Website vs Social Media. Which is the best investment for a small business?

As a small business owner you have two limiting resources, budget and time. You probably often find yourself faced with the challenge of accomplishing as much as possible within a very limited marketing budget.

A focused marketing strategy is key in helping your business grow, but how do you know what specific marketing tools will be most effective for you and your business?  If given the option of launching an inbound marketing plan versus a social media strategy in 2017, which would work better? The short answer is that you probably need both.

These days having a good web presence isn’t just about having a website that lists your services, your customers will expect you to have a host of social media pages, as well as the obligatory blog on your site. For businesses it can seem a daunting choice knowing just where to put your energy. Spread yourself too thinly and you may neglect each platform, focus too much on one and you may be missing opportunities elsewhere.

Website Pros

A well laid out website with high quality content can go a long way towards establishing authority for your business. With effective SEO it will increase your business visibility and drive new business from people who are searching online for the services you offer. It will also enforce your experience, your brand and your business ethos in a way that is not so easy to convey via social media.

Social Media Pros

Social media can build brand loyalty. It allows you to build relationships with your customers and It’s immediacy will spread your business name and services fast. They can provide in-depth information about individuals who are following your business’s profile, allowing you to tailor your messaging to better connect with your target audience. You can also monitor the conversations that happen on your social media channels, allowing you to see what people are saying about your brand

Many social media platforms can provide a valuable insight into the individuals who are following your business profile, giving you data about demographics and lifestyles. They also offer affordable advertising across selected audiences, to help you to get the best out of your advertising budget.

Overall, a combination of an inbound marketing plan with your website and a solid social media presence will produce the best results for your business. This way you can use your social media accounts to drive targeted traffic to your website and encourage lasting connections via the social media platforms with existing customers & website visitors.. With so many ways to focus your targeting on both web and social, you have the power to reach the right audience and grow your business online.