Facebook Groups vs. Facebook Pages - Which Is Best?
Which is better: a Facebook Page or a Facebook Group? This is a question I get asked regularly. I promised my peeps I’d write a blog post about this topic, so here ya go:
My short answer is you might need BOTH a Group and at least one Page. Each serves different purposes.
Facebook Groups
USES:
Special interests, causes, masterminds, study groups, beta testers, book reader groups (e.g. long before you publish your book, build up a tribe of peeps interested in your subject, give them sample chapters, get feedback on the content and cover, request testimonials, etc).
PROS:
- You can message ALL group members - up to 5000 members - and your message lands right in their inbox.
- All group activities go out into the feeds: wall posts, links, discussion threads, photos uploaded, and videos uploaded. This provides tremendous viral visibility, as I call it. You’ll want to highly encourage your group members to interact with all the features.
- Groups tend to be more informal and based around interests, so you can create better “stickiness” (members keep coming back) especially with regular email messages (I recommend keeping email content short, concise and max 2-3 times per week though - otherwise people will leave your group).
- Anyone can start a Facebook group around any topic. (Mostly this is a good thing, but… um, sometimes not! ;))
- You can take advantage of any of the three different types of Groups for different purposes: Open (anyone can join), Closed (the group owner/admins have to approve all members), Secret (only the members and invitees know the group even exists).
- Groups are great ways to segment Facebook members and find your target demographic to expand your network. (I recommend participating in your top 2-3 favorite groups regularly, get to know some of the members and take some conversations private. Make friend requests when appropriate. Don’t go crazy with your links on other people’s groups).
CONS:
- Once you reach the 5000 emailing threshold, you’ll no longer be able to message everyone in your group.
- There’s minimal customization in groups and you can’t add apps.
- If you no longer want your group to be live, it can be tricky to delete. However, good news - you can migrate all Group members into your Page. See screenshot below, accessible on the Facebook Pages help area.
Facebook Pages
USES:
SEO, SEO, SEO - did I say SEO? (Search Engine Optimization). lol. Seriously, your Facebook PAGE is specifically to represent your business and gets indexed by Google. In fact, Facebook recently released way more pages into the indexing system by allowing public search listings of member profiles to display a sampling of what Pages they are a fan of. What this means is that those people with Facebook Pages may see an additional increase in ranking.
Facebook currently has an Alexa ranking of 5 2: meaning it is the 5th 2nd most trafficked site in the world.
Pages can only be created to represent a real public figure, artist, brand or organization, and may only be created by an official representative of that entity.
(If you’re not sure what a page is for or how to set one up, check out my post: How To Create and Promote Your Facebook Fan Page).
PROS:
- Your page gets indexed so more people can find you outside of Facebook.
- You can have multiple pages (possibly unlimited!) - great news for that SEO.
- As and when you reach the 5000 friend limit on your personal Profile, you have your fan Page to stay connected with more people.
- You can have unlimited fans.
- You can message all fans… though see Cons below.
- You can add rich media and most all apps.
- I recommend placing an opt-in box above the fold using an app like Static FBML.
- Most fan page activity goes out into the feeds of your fans: when a fan joins your page, wall posts, links, discussion threads, photos uploaded, and videos uploaded. This provides tremendous viral visibility. You’ll want to highly encourage your fans to interact with all the features.
- You can work on your Page behind the scenes building out content, then publish it.
- The more active your fan page, the higher and more often it’ll appear on your fans’ News Feed.
CONS:
- When you send messages to all fans, it goes out as an “Update” which is in a separate section of Facebook, not the main email Inbox. This means fewer people may see your messages.
For both Groups and Pages, you do have to manually track any and all activity. There is no app or feature in Facebook that will notify you (yet!) when someone has commented on your Group or Page wall, posted a link/photo/video, added to the discussion board etc. If you know a Facebook app developer - there’s a big hole here for this type of notification app!
Also, for both Groups and Pages, once you create the title, it’s the only field that cannot be changed.
You can create a Page using this form, or create a group here.
So there you have it - be sure to create BOTH your Group(s) and Page(s) for maximum visibility on Facebook!
I’d love to know your experience and/or questions on Groups/Pages - please add your comment below. And if I missed any pros or cons, let me know!
Make A Comment: ( 64 so far )
64 Responses to “Facebook Groups vs. Facebook Pages - Which Is Best?”
Lou Bortone
November 25th, 2008
Mari:
Thanks for laying this out so clearly. I now know exactly what to do with my Facebook page and have an idea for a Facebook group. You are so helpful and giving and I appreciate every single tip =:)
Kim Dushinski
November 25th, 2008
Divine Timing! I was just speaking to a client about getting more exposure on FB with pages and groups. She’s a bit hesitant of social networking and how it integrates into business. Your articles, thoughts and ideas help me tremendously in my biz!
♥ ♥ ♥ Your Insight!
Patti
November 25th, 2008
Awesome! Thanks for the detailed descriptions Mari! Once again, you rock!
Jayson
November 25th, 2008
[...] Facebook Groups vs Pages Another great resource post by Mari Smith on the difference between Facebook Groups and Pages. __________________ David Sandusky like an ad agency, but for people w/ the Strategic Career [...]
Facebook Applications - Your Brand, LLC Forums
November 25th, 2008
Mari - Great summary. I’m new to FB (as of this summer) however it is a fascinating medium to connect with like-minded people who I would not normally connect with. Thanks for the distinction between Groups and Pages. Now to put it to work!
Coach Davender
November 25th, 2008
Mari
You rule. I love how much I have learned from you.
We are so excited to have you on our radio show mon dec 1 at 12 est.
michele price
November 25th, 2008
Thanks for the great information Mari! I’ve been asked this question dozens of times as well. Thanks for providing the resource!
Aloha ~ Brian Campbell
Brian Campbell
November 25th, 2008
I’d agree about the need for an app to track activity. I’m just starting out on FB, it must be real a headache for you popular peeps to get a life! lol
Btw, you became my #1 resource for FB! Kudos to you for making it on my xmas card list! 
Ollie Relfe
November 26th, 2008
Mari, once again, you are a lifesaver! I could not quite ever understand WHY I would need a fan page but now it is crystal clear to me. Thanks so much for being here, with such great explanations, helping all of us (especially me) learn how to get the most from our FaceBook Networking. You truly are the Facebook Queen. During this time of Thanksgiving, just want you to know I’m thankful for the opportunity to call you my friend!
Happy Thanksgiving tto you and your family.
Happy Netweaving,
Carol Deckert
Netweaving/Networking Coach
Carol Deckert’s last blog post.. Thanksgiving: A Time for Love and Gratitude and a Time for Reflection
Carol Deckert
November 26th, 2008
Mari:
You just gave me a much needed kick in the pants to update my fan page! Thanks for sharing your info… and how do you make those cool screen shots?
Nancy Marmolejo, Visibility Expert
November 27th, 2008
I use both for my site. I use the group to do a daily giveaway exclusive to Facebook members and then I use the page to help promote the giveaway and my site.
Stefan Halley
November 27th, 2008
This is such a great post, with tons of insight! Thanks so much
WebSuccessDiva Social Media
November 29th, 2008
Mari,
I think there is an important correction to your comments on groups. Activities like wall posts do not go into the feeds of group members. I have experienced this directly, and via FB help. It’s a bummer because group members don’t get prompted unless messaged directly.
drake
November 30th, 2008
[...] Facebook Pages Versus Facebook Groups by Mari Smith [...]
Week in Review: Social Media, Blog Marketing, and More : Web Success Diva Social Internet Marketing
December 1st, 2008
Thanks so much for introducing me to Facebook Groups! I thought they were just annoying things that would create APAM. Didn’t realize they could actually benefit business! Just wondering if it’s possible to have a professional site that is mixed with my already personal FB account.
jackie’s last blog post.. Tears of Joy!
jackie
December 2nd, 2008
Very informative. Thank you.
Clint Piatelli
December 3rd, 2008
Interesting to know. Though I am on FB, I don’t use it much but will have to investigate.
InfoESource.com
ocha
December 6th, 2008
[...] via Why Facebook? Social Networking for Fun and Profits! by Mari Smith [...]
I love this post, really helps us know which is for what. I am setting up pages for clients and everyone I know now!
Lisa Rothstein
December 9th, 2008
Mari,
I was in your session in Ross Goldberg’s Internet Marketing Masters seminar today…Fantastic content! You definitely can teach useful concepts for using Facebook for business better than anyone else I’ve ever heard. Keep up the great work.
David Thomas’s last blog post.. davidthomas: Just got back from working out w/my boy @jonthomas44. Now ready to get back to @RossGoldberg seminar at 6pm. I think Mari Smith is up next.
David Thomas
December 10th, 2008
After reading this blog posting I understand much more about facebook pages and how it give you visibility as opposed to the groups. However, since my group is relatively small and private, I think the group (Heart Centered Woman at http://www.LiveHeartCentered.com) will work well for my current goals. Your information is invaluable. Thanks. Mari.
Coach Laura
December 10th, 2008
Thanks for the good explanation of the difference between Groups and Pages…wasn’t sure which was best for my biz, but now I know! keep up the great content! Luv ya!
Susan Whitehead
December 10th, 2008
FABULOUS! I prefer pages myself, but groups are an important component to any strategy on Facebook. Also, groups are great for networking. Aligning yourself with admins of relevent groups to your business allows for them to help promote you when the time is right!
Carrie Kerpen’s last blog post.. Branded Applications Are NOT the Social Media Solution.
Carrie Kerpen
December 10th, 2008
Great Timing Mari,
I’m in the process of improvising my facebook network and without a hitch, I landed here and found this great post. This post clears up a lot of questions I had. Heading to put your tips to use. Thanks once again.
Smiles,
Shri
ShriNagesh
December 15th, 2008
Great post but I have a question. You say, “All group activities go out into the feeds: wall posts, posted items, discussion threads, photos uploaded, and videos uploaded. This provides tremendous viral visibility, as I call it.”
I’m the “owner” of my group and have made wall posts, event updates, posted photos, etc. Those items don’t seem to be published on the feeds of group members.
Am I doing something wrong?
Matt
December 16th, 2008
Very informative post, actually makes me want to go out and buy your book. I am new to facebook but have a broad technology background, just reading our post incourages me to build a strategy around marketing on FB.
dsm
December 19th, 2008
Mari, Thanks for talking about this. I am glad once my Real Estate Investing Network can be converted into a page after it hits over 5K members. I am at 3400+ right now!
Scott Bradley’s last blog post.. The 4 Reasons Why Building a Solid Network is Essential to Your Future Success
Scott Bradley
December 20th, 2008
Great post, mari! Really begs the question, “why not start as a group and then migrate to ap age at 5,000 members?” Hmmm
Dave Kerpen’s last blog post.. Nine for ‘09: Our New Year’s Resolutions for the Smart and Savvy Marketer
Dave Kerpen
December 21st, 2008
Hello Mari,
Iv’e thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. I have had a rather successful experience with Facebook groups…..Iv’e grown my largest group to over 220,000+ members, with over 500 new members joining daily…..
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21237201144
I am actually writing to also see if you’d be willing to blog about it………and, some of the unique methods I have used to grow the group’s membership. Wev’e successfully used various contests to engage members and encourage return visits……something that has been difficult with the limited capabilities of the Facebook Groups platform….
In return……I can ADD a direct clickable link to your blog, at the top of the group……
I am arranging for another contest….It would be an honor to have you stop by the group and let me know if this would be something you’d be interested in doing……I do have statistics available, of the group’s consistent daily growth (exposure that would be gained for your blog)……
You can contact me through the ADMIN section of that group.
Thank you! and take care,
Howie
….i think this case study may be of interest to your readers…..
Howie
December 21st, 2008
Hello Mari,
Thanks for such an informative post. Being relatively new to Facebook, you helped resolve a few questions that I had developed.
Jim Hickey’s last blog post.. Social Media Demographics: Do They Really Matter?
Jim Hickey
December 23rd, 2008
Marie
As a relative newbie to social marketing I am mystified as to what a facebook page is and also what a group is. I have a blog set up at http://www.richardmoloneyblog.com and due to the holidays I have not updated it since Christmas eve but intend to do so later today. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Richard
Richard Moloney
January 4th, 2009
[...] Facebook Pages Versus Facebook Groups by Mari Smith [...]
Week in Review: Social Media, Blog Marketing, and Internet Marketing
January 12th, 2009
just listened to your free talk on smARTist - gave me a great push to continue wading thru the maze of web 2.0….many thanks!
Jan Clizer
January 13th, 2009
Thanks for the great information Mari. You provide great value. I will be creating my Healthy Recipe page and group.
Thank You
Juan’s last blog post.. “Tropical Fish & Brown Rice Bake”…Healthy Recipes
Juan
January 14th, 2009
Mari,
Thanks for all the great content.
After reading your article on creating Fan pages I was inspired to create one.
I launched the page on Oct. 9th 2008 and today it already has over 11,600 fans!
Your articles are always Great!
JR Rivera
January 16th, 2009
[...] Facebook Groups vs Facebook Pages. Which is Best? The answer is, you need both. WhyFacebook, 2008. [...]
34 Links on How to Promote Your Small Business on Facebook « Web 2.0 For Small Biz
January 18th, 2009
Hi Mari. This was wonderful.I was wondering what a fan was. Thanks.
PS I had already formed a GROUP, but you expanded my consept.
Linda Basta
January 27th, 2009
Great information. It has definitely given me some great tips for my pages. ProfileHTML is a great tool.
Erica’s last blog post.. How Blogging Can Help You Market Your Business
Erica
January 29th, 2009
I’d like to create a professional group for two purposes: 1. networking, and 2. to promote a conference I’m organizing on the same topic. My challenge is this: I don’t want the group linked to my personal profile. What is the best way around this? Should I creat a ‘dummy’ identity? Thank you!
MarthaSBrown
January 30th, 2009
Great info! Everywhere else I looked only had one little tidbit of knowledge, you’ve got it all in one article.
Jeff
February 14th, 2009
Hi, (feel rather daft asking this), but I created a page and afterwards it categorized the page as ‘other business’ instead of shop. I noticed that you could delete the page, so I started again, copying and pasting into the new page. When I was ready to delete the original page, it wouldn’t allow me. (I am the only admin) does anyone have some advice on how to delete the page? Many thanks
Anita
March 2nd, 2009
Is it possible to start a Facebook group that is NOT linked to your individual profile and/or keep up with the privacy settings of your individual profile when you start a group?
Jeff
April 1st, 2009
[...] WhyFacebook - Which One is the Best? [...]
The Ultimate Resource List: The Difference Between a Facebook Group and a Facebook Page - ChurchCrunch
May 28th, 2009
[...] Facebook Groups vs Facebook Pages. Which is Best? The answer is, you need both. WhyFacebook, 2008. [...]
34 Links on How to Promote Your Small Business on Facebook — Web 2.0 For Small Business
June 29th, 2009
Hi Mari,
Thank you for the info. The only question I am still left with - I am a member of 5 groups pertaining to my industry, is there any way to auto post to all 5 groups or do I have to log into each one individually? Thank you.
Heather LeMere
Heather LeMere
July 16th, 2009
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Choosing Between Facebook Groups & Fan Pages :: Equip Them
July 20th, 2009
i would say facebook pages
facebook api
July 20th, 2009
I think facebook pages and facebook groups both having great importance.
facebook applications
August 22nd, 2009
Just in time. I’ve been thinking about finding someone to do this all for me.
Now I can do it myself, as well, I suspect I’ll learn the whole Facebook/Twitter game - as a money maker - forever.
Then when I get stuck, guess who I call, Mari?
John McLaughlin, Stock Trader - Consultant / Coach
http://www.DayTradersWin.com
Follow My Stock Trades on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StockCoach#
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/John_McLaughlin
Mari, when you find yourself in a quandary about what to do with all your moola, give ma a call.
Dare to Become a Millionaire/1
StockCoach
September 4th, 2009
Follow Me On Twitter!
Thanks again Mari, once again you clarify another confusing aspect of Facebook.
Doug
September 8th, 2009
Hi Mari,
Facebook are saying they no longer offer the group to page migration service.
I wanted to move the Socks for Happy People group to the Socks for Happy People fan page but to no avail.
From the FAQ:
‘We’re no longer able to convert Facebook Groups into Pages. You’re welcome to create a Page and notify your Group members that you’ll be using the Page instead of the Group going forward. If your Group has too many members to send them a message, we unfortunately aren’t able to provide you with any other solutions for how you might contact them about this change.’
That sucks!
Does anyone know any ninja tricks to make this happen?
Many thanks,
Tom
Tom Minter
September 11th, 2009
Follow Me On Twitter!
[...] Smith offers this great comparison of pages and groups in [...]
Facebook & Nonprofits: Use Pages and Groups || Harman Interactive LLC
September 18th, 2009
Hi Mari,
Thanks so much for the explaining the difference. I always wanted to see why others created so many now I know.
Thanks a million
Charlotte
Charlotte Howard
October 4th, 2009
Follow Me On Twitter!
[...] the pack. Which is better: a Facebook Page or a Facebook Group? It depends on your needs. Check out Mari Smith’s or Ann Smarty’s great Facebook Pages vs Facebook Groups [...]
Social media marketing & auto repair shops
October 7th, 2009
I’ve mastered having my tweets posted as status comments on my Facbook page. Now haow do I do this with my group page?
Charles P. Whaley
October 9th, 2009
I’m having more success with Facebook Pages.
They are indexed by search engines and higly customizable..adding multi media rich content, creating an attractive enviroment for users helps exposure and converting fans into prospects
CJNiche
October 22nd, 2009
Now Facebook Fan Pages are better than facebook groups because fan pages are easy to manage as compare to facebook groups. You can share Facebook fan pages to your friends easy by suggesting to your friends.
Facebook Applications
November 5th, 2009
[...] Search Engine Journal: Facebook group vs. Facebook fan page – what’s better? Mashable: Facebook page vs. group John Haydon: Facebook groups & pages tips Tim Davies: Facebook groups vs. Facebook pages The Goggles Do Nothing: Facebook groups vs. pages Why Facebook: Facebook Groups vs. Facebook Pages [...]
Johdatus Facebookin sivuihin ja ryhmiin | Risto H. Kurppa
December 8th, 2009
Nice
What you mean when you say “All group activities go out into the feeds…..”
How I can see that ona my facebook profile?
Pero
December 11th, 2009
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How do I message all fans at once? I cannot figure it out!!!!
erin
December 18th, 2009
@Pero: This feature has been removed from Facebook Groups but it is still possible with fan pages. Personally I cannot see the benefits of a Group over a Fan Page anymore, they have become far too limited.
Chris
December 22nd, 2009
[...] groups and pages – http://whyfacebook.com/2008/11/25/facebook-groups-vs-facebook-pages-which-is-best/ – social [...]
teaching outside the “box” | Alex's reflecting pool
January 22nd, 2010
[...] recently, Facebook consultant Mari Smith has written a fairly extensive comparison of Pages and Groups, suggesting how each might be used. [...]
Wild Apricot Blog : Facebook Profiles and Pages and Groups, oh my!
February 5th, 2010
Very cool pen promo, Mari! Someone is going to be very busy stuffing envelopes!