I’m a member of several Facebook groups, some free, some paid. You too? Here’s 19 ways I use Facebook groups to raise my business profile.
- I don’t spam groups with promos, unless I wanna get kicked out, of course.
- Market research in Facebook groups is brill. I can survey groups to gauge interest in a product or service before I waste time and money launching it. Be careful for unwanted opinions. Remember what Henry T Ford said:
‘If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.’
- I write quick and easy blog articles by asking for opinions on a subject. Everyone who commented gets a backlink, they share my piece and everyone’s happier than Pharell. I did this for my recent blog article about ahem, blogs.
- I choose my groups carefully and work them hard. I’ve selected a handful of groups that are most relevant to me and I stay super involved. Who has time for that level of engagement in hundreds of groups? Not me.
- I comment and engage on other posts. I don’t turn up when I have something to post then disappear. Everyone appreciates a thoughtful comment.
- When I publish a post, I reply to several of the early comments. Usually the top five or so. I dunno, but I think this helps the algorithm make it more visible? It feels that way to me, anyway. Give it a try.
- I started my own local business Facebook group (Greater Ashburton Businesses – join if you are local). I chose another soloist to start it with me to make managing the group less daunting. And now? We have nearly 200 local business members. Plenty of members get ticked off for breaking my rule number one.
- I use a real photo of myself. I hate seeing photos of people as a kid, or their dog. One memorable person had a huge eyeball as their profile image – ew. If I’m doing business with you, I want to see you, the real human you.
- I use my real name. As above. I don’t trust people with funny Facey names, like Sab Rina or Veggie Mite. Who even are you?
- I’ve updated my profile so it lists me as the owner of my business. So many times I’ve been interested in someone’s business, clicked their Facebook profile and been unable to find their business link. Grrr. Missed opportunity!
- Sometimes when I have the guts, I go live in a group. It gets right to the top of the algorithm. If it’s not my group, I get the admin’s permission to go live beforehand or respond to a go-live challenge. I share some simple tips such as copywriting mistakes you often notice. (I confess I don’t do this often because I am a wussbag – but you can do better.) You can post a few days/hours ahead of time to tell people you’re going live.
- I ask for advice with genuine problems. Not fake problems which are promos in disguise. We can all see through your ‘check-out-my-new-website, any-advice?’ post Janet). It doesn’t make me look unprofessional, it makes me look keen and eager to learn. The more vulnerable I am, the more authentic I am. I know everyone hates the word authentic but it still matters.
- There are only so many ‘boss babe’ and ‘ladypreneur’ groups to join and support. I got my butt outta those groups and I concentrate only on those important to me.
- Facebook is a great way to waste time when I should be working. Getting involved in groups in the guise of ‘building my profile’ don’t pay my bills. This point is more a reminder to myself than to you, dear reader.
- I avoid ‘race to the bottom’ callouts for services. The famous Like Minded Bitches Drinking Wine group is great, but I’ve replied to loads of posts looking for copywriters and I’ve never won a single job. There’s so many cheaper writers out there, I can’t (and don’t) compete for work in those groups anymore.
- But, I do work referrals. A better way to respond to callouts for jobs (like the above) is to get others to respond on my behalf. When someone else recommends me with a glowing comment (I suggest you call me a writing qween) I am more likely to get a nibble on that lead. Even more when another person backs up that comment! So I actively tell my clients (the ones who like me) to give me a glowing recommendation if they see anyone searching for copywriting.
- I share what I am up to. I’m more of a lurker by nature, but when I share what’s a-happening I get more out of it. Everyone gets to know me better. Funny stories, wins, troubles, whatevs. Share your stuff.
- I ask dumb questions. I am in a paid group with so many experts and little old me was intimidated. Then I met a fellow member at a networking event and he encouraged me to ask away. After all, how on earth will I learn? I was afraid I’d look dumb. Now I just ask regardless, and I still seem smart because I wear glasses.
What about you? What tips do you have for making the most of Facebook groups?
