Membership Site + FluentCommunity vs Facebook Group

Summary

Facebook Groups can be an acceptable jumping-off spot to test a community, but is a free space on someone else’s playground the space for consistency, branding, and stability? When you want to have more control over your community, there are still many options to choose from. Jonathan shines a spotlight on a couple of top contenders in this article. With LifterLMS, Fluent Community, or a combination of both – you have a winner.  

 

LifterLMS + FluentCommunity vs. Facebook Groups Connected to Building Online Communities in 2025

Building an online community can be a great way to connect with like-minded people and grow a business. There are many options for setting up a community platform. In the WordPress space, two powerhouses step up and one is brand new! Fluent Community was recently released from beta testing and is doing very well in the marketplace due to its fresh-light approach. LifterLMS which is also WordPress based is longer established and brings additional tools.  Each has its strengths and weaknesses as it compares to the Facebook Group approach. 

Membership sites give owners more control over their community and content. They allow for custom branding and features. Members can access exclusive resources in a private space. However, membership sites require more setup and maintenance than Facebook groups.

Facebook groups are easy to start and use. They tap into Facebook’s massive user base. People are already familiar with how Facebook works. This can lead to more engagement. The downside is that Facebook owns the platform and can change things anytime.

Key Takeaways

• Membership sites offer more control but require more setup
• Facebook groups are easy to use and reach a large audience
• Both options have pros and cons to consider for community building

Should You Use a Membership Site or Facebook Group for Your Community?

Membership sites (our recommendation is LifterLMS) and FluentCommunity Facebook groups) offer ways to build online communities. Each has its advantages and drawbacks.

Membership sites give you complete control over the platform and user data. You can customize the look and features to fit your brand. These sites also make charging for access and selling digital products easier.

Facebook groups are free to set up and use. They tap into Facebook’s large user base, making it simple for people to join and participate. The familiar interface means members can quickly start engaging.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Membership Site	Facebook Group
Cost	Paid hosting	Free
Control	Full	Limited
Reach	Smaller	Larger
Monetization	Built-in options	Limited options

Membership sites work well for paid communities and online courses. They’re good for keeping member data private and offering a unique experience.

Facebook groups shine for free communities that want fast growth. They’re ideal if most of your audience already uses Facebook regularly.

The best choice depends on your goals, budget, and target audience. Consider what features matter most to you and your members when deciding.

LifterLMS + FluentCommunity

FluentCommunity offers features to create and manage membership sites. This platform aims to help businesses build online communities and monetize their content.

Pros

FluentCommunity makes it easy to set up a membership site. Users can create different membership levels and access rules. The platform lets owners control who sees what content.

The software includes tools for managing members. Owners can track sign-ups, payments, and engagement. LifterLMS + FluentCommunity also offers options for member communication.

 

Integration with WordPress is smooth. This lets site owners use familiar tools and plugins. The platform works well with popular payment gateways, too.

FluentCommunity provides options for content delivery. Users can drip content over time or release it all at once. This flexibility helps keep members engaged.

Cons

The learning curve can be steep for new users. Setting up a site takes time and effort. Some users may find the interface less user-friendly than other platforms.

LifterLMS + FluentCommunity has fewer built-in marketing tools compared to some rivals. Users might need to integrate other software for email marketing or sales funnels.

The platform may not scale for huge communities, either. Performance can slow down with high traffic or many members.

Cost can be a factor for small businesses. While pricing is competitive, it may be too high for some startups. Users also need to pay for hosting and some add-ons separately.

Facebook Group

Facebook Groups offer a familiar platform for building online communities. They provide easy setup and access to a large user base. However, they also have limitations on customization and data ownership.

Pros

Facebook Groups are free to create and use. This makes them a budget-friendly option for new communities. The platform is already familiar to many people. This can help boost member engagement and activity.

Groups come with built-in tools for discussions and content sharing. Admins can quickly post updates, create polls, and host events. The mobile app allows members to stay connected on the go.

Facebook’s large user base makes it easier to reach potential new members. The platform’s search and recommendation features can help your group grow organically.

Cons

Facebook owns all data within groups. This means you don’t have complete control over your community’s information. If Facebook changes its policies or shuts down, you could lose access to your group.

Customization options are limited. You can’t change the layout or add unique features to match your brand. This can make it harder to create a distinct identity for your community.

Some people are moving away from Facebook due to privacy concerns. This might limit your potential audience. Ad distractions on the platform can also take attention away from your community content.

Monetization options are restricted within Facebook Groups. Creating paid memberships or selling products directly to your community makes it challenging.

Are You Still Confused Connected Which to Choose?

Picking the right community platform can be tricky. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses. Facebook Groups are free and easy to use. Many people already have Facebook accounts, so joining is simple.

Kajabi offers more control and features. It’s suitable for selling courses and products. But it costs money and has a learning curve.

WordPress with BuddyPress is flexible. You can customize it a lot. It’s cheaper than Kajabi but needs more setup time.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Think about your goals. Do you want a simple place for people to chat? Or do you need to sell courses and manage memberships?

Consider your budget and tech skills, too. A free option might work if you’re starting. But paid platforms offer more tools as you grow.

Try out different options if you can. See what feels right for your needs and your members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the pros and cons of using Kajabi as a membership site compared to Facebook Groups?

A: Kajabi offers a more structured membership site with built-in features for course delivery and member interactions, making it great for membership site owners focused on content delivery. In contrast, Facebook Groups provide a more casual environment for community engagement but may lack the integrations and data control Kajabi offers. The best platform ultimately depends on whether you prioritize structured content or community-driven engagement.

Q: Can I use Kajabi to create a membership community?

A: Yes, using Kajabi, you can build a membership community for reader interactions and course delivery. Kajabi communities are designed to engage your audience effectively, providing a streamlined experience for the membership geeks and their members.

Q: Is using Facebook Groups or Kajabi for my membership website better?

A: The choice between Facebook Groups and Kajabi depends on your goals. If you want to create a professional membership website with in-depth content and a more controlled environment, choose Kajabi. If your goal is to foster casual interactions and leverage social media familiarity, using Facebook groups can be advantageous.

Q: What integration options are available with Kajabi for managing a membership community?

A: Kajabi provides several integration options, allowing membership site owners to connect various tools, such as email marketing software and payment processors, to enhance their membership academy functionality. This makes it easier to manage member data and automate communication with your community.

Q: How does using Kajabi compare to using a forum for a membership community?

A: Using Kajabi allows for a more cohesive user experience with integrated course delivery and member interactions, whereas a forum might require more maintenance and may not provide as seamless a user experience. Kajabi’s structure can help to engage your community better and keep members focused on your content.

Q: What features should I look for in a membership site platform?

A: When choosing a membership site platform like Kajabi, consider features like ease of use, community engagement tools, integration capabilities, customizable footer options, and additional menu functionalities. These features will help you effectively manage and grow your membership community.

Q: Can I engage my community effectively using Facebook Groups?

A: Facebook Groups can be a great way to engage your community due to their interactive nature and user familiarity. However, remember that you may have limited control over member’s data and platform features compared to a dedicated membership site like Kajabi.

Q: What are some standard software options for building a membership site?

A: Common software options for building a membership site include Kajabi, WordPress with membership plugins, and platforms like Teachable or Thinkific. Each has pros and cons, so it’s essential to evaluate which aligns best with your membership community goals.

Q: What is the significance of a private Facebook group for a membership community?

A: A private Facebook group allows for a secure space where members can interact, share experiences, and build connections. This community aspect can enhance member retention and engagement, making it a valuable tool for those building a membership.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right platform for an online community is crucial. Facebook Groups and WordPress membership website + FluentCommunity plugin have strengths and weaknesses.

Facebook Groups offer a familiar interface and a massive user base. Many people already use Facebook daily, making joining and participating in groups easy. The platform is free to use and has robust notification features.

LifterLMS) and FluentCommunity provide more control and customization options. It allows for branded spaces and integrates well with online courses and digital products.FluentCommunity communities can be monetized directly through paid memberships using LifterLMS.

Privacy and data ownership are essential factors to consider. Facebook collects user data, while LifterLMS + FluentCommuity gives site owners complete control over member information.

The best choice depends on specific needs and goals. Facebook Groups work well for casual communities or those just starting. WordPress membership site + FluentCommunity is better suited for professional communities tied to online courses or membership sites.

Cost is another key consideration. Facebook is free but has limitations.WordPress membership site + FluentCommunity requires a monthly fee but offers more features and control.

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Community builders should weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before deciding.