Struggling to figure out why you need a Facebook group for your business {especially if you’re not a fan of being in groups, yourself}?  

You’re not alone! Many business owners are confused and don’t understand how or why you need a Facebook group for your business!

Now, I’m not going to convince you, I’d rather you do the math for yourself.  Take a look at your newsfeed – what do you see? Groups, groups and more groups.  Facebook, per their mission statement, is trying to “bring the world closer” and groups are a great way for them to do that!  They help build micro-communities, start conversations, and build relationships. These are all great things that YOU, as a savvy business owner, need to take advantage of, and fast! 

This Mission Statement gives us MAJOR clues as to what Facebook wants to see!

More recently, during the opening speech of 2019’s F8 conference, Mark Zuckerberg said “the future of social media is private.”  And he wasn’t just talking about data!  Facebook is making a focused effort to develop the features that are most likely to encourage private conversations; we’re talking groups, events, PMs and DMs, people!

If “private” communication is going to be Facebook’s focus, then it only makes sense that you have a Facebook Group for your business!

With a group, you’re A LOT more likely to get in front of your own clients!  Those who are in your group are way more likely to see your posts {if you’re getting good engagement} and those who aren’t in your group, but who have friends in your group or follow your page, will see your group in their suggested content from Facebook! Winning all around!

Don’t get me wrong, you still NEED a Facebook page {anyone who tells you otherwise is uninformed and unaware of social media strategy, so ignore them}, but groups are really where it’s at right now!  So, let’s take some time to create a plan for your business and grow a Facebook Group for your business!

1.) Who should be in your group? 

Creating a Facebook group for your business is an excellent way to warm up your market and nurture relationships with those clients who already love you. Additionally, reaching your cold market {those who don’t know you yet, but soon will} in a non-slimy, not salesy way is A MUST. Creating a Facebook group for your business is a fun way to make that happen. It gives you an opportunity to sell from a point of trust.

My suggestion?  Invite anyone on your email list or who is consistently active on your social media accounts and live videos!  Position yourself as the go-to resource in your industry to add value and exclusivity to your group. Make your group members feel like gold!

WORD TO THE WISE: set your group to the “closed” or, if that’s not an option, choose the “private” and “visible” settings.  Believe it or not, you don’t want to invite everyone and their mom to join!  It’s important that you keep your group members highly engaged – so you only want to invite people who are truly interested in your business.  If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a million times…. NOT ALL SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS are good ones.  So be smart.

2.) Make joining your group a no-brainer.

Make no mistake.  Just because you create a Facebook group for your business, you are NOT guaranteed, followers.  So, if you think you can make a Facebook group for your business, make one post about it, and get a bunch of people in there, you’re going to be sadly disappointed!  You will have to put in some major work! If people don’t understand the value of being in your group, they won’t join.

Read, Rehearse, Remember this one thing:
The last thing anyone wants is to be in another group.

Want to share this GIF?  Hop on over to Facebook and search “Facebook Groups.”  Give your phone one quick scroll and you’ll see it!  Happy sharing!

Ever been added to a group without permission?  How did you feel? Gross?  Irritated?  Offended?  Your clients feel the same, don’t ever forget that. So you must spend some time thinking about your content, be intentional with your invitations, and make membership worth their while! Also, always remember, no one likes to feel icky.

3.) Post the right content. 

I know you’re wondering what kind of content is right for your group. My answer: it depends. Anything that is going to add value to your client’s lives is right for your group.  You want to position yourself as THE expert and trusted professional.  While you should absolutely talk about your business and throw them some perks for being in your insider’s community, don’t let that be the ONLY thing you talk about! So, make this group personal and valuable.

Your group should be 20% promotional and 80% value added content!

Now, truth be told, understanding, creating and finding value-add content is a super big struggle for most creative entrepreneurs, so here are some ideas to get you started!

• • Parenting websites you like
  • Tips for creating a beautiful DIY wedding bouquet
  • How to take better smartphone photos
  • Master those cute “monthly” infant photos {maybe reach out to an Etsy shop and get them to offer your people a discount on cute onesie stickers}
  • Graduation party guide {have past client’s moms chime in and they’ll feel special too!}
  • Fun festivals and events in your community
  • Swaddling tutorials
  • Hair & makeup tips {this could be a great live video to co-host with a local artist}

Think outside the box and be creative!  If you’ve got more ideas, I’d love to hear them in the comments! Who knows?! If it’s a great idea, maybe I’ll even add it to this post!

4.) Make your group unique.

In an effort to give groups a unified and personalized community feel, Facebook has every-so-graciously given us access to customize groups in ways that work for us and our audience. You can learn all about that here. In addition to customizing the group settings, don’t forget to create a buzz in order to grow your group fast! You’ll want to do fun challenges and give away prizes for member perks. These giveaways are a great way to expand your group, build momentum and get people pulling for you!.

5.) Don’t worry, your business PAGE still has a purpose.

I promise we’re not going to leave your OG biz page in the dust. Your Facebook business page and Facebook group for your business lead two very different lives. The two may feel similar, but your group is more personal. It allows you to zero in on group members; generate useful chatter; feel out needs; interact on a 1:1 level and skip out on some of what’s lost in the algorithm.  So, remember —> the Facebook group for your business and Facebook page for your business are sisters, not twins. Don’t dress them the same, k?

Now you know why having a Facebook group for your business is non-negotiable.

Creating a Facebook group for your business is a smart and worthwhile part of your marketing strategy. In a nutshell, you’ll be able to lock-in your warm market and leverage your cold market all from one platform. You’re on Facebook anyway, make sure it’s paying off. Want to learn more about how to interact with your tribe on social? Grab my 30 FREE prompts for your social page {yeah, a whole month’s worth! You’re welcome}.  See you in class!