If you are trying to decide whether to use Facebook Pages versus Groups, you should keep in mind that there are a number of factors to consider. In addition, you should take into account the project you are working on. Here are some things to consider when trying to choose between using Facebook Pages or Groups-
The first thing that you should understand is that, due to their security features, and size limitations (only groups under 5,000 members can send email blasts), Facebook Groups are set up for more personal interaction. In addition, since Groups are also directly connected to the people who administer them, this means that the activities that go on there could reflect on you personally. Conversely, Pages, do not list the names of administrators, and are thought of as a person. This is almost like a corporate entity that is considered a ‘person’ under the law.
Users should also remember that Facebook considers groups, to be an extension of your personal actions. You should realize that when you post something as a group administrator, it appears to be coming from you, and is attached to your personal profile. Alternately, Pages can create content that comes from the Page itself, so that content does not have to be linked to you personally. Another major difference is that Pages are indexed by external search engines, just like a public profile while Groups are not.
Another consideration when determining which entity to use is to take into consideration that as long as a group is under 5,000 members, a group administrator can send messages to the group members, that will appear in their inboxes. Page administrators, can send updates to fans through the Page, and these updates will appear in the “Updates” section of fans’ inboxes. Keep in mind that there is no limit, on how many fans you may send an update to, or how many total fans a Page can have.
Groups also offer far more control over who gets to participate. This is because permission settings make it possible for group administrators, to restrict access to a group, so that new members have to be approved. Access to a Page, however, can only be restricted by certain ages and locations. This in turn, makes Groups more like a private club.
Another major difference to consider is that Pages can host applications, so a Page can essentially be more personalized and show more content. Groups, on the other hand cannot do this. It should also be noted that neither Groups, nor Pages, have great moderation features. They can both be a little selective as to how things get posted, who can post, and what kind of media can be posted, but that is about the extent of it. The bottom line is that that if someone posts spam on your Group, or your Page, you have to remove it manually, and you can also remove specific members.
Both Groups and Pages will allow you to create related Events, which show up under the users’ Request (and later in the upcoming events page on the sidebar of their dashboard if they have done an RSVP). Keep in mind that neither has any added functionality beyond the generally available Facebook Events application. Ads can also be purchased to promote either Groups or Pages, but Pages can benefit from social ads that publicize the fan connection between a Page and a specific user.
The bottom line is-Groups are great for organizing on a personal level and for smaller scale interaction around a cause. Pages are better for brands, businesses, bands, movies, or celebrities who want to interact with their fans, or customers, without having them connected to a personal account, and they have a need to exceed Facebook’s 5000 friend cap.
