Short answer: for a shop, social media doesn't replace a website. Instagram and Facebook keep you in touch with customers who already know you; your website and Google profile get you found by new customers searching "your trade + your city". The mix that works: a website, a complete Google profile and one social network kept up regularly.
A simple comparison
| Website | Social media | |
|---|---|---|
| Found on Google for "trade + city" | Yes, with good local SEO | Rarely |
| Read by ChatGPT and AI assistants | Yes | Partly |
| You control content and address | Yes, the site is yours | No, rules change |
| Booking, quotes, prices | Yes | Limited |
| Loyalty and day-to-day life | Average | Excellent |
| Cost | Build + small yearly fees | Free, but time every week |
Why a social network isn't enough
- People can't find you: most searches for shops go through Google and Google Maps. See local SEO.
- You rent your audience: post reach depends on the algorithm.
- Key information gets lost: hours, prices and services are scattered across posts.
What to post (without losing your evenings)
- 1 before/after or piece of work a week.
- 1 new product or offer a week.
- Behind the scenes or team introductions now and then.
- Stories for everyday moments.
Phone photos are fine if they are sharp and well lit.
The right mix
- A website with one page per service: see how much a website costs.
- A complete Google profile: see the Google profile guide.
- One main social network, kept up regularly, linking to your site.
FAQ
Instagram or Facebook?
It depends on your customers. One network done well beats two abandoned ones.
Is a website still useful if I have lots of followers?
Yes: it makes you findable by customers who don't know you yet, and it belongs to you.
Can you manage my social media?
Yes, it's included in the Premium plan. See the plans.