Why Every Food Business Needs a Website (Not Just Social Media)

You’re running a busy café or takeaway — orders are coming in, regulars are happy… but your only online presence is a Facebook or Instagram page.

It feels easy. Free. Everyone’s doing it.
But what if I told you this could be holding your business back — or worse, putting it at risk?

Social media is a great tool, but relying on it alone is a risky strategy for food businesses in 2025. Here’s why you need your own website — and what you’re missing out on if you don’t have one.

Social Media Isn’t Enough: The Hidden Risks

It’s tempting to rely just on Facebook or Instagram. But here’s what they won’t tell you:

• You’re not in control.
  Social media algorithms decide who sees your posts. On average, only 1 in 100 of your Facebook followers will actually see what you post. (Yes, really — Hootsuite, 2024.)
• You don’t own your audience.
  Facebook and Instagram do. They can block, ban, or delete your page any time — and all your followers, reviews, and photos are gone. Many businesses have lost everything overnight.
• Not everyone is on social media.
  Plenty of potential customers aren’t scrolling Instagram or Facebook. If you only exist there, you’re invisible to them.
• You’re missing out on Google searches.
  When people want a local takeaway, they search Google — not Facebook. Without a website, you won’t appear in those results.
• You’re always at risk.
  Social accounts get hacked, disabled, or “shadow-banned.” If that’s your only shop window, you’re closed for business.
• AI can’t see your posts.
  With the rise of AI-powered search (think ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, and others), these tools can’t scan or “see” your Facebook or Instagram posts in the same way they can access real websites. If you only have social media, you’re likely to be invisible to the next generation of search.

A Website Puts You In Control

Your own website is digital real estate you actually own. Here’s what it gives you:

• Full control over your content, offers, and branding.
• Visibility in Google searches.
  84% of people trust Google more than social media when looking for local businesses (BrightLocal, 2024). That’s where new customers are searching.
• A professional image.
  People trust businesses with a website. A social-only presence can make you look temporary or “not quite legit.”
• Somewhere to put everything in one place: menus, specials, booking forms, allergy info, reviews, and contact details.
• An email list you own.
  With a simple sign-up form, you can collect customer emails for offers and updates — and reach them directly, no algorithms involved.

The Business Case: Why a Website Brings You More Customers

Still not convinced? Here’s the bottom line:

• Build and own your email list.
  Email marketing is proven to drive repeat business. It lands right in your customers’ inbox — not lost in a social feed.
• Get found on Google.
  Even people who’ve never heard of you can discover your business if you have a website with the right keywords.
• Run offers, take bookings, and process online orders.
  All from one place you control.
• Boost credibility with partners and clients.
  Local councils, food delivery apps, and other businesses expect to see a website before they work with you.

What Stops Food Businesses Having a Website? (And How to Beat the Barriers)

Let’s be honest — most people have the same worries:

“Websites are expensive.”
Not anymore. A basic site costs less than a decent run of Facebook ads.

“I’m not technical.”
You don’t have to be! Modern sites are easy to update. You can even outsource the content if you prefer.

“I don’t have time.”
A simple site just needs a menu, opening hours, photos, and a contact form. You don’t need to blog every week or keep changing things.

“What if I do it wrong?”
There’s plenty of help — from web designers, to guides, to done-for-you packages. You’re not alone!

A 2021 study in the Netherlands found the biggest barriers for small businesses were cost, fear of complexity, and lack of time (“Barriers to Website Adoption by Small Businesses in the Netherlands,” Journal of Small Business Management, 2021). In reality, the risk of not having a website is far bigger.

Social Media + Website: The Winning Combo

Social media is a useful tool — for sharing offers, photos, and quick updates. But it should point your followers back to your website (because that’s what you own).

Make your website your home base:

• Put your website link on every post, story, and profile.
• Use your site to collect emails, take bookings, and share important info.
• Keep your website updated with your latest menu, hours, and offers — so Google picks them up too.

Final Thoughts

Social media is a great way to reach people, but you’ll always be renting space on someone else’s platform. If you want your business to be seen, trusted, and growing in the long term, your own website is the foundation.