Do these 5 things in Facebook Groups to max out your membership
Facebook Groups have been growing in popularity for the last two years. I’ve known this for a while, and I’ve been more active in Facebook Groups for about the same amount of time.
This year, I was made a Social Media Trainer for Facebook’s #SheMeansBusiness campaign. I got to go to Facebook’s office in London and spent a day being trained in all things Facebook and Instagram. Here, our trainer confirmed that Facebook is and will be making more efforts on making Groups a great place to be and to build a community.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re a member of a Facebook Group, and you’ve been lurking and not really participating, you’re missing out! You’re missing out on being part of an amazing community that is there to support you and cheer you on. But you have to join in.
Here’s what you’ll get out of it.
1. Dive in and say hello!
If you think of a Facebook Group in the same way you would a networking event, what’s the first thing you would do?
Introduce yourself of course! I know we like to lurk and see what’s going on but introducing yourself is a brilliant way of signposting to other group members that you’re there.
Here’s why…
The group owner will see you have joined, and if they’re anything like me, will have had a nosy at your profile. Yes, I do that when I have time.
However, the members don’t know you’ve joined. They are blissfully unaware. And what if one or more of them were a potential customer or someone you might be able to collaborate with. If they don’t know you’re there, how will they even consider you?
Be careful to follow the group’s rules. Most groups do not allow you to overtly sell to members, so be mindful of that. However, many group owners will welcome new members with a message. If you are tagged and asked to introduce yourself — do it! This is your opportunity.
2. Ask questions of Facebook Groups owners and members
Being a member of Facebook Groups means you can ask questions. Stop a minute and think about the Groups you belong to.
I bet most of them are run by experts in their field. If they’re anything like me, they have ALL notifications turned on for their Groups. This means they see everything that’s posted in the group, including your questions.
Imagine that. What’s more, many of the Groups I belong to have a thriving, supportive membership. Sometimes, members answer my questions before the Group owner gets to it. In my blog post about the power of thinking out loud, I talk about how working with people who think differently is a great thing. Well, you can do just that right from your keyboard!
3. Be supportive and help others
Being part of a Facebook Group is about give and take. We’re all strapped for time, but don’t you feel great when you’re able to help someone?
Doing this in the Groups you’re a member of doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Think about the times when you’re aimlessly scrolling through your Facebook timeline. Make that time count by helping out someone in a Facebook Group.
You’ll feel great, as will the person you helped. In addition, this will give you exposure in the Group — maybe not for your business, but as a person who knows about the topic, or for someone who’s willing to help.
4. Don’t put off attending Facebook Live sessions
You know that bit above about asking questions? Well, sometimes, questions come to us when we hear something.
Most Group owners do regular Facebook Live sessions. This is your golden opportunity to not only learn something know, but your chance to ask questions that might not normally have come to mind.
Yes, you have other things do to, and yes, there really isn’t the time.
But here’s the thing…
Making time pays off for you and your business. How? You will learn about something that you may not even have thought of. That something could make a material difference to your business. And all it will have cost you is some time!
You get free advice when you attend Facebook Lives in Groups. What are you waiting for?
5. Benefit from others’ contacts
How often have you needed something for your business? An accountant? An employment specialist? Or a graphic designer?
It’s pretty much a given that a small business owner will need similar professional services. And wouldn’t you rather work with someone (and let’s face it, part with your hard-earned cash) knowing that they will do a good job?
Finding the people you need to support your business and its growth is difficult. But if you’re in a Facebook Group with other small business owners, asking for recommendations gives you peace of mind. After all, no one’s going to recommend someone who did a rubbish job!
Facebook will be spending more and more time on Groups. Their mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. Whether you’re a fan of Facebook or not, you can’t deny that building community is a great thing.
So, why not get involved in the Groups you’re a member of? Start a conversation today and see where it leads!
And, if you need some marketing motivation, why not join my Group today? It will give you all the benefits I went through in this post. And you never know, you might meet your next best customer!
Originally published at Marketing by Minal.
