Table: Facebook Pages vs. Facebook Groups (vs. LinkedIn Groups)

Are you befuddled by the difference between Facebook Pages and Facebook Groups? I often am. It's the most common question I receive when presenting on social media. 

The confusion is understandable because not only do they resemble each other in form and function, but their features change regularly. In fact, in the past year, Facebook entirely changed the function and purpose of Facebook Groups without changing the name. In fact, for awhile, "New Groups" and "Old Groups" co-existed on Facebook before the "Old" ones were  retired for good. 

I've searched in vain for a single resource that clearly compares the different features of Facebook Pages and Groups. In addition, LinkedIn Groups provide much of the same collaborative functions as Facebook Groups but with their own set of unique  options.

The short of it is that Facebook Pages are useful for marketing brands, causes and organizations/businesses. Facebook Groups are useful for having open discussions (privately or publicly) with a small group of fewer than 5,000 users. LinkedIn Groups share features of both Facebook Groups and Facebook Pages, and the details only get more confusing from here.

To help clarify the distinctions, I have created a table showing – feature by feature – the differences between Facebook Pages, Facebook Groups, and LinkedIn Groups.

The comparison table is below. In creating this matrix, I received valuable input from Renée Rybak Lang, who manages social media for Education Sector including their Teacher Sector presence.

If you see errors or have contributions, contact me or post a comment below. Thanks!

(Click for the full table.)