Do I Need a Website If I Have a Facebook Page? (Edmonton Small Business Guide)

Short answer: if most of your customers already know you, a Facebook page can be enough for a while. If you want new customers to find you on Google, Google Maps or ChatGPT, you need a website. Facebook pages barely show up when someone searches “plumber Edmonton” or “catering Sherwood Park”.

What Facebook does well

• It’s free and quick to set up
• Your regulars can follow you and see updates
• Reviews and messages are easy for people who already use Facebook

For a brand-new business or a side hustle, it’s a fine place to start.

Where a Facebook page falls short

People searching on Google rarely land on it. When someone searches for what you do, Google shows the map results and websites first. Facebook pages sometimes appear, but far below businesses with real websites.

AI tools can’t recommend what they can’t read. More people now ask ChatGPT or Google’s AI answer for a recommendation. Those tools rely on clear, public information: your website, your Google Business Profile, your reviews. A Facebook page alone gives them very little to work with.

Not everyone uses Facebook. A growing number of people, especially under 35, don’t have an account or don’t check it. Some pages even show a login prompt to visitors who aren’t signed in.

You don’t control it. Facebook can change how pages work, limit who sees your posts, or lock your account. Your website and domain are yours.

It’s harder to look established. For bigger jobs (renovations, catering a wedding, a new dentist), people check whether you have a real website before they call.

The best setup for most local businesses

You don’t have to choose. The setup that works best is:

1. A Google Business Profile (free), so you show up on Google Maps
2. A simple, fast website with your services, the areas you cover, reviews and a tap-to-call button
3. Your Facebook page, linked from your website, for updates and your regulars

The website is the hub. Google, ChatGPT and your customers all trust it more than a social page.

How much does a basic website cost in Edmonton?

A solid 5-page small business website from a freelancer usually costs $800 to $2,000. Watch for monthly fees, which can add hundreds a year. I wrote a full breakdown in How Much Does a Website Cost in Edmonton?

The cheapest way to get it done

If you’d rather not build it yourself: my Get Found package is $799 one-time. That covers a custom 5-page website, your Google Business Profile set up, 10 directory listings and free hosting, with no monthly fees. You’ll see a first draft within 48 hours.

See what’s included, or run a free website health check if you already have a site.