Rented Land vs. Owned Real Estate: Why a Facebook Page is Not a Business Asset
Rented Land vs. Owned Real Estate: Why a Facebook Page is Not a Business Asset
"I already have a Facebook page. Why do I need a website?"
If you've ever said this, you're not alone. Many Sri Lankan business owners believe their social media presence is enough. But here's a truth that might surprise you: Your Facebook page is not actually yours.
The Concept of "Rented Land"
Imagine you build a beautiful shop on someone else's property. You invest in renovations, attract customers, and build a reputation. Then one day, the landlord decides to triple your rent—or worse, evict you entirely.
This is exactly what happens with social media platforms.
What "Rented Land" Means for Your Business
When you build your business exclusively on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, you're operating on borrowed territory:
- Facebook owns your audience – You don't have access to your followers' emails or contact details
- They control your reach – Organic reach has dropped from 16% in 2012 to just 1.5% in 2024
- Algorithm changes can destroy you overnight – What works today may be invisible tomorrow
- Account bans are final – One false report and years of work disappear
"Facebook's organic reach has declined by 90% over the past decade. Businesses now reach less than 2% of their followers without paying for ads." — Social Media Today, 2024
The Real Risks You're Taking
1. Platform Policy Changes
In 2023, Facebook changed its algorithm to prioritize "meaningful interactions." Thousands of business pages saw their engagement drop by 50% or more overnight. There was no warning, no appeal, no recourse.
2. Account Vulnerability
Every week, businesses lose access to their Facebook pages due to:
- Hacking attempts
- False copyright claims
- Automated policy violations
- Technical glitches
When your account is suspended, so is your business.
3. Data Hostage
You've spent years gathering followers, but ask yourself: Can you export their contact information? Can you reach them if Facebook disappears tomorrow?
The answer is no.
Owned Media vs. Rented Land
| Aspect | Social Media (Rented) | Website (Owned) |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Platform controls everything | You control everything |
| Data | Platform owns customer data | You own all customer data |
| Reach | Algorithm-dependent | Direct access to visitors |
| Permanence | Can be shut down anytime | Yours as long as you pay hosting |
| Value | Zero resale value | Increases business valuation |
What Social Media Is Good For
Let's be clear: social media isn't bad. It's excellent for:
- Talking to customers – Responding to comments and messages
- Building awareness – Showing your brand personality
- Community building – Creating a sense of belonging
- Content distribution – Sharing updates and promotions
What a Website Is Good For
But a website does what social media cannot:
- Converting customers – Clear calls-to-action, product pages, booking systems
- Owning your data – Email lists, customer preferences, analytics
- Building credibility – Professional domain shows legitimacy
- Ranking on Google – Your Facebook page won't appear in local search results
- Increasing business value – A website is a sellable asset
The Math That Matters
Consider this: If you spend LKR 50,000 on Facebook ads, you get temporary visibility. When you stop paying, the visibility stops.
If you invest LKR 50,000 in a website, you own that asset forever. It works for you 24/7, ranks on Google, and becomes more valuable over time.
One is an expense. The other is an investment.
Your Website as a Business Asset
Here's something every business owner should know: A website increases your company's valuation.
When businesses are sold or valued, digital assets are counted:
- Domain authority
- Email subscriber lists
- Website traffic history
- Customer database
Your Facebook page? Worth exactly zero in a business valuation.
The Smart Strategy
The wisest approach is integration, not replacement:
- Build your website first – It's your digital headquarters
- Use social media to drive traffic – Direct followers to your site
- Capture customer data – Build your own email list
- Own the relationship – Never depend on a platform's permission to reach your customers
Conclusion: Build on Land You Own
Your Facebook page is a powerful tool—when used correctly. But it should never be your only digital presence.
A website is:
- ✅ Permanent digital real estate
- ✅ Under your complete control
- ✅ A growing business asset
- ✅ Your 24/7 salesperson
Don't build your business empire on rented land. Own your digital property.
Ready to own your digital real estate? Contact us to discuss how a professional website can transform your business into a valuable, lasting asset.