Do Tradespeople Still Need a Website in 2026? (Or Is Facebook Enough?)
In 2026, many tradespeople ask the same question:
"Do I really need a website anymore, or is Facebook enough?"
It's a fair question. Facebook, Instagram, and local groups generate enquiries quickly. Reviews come in. Messages pop up. Work gets booked.
So why bother with a website at all?
The short answer is: Facebook can help you get enquiries — but a website helps you win trust, visibility, and consistency.
And in 2026, those things matter more than ever.
Why So Many Trades Rely on Facebook Alone
For many plumbers, builders, electricians, and local trades, Facebook feels like the obvious choice.
It's:
- Free
- Easy to update
- Familiar
- Where customers already spend time
You can post photos of jobs, collect reviews, and respond to messages quickly. For day-to-day work, it feels "good enough".
And for some businesses, Facebook does generate work.
The problem isn't Facebook itself — it's what Facebook can't do on its own.
The Limits of Facebook as Your Only Online Presence
Facebook is excellent for engagement, but it has limitations that often go unnoticed.
1. You don't control it
Your page lives on someone else's platform. Layouts change, reach drops, accounts get restricted, and rules change — often without warning.
2. It doesn't rank properly on Google
Facebook pages don't perform well for local search terms like:
- "plumber near me"
- "emergency electrician [town]"
- "builder in [area]"
Google prioritises websites, not social profiles.
3. Customers still expect a website
In 2026, customers may find you on Facebook — but many will still Google you before making contact.
If they don't find a proper website, some will quietly move on to a competitor who looks more established.
This happens more often than most trades realise.