Social media platforms have undoubtedly transformed the way companies engage with their audiences, providing an accessible, cost-effective means of promotion. However, whilst social media marketing offers many advantages, it also comes with significant limitations that businesses cannot afford to ignore. This is why having a dedicated website, alongside social media, is essential for sustainable growth, brand credibility, and long-term success.
In today’s blog, the KIJO team (we’re a web design team in Birmingham) takes a look at the disadvantages of social media marketing and why you shouldn’t wholly depend on it as a business. Below, you’ll find six disadvantages and why investing in a website makes better business sense.
One of the most pressing issues with relying solely on social media is the lack of control businesses have over their presence. Social media platforms are owned by third-party corporations that dictate policies, algorithms, and user interactions. These platforms can change their rules at any time, often at the expense of businesses.
For instance, algorithm updates frequently impact the reach of organic posts, making it harder for businesses to engage with their audience without paying for advertisements. In fact, a 2023 survey found that 48% of marketers stated that keeping up with rapidly changing social media algorithms and features is one of their top three challenges, highlighting the fragility of – and difficulty of sustaining – social media marketing.
Additionally, platform suspensions, bans, or even outages can leave companies unable to communicate with customers, putting their operations at risk.
A strong brand identity is crucial in today’s competitive market. Social media platforms, however, impose strict design constraints, meaning businesses have limited control over how they present themselves. Every company profile looks relatively similar, with branding options confined to profile pictures, banners, and post content.
A website, on the other hand, offers full creative control. Businesses can design a unique, immersive experience that aligns with their brand ethos, incorporates their visual identity, and provides a seamless customer journey. This is essential for standing out and making a lasting impression.
Whilst social media is an excellent tool for engagement, having a standalone website enhances credibility and professionalism. A survey revealed that 8 out of 10 customers are likely to engage with a business if it has a website (Small Business Web Co.), indicating that consumers often look for a website rather than just a social media presence.
Consumers expect reputable businesses to have their own domain, showcasing their services, case studies, and contact details in a structured and authoritative manner. A business that relies exclusively on social media may appear less established or even untrustworthy to potential customers.
Social media trends evolve rapidly. Platforms that were once dominant can lose popularity over time. Businesses that invest heavily in a single platform risk losing their audience if that network declines. In fact, Facebook, once the king of social media, has seen a decline in younger users. Only 64% of 16-24 year olds use Facebook, when 86% of the same age group use Instagram. For over 65s, 66% use Facebook, but only 21% use Instagram. (Ofcom, 2024).
A website acts as a stable digital asset that remains unaffected by shifts in social media popularity. Regardless of whether a platform loses traction with a target audience, customers can always find a business through its website, ensuring consistency in visibility and engagement.
As organic reach continues to decline, many businesses find themselves increasingly reliant on paid advertising to reach their target audience. Social media ads can be effective, but they also come with rising costs and intense competition.
A website optimised for search engines provides a cost-effective alternative. By investing in content marketing, SEO, and organic traffic generation, businesses can reduce their dependence on costly social media campaigns while still attracting high-quality leads. In fact, businesses that optimise their website for search engines see an average of 14.6% conversion rate, compared to 1.7% for those relying solely on outbound methods like social media ads (Landingi, 2025).
Social media platforms offer basic analytics tools, but these are often limited in scope and control. They provide insights into reach and engagement but lack the depth of data businesses need to make informed strategic decisions.
A website with integrated analytics tools offers far more detailed data. Businesses can track user behaviour, conversion rates, traffic sources, and more, allowing for precise marketing adjustments and better decision-making.
A well-rounded marketing strategy should not be confined to a single channel. Instead, businesses should leverage a combination of social media and a website to maximise their reach and engagement.
Social media is excellent for building awareness and community engagement, while a website serves as the ultimate hub for conversions, customer service, and brand storytelling. A multi-channel approach ensures businesses reach their audience at various touchpoints, improving customer trust and long-term loyalty.
While social media marketing is an invaluable tool, relying on it exclusively comes with substantial risks. Businesses that want to establish a credible, long-lasting online presence must invest in a dedicated website. A website provides stability, creative freedom, credibility, and valuable analytics that social media simply cannot match.
By integrating social media into a broader digital strategy, businesses can enjoy the best of both worlds: the engagement benefits of social media combined with the reliability and professionalism of a well-optimised website. A study by Invesp found that companies that used omnichannel engagement strategies retain 89% of their customers on average.
In an era where online visibility determines success, having a website in addition to your social media platforms isn’t just an option — it’s a necessity.
Need expert guidance on your next digital project or SEO strategy? Book a complimentary, 30-minute consultation with our Head of Partnerships & Co-Founder, Kirk Thompson. During your call, we’ll review your brand’s current performance, discuss your goals, analyse competitor insights, and explore your brand’s potential. Let’s bring your vision to life—book your free consultation via the link below:
