Creating a social networking website can be a great endeavor if you have the right tools to help you along the path. If you use WordPress as your content management system, you are well on your way to starting a successful website. This is partly because of the vast number of plugins that are available to enhance your website’s capabilities. We will be looking at BuddyPress and BuddyBoss, two social networking plugins. After comparing the two options, you will have a better idea of which one you should use with your website.
BuddyPress
BuddyPress started in 2008 to add communication features to WordPress websites. Since then, there have been numerous updates to turn it into one of the best social media plugins on the market.
Features
Many different features make BuddyPress a good option for a WordPress plugin. These include but are not limited to:
- Community interaction tools such as connection requests
- Advanced privacy settings
- Multi-site support
- Ability to set up profile fields
- Private messaging functionality
- Community groups
- Integrated group forums
Several of the elements that BuddyPress provides are similar to major social media platforms such as Facebook. People often use BuddyPress when they are creating community-based websites or alternative dating platforms such as a sugar daddy website. You, as the administrator, can modify how much freedom your website users have over the features. For instance, you can allow them to form their own groups and chat with other members in them.
Price
BuddyPress is completely free to download and use. Some additional plugins and extensions work well with BuddyPress that cost money to use.
Customer Service Support
In terms of customer support, BuddyPress offers a 24/7 community forum. Users can post their questions in the forum, and any member can answer them.
Cons
The major con of using BuddyPress is that it is not as user-friendly as it could be. BuddyPress is primarily meant for developers or individuals who know about computers and coding. This is because they will be creating a custom platform with additional add-ons if necessary. It can also take time to find compatible themes that work with the plugin.
BuddyBoss
BuddyBoss came along after BuddyPress. BuddyBoss has many similarities with the original version, but it is different enough to make a big difference on your website if you choose to use it. BuddyBoss is a theme as well as a plugin, unlike BuddyPress. This means that the integrations are much more seamless than they are with BuddyPress.
Features
BuddyBoss has all the same features as BuddyPress, but with a few key additions. These additional features include:
- The ability for members to send attachments and photos
- No need for coding
- A comprehensive document library
- Standard forums
- Network searches
- Email invites
BuddyBoss’ additional built-in features are beneficial because there is less customization that you must do, which may save you time and resources. There is still the option of adding customizations if you want to, but they are not necessary for the website to function.
BuddyBoss also contains features that cater specifically towards running courses online. These features include:
- Assignments and quizzes (accessing and grading)
- Lessons with multimedia content
- Ability to track students
Price
There are three primary packages that you can choose from with BuddyBoss. The first package is for individuals and includes a one-year license for a single website. The cost of this plan is $228 annually.
The second plan is targeting businesses that are starting to grow. The one-year license covers five different websites and costs $288 annually.
The third plan caters to large agencies that have many different locations. This one-year license covers 10 websites and costs $348 annually.
All three plans include the BuddyBoss theme and plugin, customer support, and the latest updates for one year.
Customer Service Support
To access BuddyBoss’ customer support, you must issue a ticket and wait for assistance from their help desk. The time it takes to respond can vary.
Cons
Even though BuddyBoss has features that are specifically for online courses, it does not come with the necessary tools for course management. If you want to create or run a course, you will need to integrate your website with some learning management plugins such as LearnDash.
The Verdict?
The answer to whether BuddyPress or BuddyBoss is better will depend on the needs of you or your business. If you have experience with coding or website development and you are just starting a new business, you might benefit more from using BuddyPress. It is a budget-friendly option for social media networking, and it will give you a chance to get your foot in the door of the industry.
If you work for a more established company and do not have the technical expertise, you could consider using BuddyBoss. As a larger company, it is more likely that you have the necessary funds in your yearly budget to pay the license for BuddyBoss. As well, since it is a theme and a plugin, there is far less work involved. You will get your website up and running quicker, which will allow the community to sign up with your website right away.
