Your company website vs. social media; it’s a battle as old as… Justin Bieber?

OK, so this is a very recent conflict in world of business, but unlike Justin Bieber, this battle hasn’t peaked (sorry Bieber fans L).  

Many social media theorists think social media platforms will eventually replace traditional company websites altogether. Website proponents say social media is simply a supplement to the company site.

So who’s right? Let’s take it to the ring for a winner

Round 1: Which is more Informative: Website. While both have the ability to offer information galore, websites allow for page upon page to be archived and in turn create more searchability for your company; graphics, timelines, charts and links can be easily displayed.

Round 2: Which is more Interactive: Social Media. When it comes to the “conversation” between consumers and businesses, social media is the microphone. If someone wants to ask a about a particular product, recommend it to a friend or see what others have to say about it: social media is the answer. While websites can offer plug-ins that do this, they are simply a window to the conversation going on in different platforms.

Round 3: Which is more Cohesive: Website. For most consumers it’s all about “the look” aka branding. Websites are the poster child for displaying a cohesive image in all marketing avenues. They can be morphed to offer a single, interactive, graphically appealing message that keeps the brand united. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have come a long way in stretching a brand’s singular look, but the traditional website wins this one by far.

Round 4: Which is more Accessible: Social Media. We all already live our lives through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare, LinkedIn and YouTube; so of course social media is going to win this round. Accessing a business through a platform you’re already on (Facebook wall, Twitter feed) then you will be much more likely to interact and ultimately buy then a website that has to be searched out. You see a friend recommend a site… then you go to the site.

So it’s a tie? How lame right? While both have lots to offer, the battle is still too close to call. As social media continues to develop and play a more pivotal role in our lives, we will see what the outcome is.

So how does your business come out in this battle? Website? Social Media?