Traditional focus groups are face-to-face groups conducted in a facility that can perform audio and/or video recording of the group as well as allow observation of the group by desired individuals. They consequently allow the moderator and client, if desired, to physically observe the group members during the group, or review a videotape of the group at a later time.

Direct observation of participant's body language and gestures by the moderator allows for more careful monitoring of the attention of participants as well as observation of subtle but important information that can be commented on and, if desired, questioned further and integrated into the group process. In some such situations the non-verbal behavior of participants will be of sufficient importance as to significantly influence the flow of the group and, consequently, its outcome. This environment also allows the moderator to know immediately if someone "leaves" the group.

Traditional groups are often preferred if the client is interested in receiving responses characterized by greater precision and detail. They are necessary if the participants do not have access to or cannot use a computer or access the Internet, or if members of the population of interest are not comfortable interacting over the telephone.
Finally, if children and teens are the subjects of interest, they are generally more comfortable and therefore better able to participate in a face-to-face group.

Teleweb (focus) groups are typically less expensive than traditional groups because they eliminate the need for moderator and participant travel and there is no need to rent a focus group facility. While these groups require all participants and observers to connect via concurrent Internet and telephonic access, they allow multiple clients to monitor the audio conference call as well as observe in real time group members’ responses to polling questions without paying for travel to a focus group facility.

Difficult to recruit participants (due to geographic dispersion, high responsibility, small population, etc.) are often more willing to participate in a teleweb group and they may participate from any location that has computer and phone capabilities. Some researchers believe that participants are more candid in such groups due to greater anonymity. This anonymity also allows sensitive issues to be investigated in group format.