Though some say Facebook is dead, I have to disagree! Yes, Facebook is making businesses pay to play while using Facebook business pages, but there’s a way to connect on a much more personal level on Facebook and you don’t need to pay a dime.
Facebook groups
What was previously something that was thought of as an afterthought for most people, Facebook groups have exploded in the last several years.
Why you should join Facebook groups
Facebook groups are great for a number of reasons, but what I like the most is the community. Many groups that I am in contain other small business owners/solopreneurs/entrepreneurs and it feels like we’re one big family just helping each other out. Networking with other like-minded individuals can do wonders for your business.
Several times I have asked for feedback on something and have immediately gotten responses directly from my target market. How incredible is that?! This is immediate insight that you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s also great exposure for your business, especially if you run an online business. Often there are people who are looking to collaborate with others or are looking to hire someone in a specific niche. You could get your next client or customer directly from a Facebook group!
How to join + etiquette
Each Facebook group has its own set of rules, so carefully read the group description on the right side of the group.
Rules from Melyssa Griffin’s Blog + Biz BFFs Facebook group.
The etiquette that I follow in every group I’m in (whether it states it in the description or not) is the following:
- Observe at first, see what the group is about and what types of questions/posts people discuss in the group.
- Refrain from immediately promoting yourself and your business. Most groups don’t allow that and even if they do it’s annoying and rarely has any return.
- Offer real value and advice to people that are asking questions that are related to your niche.
Many groups have specific days that they allow promotional content, so make sure to follow the group rules or else you might find yourself kicked out.
How to find really relevant Facebook groups (for any niche!)
One easy way to start finding relevant Facebook groups in your niche is simply searching on Google.
Entrepreneurs are in my target market, and I am also an entrepreneur, so it makes sense for me to join entrepreneur-related Facebook groups.
Besides the top result, my quick Google search resulted in 3 very relevant articles with Facebook groups for entrepreneurs.
Let’s say that the keyword for your industry is a little more specific and not as common and nothing pops up on Google.
Here is my top secret tip of finding SUPER relevant Facebook groups, no matter what niche you are in.
- Think of a Facebook page that your target audience might like. I’m using the Social Media Examiner page as my example.
- Search in the search field on Facebook “people who like {insert page name.}”
- Click on groups.
- Ta-da! A great list of relevant Facebook groups!
These are relevant groups because people that like this Facebook page are also in these groups. Since you are picking a page that your target audience follows, these are the exact groups you need to be in to communicate and connect with your target audience.
Once you are in a few groups, you will start to see a list of suggested groups on the right side of the group page.
Click on “see all” to view a full list of similar groups.
How to promote your business without seeming spammy
Even though most groups don’t allow promos (which I agree with), there are ways to promote yourself as a solopreneur that aren’t as aggressive.
Here are ways I use Facebook groups to passively promote my business:
- Use the search box in the group and enter in a keyword for your niche/industry
Since my niche is in social media, I use social media as my keyword. Up pops all of the posts in the group that have the term social media. Many times, people are asking specifically for help on something social media related, which I then offer my advice. People will start to see you as a thought leader and as someone who genuinely likes to help other people, which they will keep in mind the next time they are looking to hire or work with someone in your particular industry.
- Respond back when people are looking to hire or work with someone in your niche/industry.
Many times, people will post that they are looking to hire people or to feature people on their blog or website. As you can see, this girl is looking for a photographer in Toronto.
You don’t need to act on every single post that is looking for someone like you, but it’s a great way to start a working relationship with someone. It’s even how I got a few guest post opportunities on other blogs!
- Make sure your personal Facebook profile has your business listed.
As you can see, I have mine listed as “Freelance Social Media Strategist at BrittneyLLynn.com.” Believe it or not, when you start giving advice to people in these groups, they will hover over your name and see what you do for a living. If you don’t have your business listed, they may not consider you a trusted source.
Having your business and your title listed will help people realize that you are serious about your business and are a credible source. They are more apt to want to do business with you in the future if this part of your profile is filled out.
After implementing these tips, you will be well on your way to get loads of business from Facebook groups. Facebook lives on!
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