Website vs Social Media: Where Should You Focus Your Marketing?

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20250810 1540 Marketing Focus
When it comes to digital marketing, one of the most common questions we hear from small business owners is: “Do I really need a website, or can I just use social media?” 
It’s a fair question. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have made it easier than ever to promote your business and connect with customers. But the real answer isn’t so black and white.
Let’s break down the pros and cons — and help you figure out the smartest move for your business here in New Zealand.

The Case for Social Media

Social media is fast, free (mostly), and where your audience likely spends a lot of time. If you’re selling visually-driven products or services, it can be a great way to gain exposure, build a following, and start conversations.
Benefits of social media marketing:
  • Easy to set up and start posting immediately
  • Great for brand awareness and community building
  • Excellent for promoting time-sensitive deals and content
  • Can feel more personal and interactive
But here’s the issue: you don’t own the platform. You’re renting space on someone else’s turf — and the rules can change at any time. Algorithm updates, account suspensions, limited reach — these are all outside of your control. And when your only online presence lives on social media, you’re one decision away from losing access to your audience.
Website vs Social Media

What About Paid Social Media Marketing?

If you’re serious about growth, organic reach on its own likely won’t cut it. That’s where social media marketing comes in.
With platforms like Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, and even TikTok or LinkedIn, you can:
  • Put your content in front of a specific audience (location, age, interests, behaviours)
  • Retarget users who’ve visited your site or engaged with past posts
  • Promote special offers, lead magnets, or services directly to warm audiences
  • Scale your reach without having to post daily
Paid campaigns give you back some control — you can test creatives, track performance, and dial in what works. And when paired with a well-designed landing page or website, the results can be game-changing.
But remember: paid social still relies on having strong foundations. If your website isn’t ready to convert traffic, or your brand message isn’t clear, even the best ad campaign won’t hit its mark.
That’s why we always start with strategy. At RD Digital, we make sure your website, content, and campaigns are aligned to actually deliver results — not just impressions.

The Power of Having Your Own Website

A website, on the other hand, is a digital asset you fully own and control. It’s where you can tell your story, showcase your services, and capture leads on your terms — not the platform’s.
Benefits of a business website:
  • You control the content, structure, and user journey
  • Stronger trust and professionalism with potential customers
  • Far better visibility on Google (especially with SEO)
  • Enables lead capture, booking systems, eCommerce, and more
  • You’re not at the mercy of algorithm changes
Think of it like this: social media is the party, but your website is home base. It’s where conversions happen. It’s where the serious business gets done.
Need help creating a website that actually works? Our website development services are built specifically for NZ businesses looking to grow online.

Can You Get Away With Just One?

Technically, yes. But in most cases, we wouldn’t recommend it. If you only have social media:
  • Your Google presence is weak
  • You rely entirely on algorithms for reach
  • You lack strong conversion tools like forms or call buttons
  • You may not look as professional to higher-value customers
If you only have a website:
  • You’re missing out on daily engagement opportunities
  • You’ll have to work harder to drive initial traffic
  • You might appear less present or active to your audience
The most effective marketing strategies combine both.

Here’s how we approach it at RD Digital:

  1. Create or upgrade the website first — to ensure you’ve got a credible, conversion-ready online base.
  2. Use social media to drive traffic to the website, build awareness, and stay top-of-mind.
  3. Retarget visitors from both platforms with smart, coordinated campaigns. By integrating both tools properly, you multiply your marketing power — instead of spreading it thin.

Real Example: A Local Service Business

Let’s say you’re a local electrician or plumber.
You post updates and project photos on Facebook — great! But someone searching “emergency electrician near me” on Google won’t find you unless you have a website. That’s a lost job.
Now imagine you have:
  • A clean, fast-loading website with your services and reviews
  • A contact form or click-to-call button
  • A Facebook page that links to the website
  • Google Ads and SEO running in the background
You’re now visible, trusted, and ready to convert leads no matter how people find you.

Still Unsure Where to Start?

Start with your website. It’s the one asset that gives you complete control over your digital brand.
Then layer on social media as a traffic driver and engagement tool. Used together, they create a well-rounded funnel — one that attracts, engages, and converts.

At RD Digital, we help NZ businesses do just that. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re looking to level up your presence, we’ll help you design a strategy that makes sense for your goals, your industry, and your budget.

If you want honest advice and expert implementation, check out our Digital Marketing Services or contact us today. We’d love to help.
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