If you’re a small business owner who relies on Facebook to attract customers, a recent change from Meta should get your attention.
For years, Facebook has been a valuable way for small businesses to drive traffic to their websites. But that seems to be changing.
Some business pages are now being limited to just two external link posts per month on the free tier. If your marketing relies on sending people to your website, you’ll need to pay around AU$76 per month to increase that limit to eight link posts per month.
It appears Facebook is moving in a similar direction to Instagram, encouraging users to stay on their platform while giving businesses the option to pay for greater linking capabilities and visibility.
This is a wake-up call for many small businesses, who will need to change the way they market or drive business to their website.
If your customers can only find you through social media, you’re building your business on someone else’s platform. And that could be risky when the rules can change overnight.
Your Facebook Page Isn’t Your Business
You don’t own Facebook.
Facebook decides:
- Who sees your posts
- How much reach you get
- What features are available
- What changes happen next
And those rules can change at any time.
Your website is different. It’s the one place online that belongs entirely to your business. No algorithm controls it. No social media company can limit how customers find you.
Your Website Is Your Digital Shopfront
Think of your website as your business headquarters. Your Facebook page is simply one of the many roads that lead people there.
When potential customers want to:
- Learn about your services
- View your products
- Read reviews
- Make an enquiry
- Book an appointment
- Purchase from you
Your website should be the place that makes those things happen.
A good website works for your business 24 hours a day, even when you’re sleeping.
What can Small Businesses Do Now
Instead of worrying about how many links Facebook allows, focus on making your website easier for people to find.
Make Sure Your Website link is included on Your Business Page – this sounds obvious, but many businesses overlook it.
Check that your website is:
- Listed on your Facebook Page, in fact it should be included on all your social media pages
- Visible in your About section
- Included in your contact details
- Mentioned in your page description
If someone finds your business through a Facebook post, they should be able to find your website in seconds.
Add Your Website Address to Your Images – one simple workaround is to include your website address in graphics and promotional images.
For example:
- Special offers
- Event promotions
- Before-and-after photos
- Educational tips
- Product showcases
Even if a clickable link isn’t included in the post, customers can still see your website address and type it directly into their browser.
Save Your Two Monthly Links for What Matters Most
If your Page is affected by the restriction, don’t waste those links.
Use them for:
- Major sales
- Seasonal promotions
- Event registrations
- New product launches
- Important announcements
Every link should have a clear business purpose and a strong call to action.
The Bigger Opportunity
While many businesses will see this change as a problem, it can actually be an opportunity. Over the years, small businesses have become increasingly dependent on social media.
This is a reminder to invest in assets you own:
- Your website
- Your email list
- Your customer database
- Your Google Business Profile
- Your brand
These are things that belong to your business regardless of what Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other platform decides to do next.
The Bottom Line
Facebook may be changing the rules, but the lesson for small businesses is simple:
The businesses that thrive online won’t be the ones that depend on social media. They’ll be the ones that own their digital presence.
Use Facebook to build relationships, showcase your expertise, and engage with your community. But make sure your website remains the centre of your online marketing.
What Does Your Website Say About Your Business?
Facebook’s latest changes are a reminder that your website is one of the most important marketing assets you own.
When was the last time you looked at your website and branding through the eyes of a potential customer?
Does it build trust? Does it look professional? Does it clearly communicate what you do and why someone should choose you?
Download Your Free Website & Branding Check-Up
Discover what your website and branding say about your business and identify the simple changes that could make you look more professional, credible, and trustworthy.
If you’re relying heavily on social media to attract customers, this free check-up will help you see whether your website is building trust, communicating your value, and turning visitors into enquiries.
✅ Review your website through your customers’ eyes
✅ Identify trust-building opportunities
✅ Uncover branding inconsistencies
✅ Learn simple improvements that can make an impact
Download your free Website & Branding Check-Up today and find out whether your online presence is helping your business grow or holding it back.