Using Facebook Groups

With all the recent Facebook changes and the focus on Facebook groups, it’s time to take advantage. Why should you use Facebook groups? How can they help grow your business? How do you even use them? Starting and maintaining a Facebook group is a lot of work, sure, but it’s well worth it. Why? Let’s discuss!

 If you want your audience to engage, branded Facebook groups are the way to do it. More engagement is seen in groups than on pages because groups make it much easier to start and continue a conversation. Depending on your settings, the conversations can be more private and only accessible to group members. You can even make a group “secret” so that it isn’t even searchable. A “private” group can be searched. This builds a great sense of community. The exclusivity Facebook groups allow is a bonus for your audience. It also allows you to dive deeper into subjects that you otherwise wouldn’t. You can test ideas too, which will allow you to more effectively grow your brand.

The Facebook algorithm consistently changes, but Facebook groups are a great way to “beat” them—that is, if you maintain the group. Groups generally see more engagement than pages, so users that are actively engaged in groups will see those groups given a higher priority when it comes to the News Feed algorithm. Of course, you can never truly “beat” the ever-changing algorithm limits, but groups are a great way to increase engagement in your brand.

When you’re making a Facebook group, there are a few ground rules. First, fill in all your information; be thorough. Set rules for the group so that members have a clear understanding of appropriate behavior. Anyone who breaks the rules can be kicked out. Then, you want to make sure you’re posting regularly. Provide exclusive content (they are group members after all), and be sure you respond to posts, comments, and questions.

As you continue to dabble with Facebook groups, make sure you’re paying attention to analytics. You’ll learn what’s working and what you can do better.