When you are searching online for ways to market your business, one key idea that continues to pop up is that you should combine a Facebook group with your business page. You’re told that by doing this, you will find that you are more successful.
So, you tack on a group to your business page and then wonder why nothing is happening.
The truth is that Facebook groups require a fair amount of nuturing and time- along with a solid idea of what the group is about and how it aligns to your business. Ultimately, the game plan is that by creating an ideal environment, your ideal customer will find themselves in your group, giving you a nice pool of warm leads to market to regularly - which is essentially how you make money from Facebook groups.
The question then becomes - how do you build it so that they will come? Unfortunately the answer is not necessarily a simple one and will depend largely on your business type.
Group types
Businesses that sell products might choose to create a B2C group where they can share product highlights, specials and any other rlevant information. These sorts of groups don’t have a particular message other than the obvious ‘I have this product that I would like you to buy’. Building such a group can be easy or hard depending on your product and how much interest there is in it.
Businesses that sell services may choose to create a B2C or B2B group, depending on who their target market is. Visual services like beauty may opt to create a group similar to a B2C product or may join their B2B cousins and create a group that focuses on something that is only loosely related to their business type. In this case, it can be as simple as an advertising group to as complex as a business support group and more.
Sometimes, successful groups that make money are born outside of the business world. These types start life as a fun group and become some popular that the group owner is able to then capitalise on that and use it as a money mking vehicle. That being said, groups can be wildly successful and not make a cent as well.
Start as you mean to end
Groups are very versatile, but if you are looking to use your group to make money, here are some early tips:
Be clear on the outlook for your group - look to fill a need or solve a problem that is related to your target market. For example, if you are beauty business, you may decide to create a group that exposes and discusses all of the unethical behaviour in the industry.
Be prepared to grow your group little by little and to work hard at it in the long-term.
Ensure that you are not using your group to constantly spam your people to solicit sales.
Encourage growth by using referrals.
Curate interesting content and be consistent.
Ensure imagery is on brand, useful, relevant and pleasing to the eye.
Spring board off other groups (where permitted).
Offer your group as a value-add to your potential customers.
The Target
The magic number that you are aiming for is a minimum of 3000 people in your group to be able to get a decent return on your investment.
Working the Numbers
Once you have the magic number, here are some times to get it working for you:
Use your facebook group to get an email list that you can use to market to on an ongoing basis.
Use affiliate partnerships to your advantage. That is, get paid to market other products and services to your group members.
Use your group to sell your own products and services.
Use your group to source quotes and information that you can turn into external content later. When you quote an expert or influencer, you can be sure that they will want to assist you to ensure that it is seen.
BUT FIRST…
As your group numbers are climbing and the time is near for it to start earing its keep, ensure that you:
Have a strong website full of important content.
Have a series of downloadable assets that are ready to be consumed from your website or email marketing.
Have an understanding of SEO and traffic.
Look into media coverage options for your group.
Have a press kit ready to go.
Ensure your email automations and journeys look good, are functional and are ready to go.
With some patience, a target and a clear plan, there is defintely a way that you can ensure that your group becomes a money making machine for you. However, beware of burnout. Running a group can distract from your main offering and if that is the case, it is time to enlist some help.
Our VA Social Media service can help with the day to day upkeep, content delivery and maintenance of your group. Why not schedule a free consultation with our team today?