Someone recently shared he did not want social media icons like Facebook and LinkedIn on his new website. He felt they were distracting and would only drive visitor traffic away from his business website.

To those engaged in social media, his idea might sound terrible. That’s because it is. On the surface, keeping prospects on your website and less distracted sounds right, but it’s missing the entire point – and opportunities – of social media.

The point of social media is to connect with people in the way they prefer. It’s letting them form the relationship on their own terms. Some people are nearly addicted to Twitter while others feel it’s a waste of time. The point is to share your content on various social media. It’s simply showing up where your customers and prospects can get to know you before they become your customer. This is especially true in B2B marketing.

A website is designed to increase your business. However, long before prospects answer your call to, “Buy from us,” they will more likely answer your call to, “Get to know us.”

So, yes, social media icons on your website will drive visitor traffic away from your website. If your site visitors like what they see on your social media accounts, they are sure to return your site for more, and eventually buy from you.