Choosing the Right Platform: Facebook Group vs. Skool vs. Circle
You want to build a community. Not a “funnel.” Not a following. A real space where people can show up, ask questions, share ideas, and maybe even connect with each other without you needing to host a Zoom every week.
The good news? There are great tools for that. The challenge? Choosing the one that doesn’t make your head spin.
Let’s look at three popular options for building a community — Facebook Groups, Skool, and Circle and help you figure out which one makes the most sense for you and your people.
Start Here: What Kind of Community Are You Trying to Build?
Before we compare platforms, ask yourself:
Do I want something casual and easy to join?
Do I need structure (like lessons or events)?
Will people use this daily? Weekly? Occasionally?
Do I want this to feel private, exclusive, or open to all?
The answers will help shape what platform will actually support your goals not fight them.
Now let’s break it down.
Option 1: Facebook Group
Best for:
Quick-start communities, casual interaction, or groups where your audience is already active on Facebook.
Pros:
Easy to set up and free
Most people already have a Facebook account
Built-in notifications, live video, events, and post scheduling
Familiar interface (you don’t need to explain how to use it)
Cons:
Distractions everywhere (news feed, ads, unrelated groups)
Algorithm decides who sees what and often buries your posts
Doesn’t feel like “your space” you’re building on borrowed land
Some people just don’t use Facebook anymore (or avoid it on purpose)
Best fit for:
Communities that are more social than structured.
Good for groups that want to chat and share, but don’t need private content or lesson plans.
Option 2: Skool
Best for:
Creators who want a clean, simple space for community + content + calendar — all in one place.
Pros:
Clean, easy-to-use layout (with zero distractions)
Combines community posts, course modules, and events
Has a built-in leaderboard for engagement (gamified, but not cheesy)
Flat monthly fee, no weird pricing tiers
People get email digests so they don’t miss posts
Cons:
No free version, it's paid from day one
Less customizable in terms of branding or visual feel
Still needs people to create an account (not everyone will)
Best fit for:
Paid communities, course creators, or coaches who want everything in one home: content, discussion, and a bit of structure.
Option 3: Circle
Best for:
More organized, branded, long-term communities where you want more control over layout and access.
Pros:
Super customizable you can create different “spaces” or categories
Looks and feels like a clean, professional platform
Good for memberships, cohorts, or multi-layered programs
Can embed videos, events, live streams, and more
Integrates well with other tools
Cons:
Slightly steeper learning curve than Skool
Pricing varies depending on features
Can feel overwhelming if you set up too much too fast
Best fit for:
Ongoing communities that need room to grow, especially if you want to host content, events, and multiple audience segments in one place.
So Which One Should You Use?
If you want to keep it fast, free, and frictionless, Facebook still works—especially if your people are already there.
If you want a simple, all-in-one setup that combines lessons, events, and discussion, Skool is a solid pick. It’s clean, distraction-free, and easy to maintain.
If you want a more customized, professional platform with more control and room to grow, Circle gives you the most flexibility.
The best choice depends on your audience, your goals, and your bandwidth. There’s no perfect answer. There’s only the platform that fits what you’re trying to build right now.
Final Thought
You’re not just picking software — you’re shaping a space.
And like any space, it should feel natural for you to host and welcoming for others to join.
There’s no perfect platform. But there is a right fit for your current season, your audience, and your goals.
Start simple. Build the habit of showing up.
The community will grow from there.
