There are many things I wish I had looked into sooner before starting my business, but really, sometimes late is better than never. Technology, more specifically social media and their algorithms are constantly changing, so it’s not always easy to be on par with it. Especially if you are using several platforms. However, one thing I have found to be extremely useful and highly suggest looking into if you haven’t done so already is Facebook Groups. In my personal opinion, I have found them to way more effective than the LinkedIn Groups I am a part of. It may just be the types of groups I’m in, but I’ve noticed there’s a lot of sharing, but very little conversation.
I highly recommend looking into Facebook Groups because there are a wide variety of them out there that can cater to your business, your interests, etc. Since I make an effort to be active on them, I have landed clients, received constructive feedback on my site and services, connected with people offline for coffee, learned about new business tools/books/podcasts/courses/networking events and so much more.
1. I believe in joining two types of Facebook Groups – Ones where you can find your target audience/ target client and ones where you can find your peers.Sometimes the group may have both your peers and target clients.
2. If you haven’t already done so, introduce yourself to the group. It’s more about saying who you are, where you’re from, what your background is, what you hope to get out of the group, vs just promoting your business. If you’re an introvert like me, you’ll find much easier than doing this in person.
3. Join Facebook Groups where people are actually interacting with each other and having meaningful conversations, rather than just blatant promotion. Nobody wants to see nothing but promos.
4. Which brings me to my next point, be part of the conversation when you can. Think of it this way – Who are you going to remember more? The 50 people that liked your post you shared or the few people who actually took the time and effort to write a comment? Liking things is so easy and convenient to do – it’s become automatic. A comment does take more time and effort, but it can potentially lead to other things – a coffee date, a collaboration, a discovery call with a potential client.
5. There are so many Facebook groups for entrepreneurs and bloggers. How do you know which one is right for you? Ask around and check out articles that give Facebook recommendations. If you want my recommendations, here are some of the ones I am currently in and have found to be quite helpful for small business owners:
- Work With Class – Created Erika Madden of Olyvia.co
- If you are local to the Southern Ontario area, – Small Business Owners of Southern Ontario
- Humans of Online Business By Regina of byregina.com
- Content Creators by Kim Doyal of WordPress Chick
- Dedicated Creatives by Liz Nonnemacher of Wickedly Chic
6.Carve some time out of your schedule each day (ie 15 min) to peruse your Facebook Groups for questions you want to answer or sharing your opinion on something. It’s important to limit your time on it and not let it hinder your productivity.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as well. More often than not, people in the FB group want you to succeed and are willing to help out. Chances are somebody else may have had the same question.
8. Your time is precious. When joining a new Facebook Group, give it a few weeks. If you feel you’re not getting much out of it, don’t feel bad about leaving. It’s ok to leave a group. Really. That’s why the option exists. It’s one less thing for you to check. Every few months, I do a Facebook Group audit by either joining some new ones and/or leaving some groups that I felt weren’t helpful for me.
9. When you’re allowed to promote your business/services/social media, try not to just link drop and run ( I will admit, I have been guilty of doing this here and there, but I’m trying to add a caption on a regular basis). Drop your elevator pitch as well. Make them want to comment or click on your link.
10. Share other people’s content that you found to be useful or inspirational whether it be a TedTalk, podcast episode or a book you are currently reading. People will appreciate it.
Do you use Facebook Groups and how have they helped your business?
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