Yes is the emphatic answer to this question. Facebook groups are becoming more important as we speak!
Why?
Well, over 1.4 billion people, more than half of Facebook’s colossal user base, are users of a Facebook group every month. 200 million of these users are members of what Facebook deems “meaningful groups,” which they interact with on a regular basis, every day.
So for starters, the numbers stack up.
But aside from the official stats, here are 8 very valuable reasons why you should set up a Facebook group for your business.
Engagement
Prepare to feel the love. Facebook groups are designed to promote engagement between your members, especially if you post insightful content and creative conversation starters. This is the perfect platform to speak to followers who have an interest in your business, so are much more likely to interact with your posts.
Influence
As the leader of your group, you have the power to post whatever content you think your customers will be interested in. This is your space to motivate, inspire and inform. It is also a golden opportunity to teach customers, or potential customers, more about your products or services without them feeling like it is an intrusive ad on their feed.
Build a community with Facebook Groups
Aside from benefiting your business, a Facebook group offers a space for like-minded people with similar interests to connect. Giving your audience the opportunity to establish and grow new relationships within your group will reflect on your company as a place they can trust and respect. I love being part of online communities, check out the Feedalpha community for lots of great social media tips.
Validate
Ever had an idea, but not too sure if it’s pie in the sky or something worth pursuing? Use your Facebook group as a testing ground. For example, let your members know you are thinking of creating a series of How-To videos and gauge their response. This could save you a lot of time and energy if there appears to be minimal interest, or it might help kick-start some really creative content.
VIP
Everybody likes to feel like they are getting a little extra for free. By inviting your customer to join a secret or closed Facebook group, they will feel like they are getting a membership to an exclusive club. It’s a win-win situation as you are gaining a member who you know is already interested in what you do. An easy way to keep your customer happy.
Announcements
This is where Facebook groups really come into their own. Have you ever announced a special offer, event or a new product on a Facebook Page and been disappointed with a rather underwhelming response. Try making that same announcement to your devoted fans and loyal customers in your Facebook group and you can expect a lot more excitement, engagement and purchases. Plus, don’t forget to pin it to the top of your feed!
Polls
This is a super useful tool for receiving immediate feedback from your target market for free. You can ask your members for their opinions on anything relating to your business, from logo colours to flavours in your range. It can also help you assess their wants and dislikes so you can better tailor your offerings to their needs.
Top of the pile
Facebook feeds have become a wash of ads, sponsored posts and updates from people you haven’t been in touch with for a million years.
However, Facebook groups posts will appear high up in your members’ feeds and the more you post, the more you will show up. Boom!
If you are looking for some more tips on increasing Facebook engagement check out this blog: Top 5 things to do on Facebook right now.
Need help setting up your community? Get in touch
