When we think about building an online community, Facebook often seems like the obvious choice. After all, it’s the world’s largest social network, and most people already have accounts there. However, if you’re serious about fostering a vibrant, engaged, and secure community, Facebook may not be the best option. Let’s break down why.
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Why Facebook is Not an Ideal Platform for Building an Online Community
One of the biggest drawbacks to using Facebook for community building is that you don’t actually own the platform or the data. Facebook owns it. Your community members’ data, posts, interactions, and even the group itself are all controlled by Facebook. If the platform ever changes its rules or algorithms, or if they decide to shut down your group (for any reason), you risk losing all your hard work and valuable connections overnight.
Imagine This: You’ve worked hard to build a Facebook Group with more than 720,000 members. You run challenges, share training, and rely on it as a major part of growing your business and making money.
Then one day, without warning, you got logged out. First, it’s banned, and then it’s completely deleted.
That’s exactly what happened to The Bearded Butchers, a YouTuber who lost access to his Facebook group after his account was disabled. He quickly realized how dangerous it is to run a business on a platform he couldn’t control.
The Bearded Butcher’s story isn’t unique. More and more business owners are realizing the risks of relying on platforms they don’t own. And it’s not just about the fear of losing your account. There are many reasons to take full control of your community, it’s even more imperative if you’re running a business.
Let’s dive in in the next section!
6 reasons why building an online community out of Facebook is a better choice.
1. To Escape the Algorithm
Ever feel like you’re talking to a wall when you post in your Facebook group? That’s because of Facebook’s ever-changing algorithm, which decides who gets to see your content. Even if you have thousands of members, your posts might only reach a small fraction of them. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re putting in the effort to engage your community. By moving to a platform that you control, like phpFox, you can ensure that your posts reach everyone without being filtered or hidden by an algorithm.
2. Say goodbye to ads
You hop on Facebook to catch up with friends or see what your old college roommate is up to. But before you even finish reading their post, BOOM!—out pops an ad for something random. “You might like this super-expensive kitchen gadget,” or “How about these sneakers you never knew you needed?”
Let’s be real: we’ve all been bombarded with ad after ad after ad. It’s like Facebook’s way of saying, “Hey, we know you’re here for your friends, but also…buy this!” If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably had enough of it!
Running a community on Facebook means you’re giving Facebook free rein to fill your space with ads, which often distract from the discussions you’re trying to foster. On your own platform, no ads will interrupt the flow of your community, so your members stay engaged with your content, not someone else’s marketing pitch.
3. Monetize Your Community
Facebook isn’t exactly set up for community managers/ leaders to monetize directly. Sure, you can share affiliate links or promote products, but the options are limited. On your own platform, though, the possibilities are endless! Want to sell access to exclusive content? Offer paid membership tiers? Host webinars or workshops for a fee? The choice is yours, and you’re not stuck sharing revenue with Facebook. You can create real value for your members and generate income at the same time.
4. Own Your Content, Members, Data,..everything is yours.
Perhaps the biggest reason to move your community off Facebook? Ownership.
At the end of the day, when your community is hosted on Facebook, you don’t own anything. Your posts, your member list, your data—all of it. If Facebook decides to change its policies, shut down your group, or remove your content, you’re left with nothing.
If you use your own platform like phpFox, you are the owner and of course, you hold the keys to everything. The white-label community platform ensures that your community is secure, independent, and built for long-term success. No one can take that away from you, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your community is truly yours.
5. Control Moderation and Rule-Making
Facebook’s moderation tools don’t always cut it. You’ve probably experienced times when a spammy post gets through, or worse, an important discussion is flagged as inappropriate. With your own community platform, you get full control over moderation. You set the rules, you decide who stays and who goes, and you can implement custom tools to make sure your community stays safe and focused. No more relying on Facebook’s one-size-fits-all approach.
6. Focus on Quality Content
Facebook thrives on engagement metrics—clicks, likes, comments. But in the race for these quick hits of dopamine, quality content often takes a back seat. In contrast, a dedicated community platform lets you focus on creating meaningful conversations and valuable resources without feeling pressured to game the system. Your members come for the quality content, and they stay for the deeper connections. No more filler posts just to keep up with an ever-demanding algorithm.
Benefits of Using a White-Label Platform for Building an Online Community
Complete Control Over Your Brand
With a white-label platform, your community looks and feels like your brand. No third-party logos or designs—you have full control to customize the appearance to match your identity. Imagine having a space where every color, logo, and button reflects your vision. For example, if you run a fitness brand, your online community can mirror your brand’s energy, creating a seamless experience for your audience.
Tailored Features for Your Needs
White-label platforms let you pick and choose the features that suit your community best. You’re not stuck with unnecessary tools or features you’ll never use. Need a marketplace, event calendar, or course management system? It’s all customizable. Think of it as building the exact toolset you need to engage your members effectively, like choosing the right equipment at a gym.
Ownership and Data Privacy
Your community, your rules! With a white-label platform, you have control over your data and privacy settings, which means no one else can sell or access your community’s data. It’s like owning your home instead of renting—you decide who has access, and you can make adjustments anytime without needing external approval.
Final Thought
Facebook has its role in your community strategy and can be effective for marketing. However, relying on it for long-term growth may not be the best move. Facebook’s platform is ultimately centered around the Facebook brand, meaning it will never truly be the home for your community.
If you’re looking to build a space where your brand ambassadors can thrive and actively support your business, it’s essential to have full control. By creating a dedicated platform, you provide a unique environment where people can interact and engage, with your brand at the heart of it all.
phpFox—an all-in-one online community platform that brings together your members, discussions, events, and content under your own brand. Plus, when you join, you’re tapping into a customer community packed with resources and over 20.000 like-minded community builders ready to share their experiences and support your journey!