For most people, a Facebook page is the new “website”. And that’s (mostly) a good thing. Most Facebook pages for corporate organizations and businesses are far more active than their websites. Thanks to Facebook’s social engineering that makes makes feel bad when we don’t see likes and comments on our posts, we are forced to be creative and thoughtful in communicating to our “fans” than we do with our websites.

Facebook is great with building a fanbase or a following or a community of engaged users who interact with your brand almost without any  effort on your part. The social network has built a network of connected  users (about 1.4 billion) who mostly want to stay in-touch with their friends and family by posting photos, videos, memes. It’s like walking in a trade fair with all sorts of people.

The other thing about Facebook pages is that users can access your content for free via Facebook Zero. Both MTN and Airtel Uganda offer Facebook zero which allows users to access Facebook without paying for data. That means if you’ve an active Facebook page, then users can access your messages without a cost on yours or their part. That’s also a good thing.

But Facebook pages can’t function alone. You also need a website and here’s why.

You want to take charge of your “digital destiny” rather than relegating it to a giant social network whose road-map you do not know. What happens if Facebook shuts down tomorrow. Or what if your account is hacked or blocked by Facebook for whatever reasons? What will you do with your loyal fanbase or the content you’ve interested both time and money in creating? See, you need plan B and that plan better be fully in your control.

A website gives you full control. The domain belongs to you. The content also belongs to you. No body is going to shutdown your website without prior notice. You can easily change website hosting providers if you wish. You can design your website to match your interests. You can also reach a number of users who are outside of the social networks by simply sharing your website URL. That’s control.

So at HatariCloud, we think you need both, but mostly you need to put more effort in your website. Running a Facebook page should teach you how you should approach your website. No body wants boring, docile website that are only updated once in blue moon. No one will visit a website that’s not engaging or interactive like Facebook pages. If you need some help with your website, just talk to us.

Image: greenfield.blogs.brynmawr.edu