Why a Facebook Page Alone Isn’t Enough for Your Small Business

If your business only exists on Facebook, you’re not alone — especially here in Big Bear Lake.

Many local service providers rely on Facebook groups to find work. Someone posts “Looking for a landscaper” or “Need help with painting before guests arrive”, and a dozen people jump in with comments like “DM me” or “I can help.”

But here’s the problem most business owners don’t realize:

• Facebook alone is costing you jobs — even when people want to hire you.

Let’s break down why this happens, what customers actually do behind the scenes, and how having a website instantly changes the game.

The Big Bear Reality: How People Choose Who to Hire

Here’s what really happens when someone sees your Facebook comment offering services:

1. They click your profile
2. They try to figure out who you are
3. They look for proof you’re legit
4. They decide whether to trust you with their home

And this is where things fall apart.

What They Usually Find Instead

• A personal Facebook profile
• Family photos, memes, political posts, or nothing at all
• No clear list of services
• No reviews
• No photos of past work
• No business name or contact info

At that point, most people quietly back out.

Not because you’re bad at what you do -
but because they don’t feel confident hiring you.

Problem #1: Facebook Profiles Don’t Build Trust

Facebook profiles are personal by design. That’s the issue.

When someone is hiring:

• A painter
• A landscaper
• A handyman
• A snow removal service
• A cleaner

They’re not just buying a service —
they’re trusting you with their property, money, and time.

A Facebook profile doesn’t answer basic questions like:

• How long have you been doing this?
• What exactly do you offer?
• Have you worked on homes like mine?
• Do other people recommend you?

A website does.

Problem #2: You Don’t Show Up on Google — At All

Here’s a hard truth:

If you don’t have a website, Google can’t send you customers.

Think about how people search:

• “Big Bear Lake landscaper”
• “Snow removal near me”
• “Handyman Big Bear”
• “Painter in Big Bear Lake”

Facebook profiles and group posts do not rank well on Google.

That means:

• You only get work when you’re actively commenting
• You miss out on people searching from LA, Orange County, or San Diego
• Second-home owners never find you
• Visitors planning ahead never see you

A website works for you 24/7, even when you’re busy or offline.

Problem #3: No Website = No Proof You’re a Real Business

Even if you’re amazing at what you do, customers still think:

“Is this a real business or just someone on Facebook?”

A website instantly signals:

• You take your work seriously
• You’re established
• You’re accountable
• You’re not going to disappear

It doesn’t need to be fancy — it just needs to exist.

Problem #4: You’re Harder to Contact Than You Think

On Facebook:

• Messages get buried
• Notifications get missed
• Conversations get lost
• People don’t know how to reach you later

On a website:

• Clear contact form
• Phone number
• Service area
• Simple way to request a quote

The easier you are to contact, the more jobs you book.

The Solution: A Simple Website That Does the Explaining for You

A good small-business website answers the questions customers are already asking:

What a Website Should Include

• Who you are and what you do
• Services you offer
• Areas you serve (Big Bear Lake, Moonridge, Fawnskin, etc.)
• Photos of your work
• Reviews or testimonials
• Clear contact info

That’s it.

You don’t need:

• Online booking
• Fancy animations
• A massive site

You need clarity, credibility, and visibility.

Why This Matters Even More in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear is unique:

• Many customers don’t live here full-time
• People are hiring from out of town
• Trust matters more than price
• Homes are valuable and personal

When someone is hiring remotely, a website often becomes the deciding factor.

If they can’t verify you online, they move on.

Facebook Is a Tool — Not a Business Foundation

Facebook is great for:

• Networking
• Local visibility
• Community connection

But it should support your business, not be your business.

The most successful local contractors use:

• Facebook to be discovered
• A website to be chosen

The Bottom Line

If your business only lives on Facebook:

• People don’t know who they’re hiring
• You don’t show up on Google
• You lose jobs without realizing it

A website doesn’t replace Facebook —
it finishes the conversation Facebook starts.