Due to Facebook’s timeline changes, it is now more difficult for small businesses to advertise without paying money out of pocket. That’s why some are now turning to Facebook group marketing to help branch out and develop new connections and new business, for free on the worlds largest social network.
You don’t necessarily have to create a group of your own to take advantage Facebook group marketing. Seeing as how Facebook has become pretty strict about directly promoting your business within groups, you need to get a little creative. Try seeking out and joining existing groups that are relevant to your business offerings. Then start developing a line of communication with the existing members, post relevant information to the news feed and respond to threads. Instead of mass marketing sales pitches, try discussing existing topics and provide feedback as needed. Establish yourself as a subject matter expert within the group and try sending out personal messages to individuals who may be a fit for you. If you post often enough (with relevant, value-packed responses) your profile photo will remain a constant, attracting attention and creating a buzz around you, your company and your offerings.
If you do create your own group, don’t name it after your company! This will allow group members to see you as an actual person, instead of just a brand. Again, position yourself as a subject matter expert. Make sure that your group is public so that people who aren’t your Facebook friends can join as well. Enabling members to post pictures, links and videos will allow everyone in the community to gain value from interacting. Unlike with pages where fans are only seeing what you post when they are scrolling through the news feed, your group members will receive notifications every time content is posted.
Facebook groups are also great platform for support and customer service. Facebook groups make you accessible and allow you to interact with members on a personal level. You can also organize events or activities, send bulk messages and post interesting and relevant content about whatever topics are being discussed.
If you need any help with leveraging Facebook group marketing for your organization, contact the Facebook gurus at KnockMedia at 1-800-889-9316.