Website vs. Social Media: Where Should You Invest First?

This is one of the most common questions I get from small business owners. The honest answer: it depends on your business model and goals.

When to Prioritize a Website

A website should come first if:

• You sell services that require explanation and trust-building
• SEO matters for your industry (people search for what you offer)
• You need a central hub to send leads from various sources
• Credibility is crucial for your target audience

When Social Media Might Come First

Focus on social first if:

• Your audience lives there and discovery happens through feeds
• Visual content is your primary marketing asset
• You're testing the market before investing in infrastructure
• Community building is central to your business model

The Real Answer: They Work Together

In most cases, the question isn't either/or. A simple landing page plus active social presence often outperforms a sophisticated website with no traffic.

Start with what you can execute consistently, then expand from there.

My Recommendation

For most service businesses, I suggest:

1. Start with a focused landing page 2. Pick one social platform where your audience hangs out 3. Invest in SEO once you have clarity on your offer 4. Expand the website as your needs grow

The worst approach? Building a 20-page website that sits untouched while you figure out what you're actually selling.