Many businesses in Kenya face the same dilemma:
Should I invest in a website or focus on social media first?
With limited budgets and high competition, making the right decision can determine whether your business grows, or struggles to get noticed. Let’s break it down clearly and practically.
Understanding the Difference
🌐 What a Website Does
A website is your digital headquarters. It is the only online asset you fully own and control.
A professional website:
- Builds credibility and trust
- Explains your services clearly
- Converts visitors into leads or sales
- Works 24/7 without restrictions
- Supports SEO and Google ranking
📱 What Social Media Does
Social media platforms help you reach and engage people quickly.
Social media:
- Creates brand awareness
- Encourages interaction and engagement
- Helps with promotions and campaigns
- Drives traffic to your website
- Depends on algorithms you don’t control
Both are important — but they serve different roles.
Why a Website Should Come First
If you are choosing where to invest first, a website is the smarter foundation.
1. A Website Builds Instant Trust
Customers in Kenya increasingly check:
Your website
Your services
Your contact details
If you don’t have a website, many potential clients assume the business is not established or trustworthy.
2. You Own a Website — You Don’t Own Social Media
Social media platforms can:
- Change algorithms
- Limit reach
- Suspend or close accounts
- Your website, however:
- Is fully yours
- Cannot be taken away
- Grows in value over time
Think of social media as rented space and your website as owned property.
3. Websites Convert Better
Websites are designed to:
- Capture leads
- Sell products
- Book appointments
- Answer customer questions
Social media is great for engagement, but poor at conversions without a website.
4. Google Traffic Only Comes Through Websites
If you want customers searching for:
“Web designers in Nairobi”
“Plumber near me”
“Best construction company in Kenya”
You need a website.
Social media alone cannot rank on Google effectively.
When Social Media Makes Sense First
There are cases where social media can come first:
- Very small startups testing ideas
- Personal brands and influencers
- Event-based or short-term promotions
However, even in these cases, social media should eventually lead to a website.
The Best Strategy: Website First, Social Media Second
Ideal Setup for Kenyan Businesses
- Build a professional website
- Optimize it for SEO
- Use social media to:
- Drive traffic to the website
- Promote content and offers
- Build brand awareness
Your website becomes the engine, and social media becomes the fuel.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make
- Relying only on Instagram or Facebook
- Using WhatsApp as the main sales channel
- No clear online presence
- No professional branding
These limit growth and scalability.
Final Verdict
If you must choose one:
✅ Invest in a website first
Then use social media to support and amplify it.
Businesses that grow sustainably online always have a strong website at the center.
Need Help Getting Started?
At Blackbird Code Craft, we help businesses:
- Build high-converting websites
- Integrate social media effectively
- Rank on Google and attract real customers
📞 0769 149 349 Talk to us today and build an online presence that works for your business.
