The Showdown: Facebook vs. Skool

Introduction

In this comparison, we delve into the pros and cons of using Facebook Groups versus Skool communities for online business. The speaker, with years of experience in building online communities, discusses the challenges and advantages of both platforms.

1. Overview of Facebook Groups

1.1 Popularity and Accessibility

• Free and Familiar: Facebook Groups are free and widely recognized, making them an easy choice for many.
• Easy Adoption: Due to Facebook's dominance in social media, most people are already familiar with how to use Groups.

1.2 Community Building

• Large Communities: Facebook allows for the creation of large communities, which can be beneficial for network marketing and similar businesses.
• ATM Strategy: The "Add, Tag, and Message" (ATM) strategy has been a popular method for growing Facebook Groups.

1.3 Challenges

• Noise and Distraction: Facebook is notorious for being noisy, with numerous distractions making it difficult to keep members focused on the group's purpose.
• Lack of Control: Monitoring and organizing large groups can be challenging. Issues like spam, self-promotion by members, and scammers can be rampant.
• Algorithm Issues: Posts often get lost due to Facebook's algorithm, resulting in low engagement and visibility.

2. Experience with Skool

2.1 Initial Impression

• Skepticism: The speaker was initially unimpressed with Skool when introduced to it in late 2023, mainly because it was not explored deeply at the time.

2.2 Revisiting Skool

• Reevaluation: Upon revisiting Skool in August 2024, the speaker discovered significant improvements and features that set it apart from Facebook.

2.3 Key Features of Skool

• Gamification: Skool incorporates gamification, encouraging engagement through levels, rewards, and incentives.
• Regulation and Control: Skool offers better tools for regulating and monitoring the community, reducing noise and ensuring a higher quality of interaction.
• Monetization Options: Unlike Facebook, Skool allows for monetization within the platform, enabling businesses to create paid communities, offer exclusive content, and provide tiered memberships.

3. Comparison: Facebook vs. Skool

3.1 Facebook Pros

• Free to Use: No cost associated with creating and managing groups.
• Widespread Adoption: Almost everyone is on Facebook, making it easy to gather a large audience.

3.2 Facebook Cons

• High Noise Level: Difficult to maintain focus within the group due to the distracting nature of Facebook.
• Lack of Monetization: No direct way to monetize groups, limiting business potential.
• Low Engagement: Posts are often buried by the algorithm, resulting in low visibility.

3.3 Skool Pros

• Controlled Environment: Easier to manage and organize the community, with better tools to regulate participation.
• Gamification: Encourages active participation through rewards and levels, enhancing engagement.
• Monetization: Provides built-in tools to monetize the community, including paid memberships and exclusive content.

3.4 Skool Cons

• Cost: Skool charges $99 per month, which may be a barrier for some users.
• Learning Curve: New users may need time to adjust to Skool's interface and features.

4. Conclusion and Recommendation

4.1 Final Thoughts

• Rating: The speaker rates Facebook a 5/10 and Skool an 8/10. While Skool is not perfect, it is a significantly better option for those looking to build and monetize a community.
• Personal Recommendation: The speaker, based on personal experience, strongly recommends Skool for those serious about community building and willing to invest in a platform that offers better control and monetization options.

4.2 Call to Action

• Affiliate Link: The speaker provides an affiliate link for Skool, encouraging viewers to try it for 14 days to see if it suits their needs.  https://www.skool.com/signup?ref=1da447006c6b4a0a84be8e6e026e77bb 
• Join the Community: An invitation is extended to join the speaker's Skool community, which has grown rapidly within a short time. https://rondeering.com/community