Written by Online communities have been revolutionising the ways we connect, share ideas, and forge relationships in the digital age. For many, platforms like Facebook once seemed the perfect environment to build and grow communities—but this perception is changing rapidly. Increasing numbers of communities are leaving Facebook in favour of more tailored, controlled, and supportive platforms for their members.
If you’re questioning whether it was the rights decision to move our community site off Facebook, this blog post explores the limitations of Facebook for our community managers, the benefits of shifting to our own platform.
The Impact of Facebook on Community Interaction and Engagement
Facebook has long been the go-to platform for managing online communities, thanks to its enormous user base and easy-to-use group features. However, what once seemed convenient has gradually become a growing source of frustration for many Park residents.
Here are the reasons many members believe we should no longer be on Facebook:
- Declining Organic Reach: Facebook’s algorithm prioritises sponsored posts and paid ads over organic group content, decreasing the visibility of your group posts even among your members.
- Diluted Focus: Amid the endless scroll of ads, unrelated updates, and irrelevant notifications, your community content can easily get lost.
- Variable Engagement: Members are often distracted by the platform’s other features, such as Marketplace or personal news feeds, which can affect engagement in your group.
While Facebook remains a centralised giant, these issues are prompting many residents to reconsider its role in fostering meaningful, focused interactions.
Why Communities Are Moving Away from Facebook
The exodus from Facebook is being driven by several key frustrations that communities feel increasingly unable to ignore.
Privacy Concerns
Facebook has faced repeated scrutiny worldwide over its handling of user data. Members are increasingly uneasy about being part of a platform where their personal information may be shared or sold. Privacy remains a priority for most online users, and ensuring your community members feel secure is crucial.
Algorithm Changes and Loss of Visibility
The constant tweaks to Facebook’s algorithms are frustrating for community administrators. Posts and updates that are vital to your group can end up buried in feeds, or overshadowed by sponsorships and ads, forcing admins to either “pay-to-play” or lose member engagement.
Lack of Control Over Your Content
When you build a community on Facebook, your interactions and group data technically belong to Facebook. If your group were disabled, restricted, or flagged, you’d have little recourse and potentially lose years of work. Having greater control over your community’s data and content is increasingly seen as a vital step to ensure its longevity.
No Control Over Facebook Features
When utilising Facebook as a platform for your community, the absence of autonomy over its features can be a significant limitation. Features may be introduced, removed, or altered at any time without input from users. This lack of control can disrupt the way your community interacts or operates. For instance, updates to group settings, notification systems, or moderation tools can be unpredictable, leaving community administrators scrambling to adapt. Customisation options are minimal, meaning communities must conform to Facebook’s interface and functionality rather than creating an environment tailored to their unique needs.
Why Shifting to our Independent Platform is Beneficial
Building our community on an independent platform comes with a multitude of advantages that can directly address the challenges posed by Facebook. A dedicated platform allows us to prioritise the needs and preferences of Park residents, fostering a more focused, engaged, and secure environment.
- Complete Ownership: Hosting our community on a bespoke platform ensures we maintain ownership of your data, content, and the user experience. This peace of mind is invaluable, as it protects our investment in building a thriving network.
- Customisable Features: We can design and implement features specifically tailored to the goals of our community, whether that involves unique integrations, personalised branding, or enhanced moderation capabilities.
- Enhanced Privacy Protections: By moving to a platform with robust privacy controls, we can assure members that their data remains secure and is not monetised without their consent. Transparency in this area strengthens trust and loyalty within your community.
- Sharper Focus: Without the clutter of distracted scrolling and external advertising, members can fully engage with the content, discussions, and resources that matter most to your group.
Ultimately, transitioning away from Facebook opens the door to a community experience that is more intentional, secure, and aligned with your long-term vision. While the process may take time and effort, the benefits far outweigh the temporary challenges of change.
What’s Next for Our Community?
Our decision to transition our community off Facebook was driven by our commitment to prioritising members’ needs, security, and engagement. By creating a focused and customised space, we are confident that this move will empower our members to connect more meaningfully and achieve even greater outcomes together.
We look forward to sharing more about our new platform and the opportunities it offers in our next update. Thank you for joining us on this exciting new chapter!
