A Facebook group is a fine place to start a club, but most clubs outgrow it. Posts get buried by the algorithm, anyone not on Facebook can't find you, and your years of history live on a platform you don't control. The good news: moving to a website you own doesn't mean abandoning Facebook or losing members.
Why clubs outgrow Facebook groups
- The algorithm hides your posts. Not everyone sees your training-time change or AGM notice.
- You can't be found on Google. New members searching for a club like yours won't land on a Facebook group.
- There's no proper home. Key information — how to join, your calendar, your policies — gets lost in the feed.
- You don't own it. If the rules change or the group is removed, your community goes with it.
How to move without losing anyone
1. Build your new home first
Set up your website before you announce anything. With an AI builder you can have a complete club site live in an afternoon. Add your essentials: who you are, when you meet, how to join, and a few news posts so it looks active.
2. Keep Facebook running
Don't delete your group. Facebook is still great for reach and casual chat — keep it as a place people discover you, and point them to your website as your real home.
3. Recreate the group chat as a forum
The thing members love about the group is the conversation. A members' forum gives you that back — but searchable, permanent, and free of the algorithm. On Natterio the forum comes in on the Community plan (£14/mo).
4. Tell members, repeatedly
Announce the new site in the group, pin it, add the link to your group description, and mention it at sessions. People move at their own pace — a few reminders over a few weeks does it.
5. Link everything back
Put your website link in your Facebook group, your email signature, and any flyers. Over time, the website becomes the source of truth and Facebook becomes a feeder.
What you gain
A website you own, found on Google, on your own domain, with nothing hidden by an algorithm — plus a searchable forum, a proper events calendar, and your data under your control. See how it works for clubs, or read our Natterio vs Facebook Groups comparison.
The bottom line
You don't have to choose between Facebook and a real website. Build your own home, keep Facebook as a feeder, and move your members across gently. Within a few weeks your club has a proper base it actually owns. Start free.