A huge question I often hear when it comes to Facebook and brands is should you build a Facebook Group Page or a Fan Page?
It is a good question and the answer depends mostly on what your plans are for your site. I’ve broken down the pros and cons of both a fan page versus a group page below.
Facebook Fan Page
Facebook Fan Pages are a great option for brands – including e-commerce sites – that plan on posting information at least once a week.
Facebook Fan Page Pro’s:
- Looks polished; closely resembles an individual profile page
- Can include videos, photos, links, events, etc.
- Can be fed into “fans’” update stream similar to an individual profile update
- Can be given a customized url similar to an individual profile
- Hides the name and address of the page creator
- Offers options to add applications such as a Twitter feed
- Includes a “wall” similar to individual profiles that people can post comments on
- Can be paired with a Facebook Fan Page Widget on your site
Facebook Fan Page Con’s:
- More difficult to manage conversations between fans
- Conversations are on display for the public to see
- Unable to convert Facebook Groups to Fan Pages if you’ve already got a Group page set up
- Until you have an adequate number of fans, you’ll be posting a lot
- A dismal Fan Page linked to your site can hurt your inbound links in SEO
Facebook Group Page
Facebook Group pages are easy to create and slightly more personal than a Fan Page. Because it is not a constantly fed profile-like page, posts do not need to be as often.
Facebook Group Pro’s
- Can be more intimate; people see who created the group
- Still allows for pictures, photos, videos, events, etc. to be posted
- Allows for emails to be sent to all group members
- Pre-dates Fan Pages; more familiarity among early adopters of Facebook
Facebook Group Con’s
- Visitors must visit your group page for updates
- Does not allow applications to be added to the group page
- Offers visibility
- Will automatically post related groups to your group page whether you want them or not
- Cannot be linked to your site via widget(s)
The Verdict? Consider a Facebook Fan Page if you want to keep your “fans” up to date on the goings on of your site. Consider a Group if you have a niche within your site that people might want to create conversations about.
sun says
thanks for the timely article. I’ve been thinking about this very issue. the other consideration was to create a business user and interact directly with customers – personal messages, responding to status updates of friends, etc. Any pro & cons of doing this versus a fan page or group?
DNA says
Facebook…or somebody…just need to make the Facebook Fan Widget for Facebook Groups and I would be happy.