Plenty of Bhutanese businesses run entirely on a Facebook page and a WhatsApp number, and many of them do well. So it is a fair question: why pay for a website at all?
The short answer is that a Facebook page and a website do different jobs. Most businesses benefit from both, with the website as the home base.
What a Facebook page does well
- It is free and quick to set up.
- Your customers are already there. Many people in Bhutan use Facebook and Messenger every day.
- It is good for updates. New stock, an event or a holiday closure reaches your followers fast.
- Conversation is easy. Customers can message you without leaving the app.
Where a Facebook page falls short
You do not own it
Your page lives on Facebook’s platform, under Facebook’s rules. If the page is restricted, hacked or the admin who set it up leaves, you can lose years of work. A website on your own domain belongs to your business.
It is hard to find on Google
When someone searches Google for “guesthouse in Bumthang” or “logo designer Thimphu”, a Facebook page rarely competes with a proper website that has a page about exactly that.
Information gets buried
Prices, menus, room types and trip details posted months ago disappear down the feed. Customers end up messaging you the same questions again and again.
It looks less established
For many customers, especially travellers and larger organisations, a business with its own website and email address simply looks more serious than one with only a social media page.
You see less of what is working
A website with Google Analytics shows where visitors came from, which pages they read and what they clicked. That helps you spend effort where it pays off.
What a website does that a page cannot
- Shows up in Google searches for your services and location
- Keeps your key information organised and always findable
- Takes structured enquiries, bookings or orders
- Gives you professional email on your own domain
- Builds trust with customers who have never heard of you
The best setup: use both
Think of your website as your shop and your Facebook page as your shop window on a busy street. Social media brings people in and keeps them updated; the website answers their questions and turns interest into an enquiry, a booking or a sale.
- Put your website link in your Facebook page details and posts.
- Add your Facebook and Instagram links, and WhatsApp, to your website.
- When customers ask the same question on Messenger, answer it once on your website and share the link.
A simple website does not have to be expensive. Our Basic package is Nu. 25,000 with hosting, SSL and business email included. Tell us about your business and we will suggest what you actually need.