A comment I read today and then a perusal of some blog entries and the ensuing comments and debate prompted this.
Should I use Facebook as my website?
The gist of the discussion is whether someone/a company should use Facebook as their website.. ie: direct traffic from [theirdomain.com] to their Facebook page or simply not have a website and use Facebook as the single source for content publishing and engagement.
NEVER!
There, I said it… I used the “N” word.. Never.
Unless you are Facebook, then it is okay – so Never with a single exception. If you are Facebook.com, then you should use Facebook.com as your primary business website.
If you are serious about online presence, you need to understand some things.
- “Likes” often are not. We call them “click likes”. Which is to say, someone saw a post of yours, never looked at it, but generally, like that you are “doing something.” And so they “Like” that your post – although they’ve never read or listened to what you posted.
- “Loves” are better than likes.
Website/blog comments, visits, and comment engagement are “LOVES”. - Newsletter sign-ups are the consummation of that love. The marriage.
They are saying, not only do I LOVE YOU – but I’ll even let you interrupt my day to communicate with me. You are that important.
One blog entry posted the pros and cons of using Facebook as your website. In the end, however, the writer readily admits that you should have your own website… for the same reasons I mention.
Part of the reason the discussion is like comparing apples to a spray bottle, is just that.. they aren’t the same thing. Facebook isn’t YOUR website. So.. you can never use it as “your website.” You can only use it as online presence – but at best – you are sub-letting office space.. and while sub-letting office space, you are letting your landlord have all your customers. You are also extending your landlord’s brand.
I hope you like your landlord.
Just so that you are clear.. there is no debate. NEVER use Facebook as your website.
I agree! It’s really very simple – Facebook can’t be YOUR website – unless you OWN facebook. You own your website. It’s yours. Facebook owns facebook – which means they have 100% control over content, rules, the very existence of that Facebook Page. You don’t own it. You don’t control it.
Take advantage of the traffic there, YES. Use social media for what it is – a free opportunity to engage with your audience/fans/clients/customers in a way that would cost millions to do any other way. GREAT. But it’s not your home – at best, you’re squatting.
Always drive traffic home – to YOUR website.
Thanks for commenting Coach Debra!
100% correct. I think it is irresponsible to lead people down this road. They get a false sense of traction and potential growth.
Great article. I’ve heard a few people say that’s what they use facebook for. I thought it was a bit strange not to mention cheap and lazy. But hey what do I know?
And yet the website you linked this comment to – is your FACEBOOK PAGE…. You miss an opportunity for an inbound link to your website – which would help your SEO for your website. Just sayin….
Well.. through the comment system.. the comment shows in both places.. And there is a marked increase in traffic by comments hitting Facebook…
Hey Matt – confused, are you saying the comment shows up on her facebook page? Didn’t see it there. And yes, now that facebook, youtube and therefore google have gotten in bed together, there is some bump – but increase in traffic where? To your FB page or to your Website?
The SEO thing is ever evolving!
Thanks!Debra
Oops.. Sorry Coach Debra.. misunderstood. You meant for Sharee above on the link.. Actually, I was testing another comment system integrated with FB on a demo site.. but not active here.