I can tell you personally from a buyer perspective I would rather buy from someone who at least has a facebook business page. There are a lot of breeders I "like" on facebook who do not have websites other than that, and that's fine with me. I get to ask questions, comment on pictures, and I can even ask to see photos of parents, etc. without having to go through emailing and waiting for a response. It's nice and instant.
Just having that alone helps me feel more comfortable buying from someone. I see postings where people just mention by name who they bought from.. Sometimes I'll REALLY like that animal they bought, and I'll want to see more of what this guy produces..I search for him on google..Nothing. Can't find a website, can't find a forum post, can't even find a facebook where someone even mentions anything to do with snakes. That drives me crazy!
But if you have a website you need to update it. It's confusing to see a breeder who only has 'sold' animals on their available page--and they are all from like 2006 or something like that. It makes it look like you aren't even breeding anymore! I think that's part of the 'pros' of facebook pages-It isn't hard to post a picture, you don't need to design anything or reformat the page. You just click upload!
I think I like it best when breeders have both. Facebook makes them seem more personable as well as active. You can see dates when things were posted and can really see the activity going on. And much like on forums where we watch people getting ready to breed, the breeder posts pictures of the parents locking and the clutches laid and it just makes me more excited to see what the babies are gonna look like! Then it's nice to be able to click over to their main website where more information is available and where you go to the available pages to see those babies for sale. The websites are great for holding all the information you want your clients to see, as well as giving that nice professional look if you are good with design! I think they help each other well. You want to be found easily, and not have it frustrating to get in contact with, or else the laziest among us will give up the search no matter how awesome the babies are!
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