I've been talking about Facebook groups since episode 16 of the podcast, but here on episode 125 I'm sharing how to create a Facebook group with the latest tools!

With all the recent hoopla with the updated Facebook algorithm, there has never been a better time to learn how to create a Facebook group! I love email lists because it can create a really direct line from you to your fans. But when you create a Facebook group, you are fostering the ability for your fans to talk with each other.

You can check out my previous resources on Facebook groups:

• How to Leverage a Facebook Group for Your Biz with Katie Krimitsos
• How to NOT Be Smarmy in Facebook Groups
• Why You Still Need a Facebook Page in 2018

 

WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A FACEBOOK GROUP

First of all, a Facebook group is NOT for every person, brand, blog, or business. Not sure if a Facebook group is right for you? Consider whether you have the time to manage a community and if you want to be more engaged with your audience. If you don't have the time, definitely don't create a Facebook group! This is not the kind of thing that you can set and forget.

But if you don't have the time and think you should start a group, here are some reasons you rearrange your time and priorities!

Facebook Groups Tend to Have More Engagement Than Pages

This doesn't HAVE to be true, as one of my group members shared her page, Amish Country in Ohio 101, which has over 8,000 likes. Lue told me she runs it LIKE a group, encouraging and taking part in conversations. It also isn't a means to an end for her--the page IS the thing.

For most people, sparking conversation on a page can be difficult. Groups allow a more safe space (especially if it's a closed group) and conversations happen more naturally there.

Facebook Groups Tend to Be More Visible in the Algorithm

Though you won't see EVERY post from a group you're in, being active in a group means that you will see that group's posts WAY more in your feed.

For now. Facebook says that it's interested in Facebook groups now, so I suspect a lot of changes will take place in the coming months or years. (Read more about Facebook changes HERE.) Get going while it's working! Build community with your fans that will last beyond algorithm shifts or whatever else Facebook tosses at you!

Facebook Groups Build Powerful Community

I love the way that my group has created a sense of community. I've heard people say that their email list is their community. In a way that's true. As in, those are your people. But the real community doesn't happen until you get all those people in the same room where they can meet each other.

TOOLS YOU CAN USE TO BUILD YOUR FACEBOOK GROUP

• link your page and your group
• post as your page or your profile (I've personally seen less interaction on posts from my page)
• you can ask questions as people join the group
• insights about your group
• can welcome new members- Facebook will suggest it on the right sidebar in your group when you have new members & it will tag them and you can edit the message
• one group has topics to organize posts - some people use hashtags to organize things, but this is better (not available in all groups yet)
• header size for groups has changed - update when I have it (link talking about the different sizes)

TIPS FOR STARTING A FACEBOOK GROUP

• don't "invite" people -- it's actually automatically adding them to the group without permission
• turn off setting where others can add people (get notifications about people wanting to join)
• keep showing up. treate people well. Be valuable and personable and present.
• ask the questions - pain points, let them know about your podcast
• pin post with who you are
• don't focus on fast growth or numbers, but people. the whole point

HOW TO BEHAVE IN A FACEBOOK GROUP

• always check the group rules -- usually in the About section, in a pinned post, or even in the header image
• don't use other people's groups as a springboard. Make connections, but don't piggyback on what someone else built.
• don't teach -- create long posts sharing biz lessons
• don't drop your affiliate links
• don't ask people to pm you so you can give affiliate links
• know that groups have an owner- some more central than others
• be in fewer groups and really invest
• don't overly cross post or say you're crossposting
• don't like for like
• be wary of share groups and what it's REALLY getting you
• find promo threads that work and do those
• DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT ask for market research in a group (ex: "Would you be interested in an Instagram course on creating branded images? Comment below!") and then private message all those people or get their emails and tell them.
• overall: connect with people. let it happen naturally. don't be a vulture, circling the group waiting to get some value and money and people from it.

If you haven't created a Facebook group, consider if this might be a great way to connect your community with each other and to up your engagement.