Website or Social Media: Which Should Philippine Businesses Focus on First?

Website or social media is the big question for many businesses in the Philippines. Maraming business owners sa Manila, Cebu, at Davao ang nagtatanong kung dapat ba silang gumawa agad ng website o mag-start muna sa social media.

This guide will walk you through the pros and cons so you can choose the right first step for your business.

Why Online Presence Matters for Philippine Businesses

The internet is now part of everyday life for Filipinos. More than 56% of households in the Philippines had internet access as of the 2020 Census, with NCR leading at over 74% (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2020). By 2023, about 83.80% of Filipinos were internet users (The Global Economy, 2023).

This means your customers are already online, searching, scrolling, and deciding which businesses to trust. Whether you choose a website or social media first, both are key to building credibility and reaching your market.

But for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), where should you begin?

Website or Social Media: Key Differences

What is a Business Website?

A website is your digital home. You own it, control it, and design it according to your brand. It can include product details, service pages, blogs, and a contact form. Unlike social media, a website is not affected by sudden platform rules or algorithm changes.

Think of it as your online “opisina” that is open 24/7.

What is Social Media for Business?

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are spaces where you connect with customers in real-time. Many Philippine businesses use them for promotions, updates, and customer service.

However, you don’t own the platform. If Facebook changes its algorithm, your reach can drop overnight. That is why relying only on social media can be risky.

Benefits of Starting with a Website

1. You Own Your Online Space

Your website is your property. Hindi ito mawawala dahil lang nagbago ang rules ng platform.

2. Builds Credibility

Filipino customers check websites to see if a business is legit. A clean website gives trust and professionalism.

3. Search Engine Visibility

With SEO, your website can show up on Google results, giving you long-term visibility without depending on ads.

4. More Features

Websites can host e-commerce shops, booking systems, and blogs. You can also connect them to CRM tools or email marketing.

5. Always Open

Even if your store is closed, your website can keep working. Customers can browse anytime.

Benefits of Starting with Social Media

1. Quick and Free to Start

Creating a Facebook page is free and fast, making it great for small businesses with limited budgets.

2. Customers are Already There

With over 80% of Filipinos online, social media gives you instant reach.

3. Real-Time Interaction

You can reply to comments and DMs, making customer service more personal.

4. Good for Promotions and Ads

Facebook and Instagram ads allow you to target specific groups by age, interest, or location.

5. Test Ideas Fast

You can try posting new products and see if people respond before investing more.

Website or Social Media: Which Comes First?

Start with Social Media if:

• You’re testing a new business idea.
• Your budget is limited.
• You want fast visibility and engagement.

Start with a Website if:

• You want long-term stability and growth.

• You plan to expand into e-commerce.

• You want to show up on Google searches.

• You want full control of your brand.

Many successful Philippine businesses use both. Social media for awareness, and a website for credibility.

Common Mistakes Businesses Make

Mistake 1: Relying Only on Social Media

If your page is hacked or shut down, mawawala lahat ng customers mo.

Mistake 2: Building a Website Without a Plan

A website should have a strategy, not just pretty design. It should lead customers to take action.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Mobile Users

Most Filipinos browse on phones. Both your website and social media should be mobile-friendly.

Mistake 4: Leaving Content Outdated

Customers doubt a business when they see last year’s posts or old promos. Update regularly.

How to Use Both Together

Social Media Drives People to Your Website

Post promotions on Facebook or Instagram, then link to your website for details.

Website Confirms Your Credibility

When people see your business on social media, they often check your website to confirm you are real.

Example Workflow

1. Post teasers on Instagram.

2. Direct followers to your website.

3. Collect emails on your website.

4. Use both channels to keep your customers engaged.

Expert Tip: Think Long-Term

Social media is great for short-term wins, pero kung pangmatagalan ang habol mo, you need a website. It builds authority, improves customer trust, and supports growth.

At Route Collective, we design websites that are not only professional but also built to help Philippine businesses grow. You can check our services here.