Builder Website vs Facebook Page: Which Actually Gets You Jobs?
It's one of the most common questions we hear from builders: "I've got a Facebook page — do I really need a website as well?"
It's a fair question. Facebook is free, it's easy to set up, and nearly everyone in New Zealand is on it. But when it comes to actually winning building jobs, are Facebook pages and websites really equivalent? Let's break it down.
The Facebook Page: Pros and Cons
Pros
- It's free. No setup costs, no hosting fees, no domain to buy.
- Easy to set up. You can have a business page running in fifteen minutes.
- Social reach. When someone likes or comments on your post, their friends see it. That's free exposure.
- Direct messaging. Clients can message you directly through Facebook Messenger.
- Photo sharing is easy. Posting project photos takes seconds.
Cons
- You don't own it. Facebook can change the rules, limit your reach, or even shut down your page at any time. You're building on rented land.
- Algorithm changes kill reach. Organic reach for business pages has plummeted over the years. Facebook wants you to pay for ads to reach your own followers.
- Limited SEO value. Facebook pages rarely rank well on Google for local search terms like "builder Auckland." Your website will.
- Unprofessional for formal quotes. When a homeowner is spending $100,000+ on a renovation, a Facebook page doesn't inspire the same confidence as a dedicated website.
- No custom domain. facebook.com/YourBuilderBiz doesn't have the same ring as yourbuildername.co.nz.
- Content gets buried. Your best project photos from two years ago are essentially invisible unless someone scrolls through your entire timeline.
The Website: Pros and Cons
Pros
- You own it. Your website, your rules. No algorithm changes, no platform risk.
- SEO power. A properly built website ranks on Google, bringing you organic traffic from people actively searching for a builder.
- Professional image. A custom domain and a well-designed site tells clients you're serious about your business.
- 24/7 portfolio. Your project gallery is always front and centre, beautifully organised, not buried in a social media timeline.
- Custom domain. yourbuildername.co.nz builds brand credibility in a way a Facebook URL never can.
- Full control over content. You decide what visitors see first, how your services are presented, and what action you want them to take.
Cons
- Costs money. A professional builder website typically costs from $299 to $5,000 depending on the provider.
- Needs content. You'll need to provide photos and information about your business (though a good provider will guide you through this).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Website | Facebook Page |
|---|---|---|
| Appears in Google search | Yes | Rarely |
| Custom domain (yourname.co.nz) | Yes | No |
| Full design control | Yes | Limited |
| Project gallery (organised) | Yes | Basic (timeline) |
| Professional image for big jobs | Strong | Weak |
| Free to set up | No (from $299) | Yes |
| Social sharing / viral reach | Limited | Strong |
| You control the platform | Yes | No (Facebook controls it) |
| Works with Google My Business | Yes | Partially |
| Content stays organised | Yes | No (reverse chronological) |
| Analytics and tracking | Detailed | Basic |
Why Google Ranks Websites Over Facebook Pages
This is the critical point that most builders miss. When someone searches "house builder Christchurch" on Google, the results are dominated by websites — not Facebook pages.
Google's algorithm favours dedicated websites because they contain structured information (services, location, contact details) that Google can easily read and index. Facebook pages have limited, standardised information that doesn't give Google enough to work with.
For local search, a website linked to a Google My Business listing is the most powerful combination available (this is how most homeowners find builders).
The Real Answer: You Need Both
Here's the honest truth: it's not an either/or decision. The smartest builders have both a website and a Facebook page, and they use each for what it's best at.
- Your website is your home base. It's where you send everyone — Google searchers, referrals, people from Facebook. It's professional, organised, and always available.
- Your Facebook page drives traffic to your website. Share your latest projects on Facebook with a link to your website gallery. Engage with local community groups and link to your website when relevant.
Think of it this way: Facebook is where you start conversations. Your website is where you close the deal.
The $299 Solution
At SiteSorted, we make it easy for builders to get a professional website without breaking the bank. From just $299, you get a custom builder website with all the essentials: project gallery, services, testimonials, service area, and contact details.
Keep your Facebook page — it's a valuable tool. But give yourself the home base you need to look professional, rank on Google, and win the jobs that matter.
You wouldn't show up to a job without your tools. Don't show up online without a website.