09/08/2026
Don’t Just Chase Likes—Drive Customers to Your Website
For many small businesses, social media has become an important part of marketing. We post photos, share promotions, announce events and try to build followers.
But there’s an important question every business owner should be asking:
Where are those social media followers going next?
A “like” or a “follow” is nice, but a click to your website can be much more valuable.
Your website is your digital storefront. Unlike social media platforms, where algorithms determine who sees your content, your website gives you a place to tell your story, showcase your products and services, answer questions and—most importantly—give potential customers a clear way to do business with you.
A social media post might catch someone's attention. The website can turn that attention into action.
A customer who clicks through to your website might:
• Request a quote
• Make an appointment
• Purchase a product
• Call your business
• Sign up for your email list
• Learn about your services
• Find your location and hours
• Contact you for more information
And there is another major benefit: you can learn from those clicks.
Website analytics can help you understand what customers are interested in, which pages they visit, how they found you and what actions they take. That information can help you make smarter marketing decisions.
Think of your digital marketing this way:
Social media gets their attention.
Your website provides the information.
Your business gets the opportunity.
The customer makes the decision.
That doesn't mean you should stop worrying about followers, likes or engagement. It means those shouldn't be the only measurements of success.
For a small business, 1,000 likes aren't necessarily better than 50 website visitors who are genuinely interested in what you sell.
The goal isn't simply to generate more online activity. The goal is to generate more opportunities to do business.
So the next time you create a Facebook post, Instagram post, email or online advertisement, don't just ask, “How many people will see this?”
Ask:
“Where do I want them to go next?”
If the answer is your website, make the path easy. Give them a reason to click. Then make sure your website gives them a clear next step.
In today's marketplace, your website isn't just an online business card.
It can be one of your hardest-working employees.
The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce encourages local businesses to continually look for ways to improve their visibility, connect with customers and turn marketing efforts into measurable results.