our fan page – http://tinyurl.com/2cqc99e)

    Our website is about our business. This is similar to the conversation about whether or not you need an office in the digital age. I still think there are times face to face is just more efficient.

  • Pingback: Tweets that mention Is Facebook All You Need? | Social Media | Indianapolis | Roundpeg | Roundpeg | Small Business Marketing | Indianapolis -- Topsy.com

  • http://www.dreamhomecompany.com Becky Pruitt

    Personally, I think a website is essential. It shows that you are a “legitimate” business. Why would I do business with a company that won’t spend money on a website because they can have a free facebook account? To me, that doesn’t speak highly of one’s level of success. I think they are all needed and that they all have their own, unique function. Just my buck-fifty!

  • http://www.roundpeg.biz Lorraine

    I definitely agree with you. Each has a role in your marketing, and if used well will compliment the other.

  • http://www.harechevy.com Chris Theisen

    The best website I have ever seen isnt even a website. Happens to be a rare instance where it works but still who wouldnt want to hire these guys? http://booneoakley.com

  • http://www.roundpeg.biz Lorraine Ball

    Chris,
    I love Boone Oakley. I had seen the video before, thanks for sharing the link again!