Do I Need a Website if I Have a Facebook Page?

Lots of tradespeople start with a Facebook page because it's free, quick and their friends can share it. That's a sensible start. But if Facebook is the only place customers can find you, you're probably losing jobs to competitors who show up on Google with a proper website.

How customers actually find a tradesperson

Think about what you do when your own boiler breaks. You probably pick up your phone and search something like "boiler repair near me" or "emergency plumber [your town]". The results come from Google: the map listings at the top, then websites underneath. A Facebook page rarely appears for searches like that.

Recommendations still matter, of course. But even when someone gets your name from a neighbour, they usually look you up before they ring. What they find in that moment decides whether they call you or the next name on the list.

What a website does that Facebook can't

• It gets found on Google. A website with clear pages for your services and the areas you cover can rank for the searches your customers type.
• You own it. Facebook can change its rules, limit how many people see your posts, or restrict your page. Your website and domain name belong to you.
• It looks established. A professional website with your own email address builds trust, especially for bigger jobs.
• It answers questions for you. Services, prices, areas, guarantees and FAQs are all in one place, so you get fewer time-wasting calls.
• It can capture enquiries 24/7. A quote form or an AI chatbot can take a customer's details at 10pm, when you're definitely not answering the phone.

Where Facebook still helps

Facebook is great for showing your finished work, sharing customer reviews and being part of local community groups. The best approach is to use both: post your work on Facebook and link back to your website, where people can see everything and get in touch.

What a good trade website needs

1. A clear headline saying what you do and where, such as "Electrician in Leeds and surrounding villages".
2. A page or section for each main service.
3. The towns and postcodes you cover.
4. Your reviews, photos of real work, and any accreditations you hold.
5. A big, obvious way to get in touch: a phone number, a quote form and, ideally, a chatbot.
6. A design that works perfectly on mobile phones, because that's where most searches happen.

Don't forget your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile is the free listing that appears on Google Maps and in the map results. It's often the first thing a local customer sees. Make sure it's claimed, fully filled in and linked to your website. Together, the profile and website make a strong pair.

So, do you need both?

Yes. Keep your Facebook page, but don't rely on it alone. A simple, fast website you own, plus a complete Google profile, is one of the best investments a trade business can make. It works while you're on the tools.

Not sure how your current online presence measures up? Try our free website health check. It takes about a minute.