Beyond Facebook: Why Thai Small Businesses Need Their Own Website

Introduction

Relying solely on Facebook or LINE pages is common for Thai SMEs, but it can limit growth. This article explains the critical benefits of having a dedicated business website – from building credibility and owning your online content, to improving Google search visibility. Backed by statistics and local insights, we show why a professional website is a must-have for small businesses in Thailand, complementing social media to maximize online reach and conversions.

The Current State of Thai Small Business Online Presence

In Thailand, many small businesses rely heavily on social media platforms like Facebook or LINE as their primary online presence. This is understandable – social media pages are free, familiar, and can attract local followers easily. However, limiting your business to only a social media page means missing out on the significant advantages that come with having an official website. A website isn't just a digital brochure; it's a foundation for credibility, control, and broader customer reach.

Why Search Engine Visibility Matters

A business website dramatically improves your visibility on Google and other search engines, which is crucial for attracting new customers. Here's why it matters:

• 43.4% of Thais go online specifically to research products or brands

• Google holds over 97% market share in Thailand's search market

• New customers often search for products and services on Google first

• Social media pages are not always thoroughly indexed by search engines

• A well-optimized website can appear in relevant local searches (e.g. "Bangkok organic cafe")Taking Control of Your Online Destiny

Another key advantage of having your own website is control. When you operate solely on a platform like Facebook, you're at the mercy of that platform's rules and algorithms. By contrast, a website is your permanent online home that you control 100%. On your site, you decide the content, the design, and the user experience – and you don't risk a sudden policy change hiding your information or shutting down your page. The content on your website stays as long as you want, unaffected by the fast-paced feed of social networks. In other words, your website can serve as an authoritative source of information about your business (products, services, hours, location, testimonials, etc.) without distractions or limitations. You're free to post whatever you need (as long as it's legal) and aren't reliant on a third-party platform's whims

Maximizing Search Engine Visibility

A business website dramatically improves your visibility on Google and other search engines, which is crucial for attracting new customers. New customers often search for products and services on Google first – and if you don't have a website, you're likely invisible in those searches. Consider that 43.4% of Thais go online specifically to look up information about products or brands they're interested in. Without a website, those active searchers might never find you. Social media pages are not always indexed thoroughly by Google, whereas a well-optimized website can appear in search results when people search for relevant keywords (for example, "Bangkok organic cafe" or "Chiang Mai spa reviews"). Moreover, Google's dominance in Thailand's search market (over 97% market share ) means a strong presence on Google Search can bring in a steady stream of potential customers to your business.

Creating an Information Hub for Your Business

Having your own website also allows you to present complete and organized information to your audience. On a Facebook page, details like menus, price lists, service descriptions, or FAQs can get lost or be hard to navigate. On your website, you can structure information across multiple pages (Home, About Us, Products, Services, Contact, etc.), making it easy for customers to find what they need. A well-crafted website can funnel visitors toward actions that help your business – for example, making a reservation, requesting a quote, or purchasing a product. It's known that 81% of shoppers research a business online before making a purchase, so offering all the information they seek in one place greatly increases the chance they'll choose your business. Indeed, small businesses that have websites tend to grow faster – roughly twice as fast as those without websites .

Integrating Social Media and Website Strategy

Importantly, having a website doesn't mean abandoning social media – the two can work hand-in-hand. You can link your website and Facebook page together to cross-pollinate traffic. For instance, your website can display your social feeds or a link to your Facebook page, and in turn you can share links to your site's blog posts or product pages on Facebook. The website provides a stable hub of information, while social media provides engagement and outreach. This multi-channel approach ensures you're accessible to customers however they prefer to find you.

Conclusion

While a Facebook page or LINE account is a great starting point for a Thai small business, a dedicated website is essential to elevate your credibility, broaden your reach, and maintain control over your online presence. It need not be expensive or complicated – even a simple site with an inviting homepage, key product/service info, contact details, and your brand story is enough to start. As your business grows, your website can grow with it, serving as the central platform for your digital marketing. In today's digital-first world, a website is no longer a luxury for small businesses in Thailand – it's a necessity for sustainable success and growth.