Facebook has long been a go-to platform for hosting social communities. But increasingly, businesses, creators, and community leaders are recognizing its limitations. From privacy concerns to unpredictable content restrictions, Facebook isn’t the safe haven it once seemed. If you’ve been feeling uneasy about keeping your community there, you’re not alone—and you have options.
In a recent call with a client, we explored alternative solutions for moving their community off Facebook. Whether you’re running group discussions, offering private coaching, or sharing exclusive resources, transitioning to a new platform can empower you to take control of your content and user experience.
Here are two key paths to consider for hosting your community on your own terms.
Option 1: Self-Hosted Platforms with WordPress Plugins
If you’re already using WordPress for your website, plugins offer a seamless way to create a community space without relying on third-party platforms. They allow you to build your community right on your site, giving you full control over the design, features, and privacy.
Recommended Tools:
- Fluent Community
- What It Does: A relatively new plugin designed to replicate the social experience of platforms like Facebook. It allows you to create spaces for groups and private coaching, share resources, and send weekly digests of activity to members.
- Pros: Clean, modern design; highly customizable; works with FluentCRM for easy member access and email communication.
- Cons: Still in beta, with occasional bugs to work through.
- BuddyBoss
- What It Does: A more established tool that functions as both a WordPress theme and a plugin. BuddyBoss offers features like forums, activity feeds, and private messaging.
- Pros: Comprehensive functionality; supports integrations with popular tools like LearnDash for course management.
- Cons: The complexity of setup can be overwhelming; you may pay for features you don’t end up using.
- bbPress
- What It Does: A simple and lightweight forum tool for WordPress.
- Pros: Easy to use; integrates seamlessly with WordPress.
- Cons: Limited functionality compared to more modern solutions like Fluent Community or BuddyBoss.
Who Should Consider This Option?
If you want complete control over your community’s appearance and functionality, a WordPress-based solution is a great fit. These tools are ideal for businesses and creators with technical support or a willingness to invest time in customization.
Option 2: Dedicated Community Platforms
For those who don’t want to build a community directly on their website, dedicated platforms provide an alternative. These tools are designed specifically for hosting vibrant social communities without requiring a WordPress setup.
Recommended Platforms:
- Mighty Networks
- What It Does: A comprehensive platform for hosting memberships, courses, and events, alongside an activity feed and group discussions.
- Pros: Easy to use; mobile app included; great for businesses that want an all-in-one solution.
- Cons: Monthly subscription fees; less customizable compared to WordPress options.
- Circle
- What It Does: A sleek platform built for creating private, engaged communities.
- Pros: User-friendly interface; integrates with tools like Zapier and Notion; ideal for smaller, intimate groups.
- Cons: Pricing can increase quickly as your community grows.
Who Should Consider This Option?
If you want to focus on community management without worrying about website maintenance, these platforms offer a plug-and-play solution. They’re perfect for creators who prioritize ease of use and are willing to pay a subscription fee for a streamlined experience.
Why Make the Switch?
Our client’s experience highlights the risks of relying on Facebook. Recently, they faced blocks on sharing links to their own website—even within private groups. For someone running educational sessions and one-on-one coaching, this interruption was a wake-up call.
By transitioning to a self-hosted or dedicated community platform, you can:
- Avoid algorithm changes that limit post visibility.
- Maintain full control over your group’s data and privacy.
- Build a distraction-free space tailored to your members’ needs.
Making the Move
Whichever option you choose, the key to a successful migration is planning. Start by identifying your community’s priorities: Do they need easy access to resources? Private spaces for coaching? A seamless mobile experience? Once you’ve chosen a platform, create a roadmap for the transition. Communicate with your members, offering clear instructions and support to help them adapt.
At Business Tech Ninjas, we specialize in helping businesses transition to self-hosted or dedicated platforms. If you’re ready to take control of your community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.