How to Make a Facebook Group

Facebook Groups have become a powerhouse tool in the digital marketing landscape. They offer something that’s become increasingly rare in our digital age: genuine connection and community.

As a digital marketing agency, we believe that creating authentic content and building communities is a huge part of having success. In fact, it’s how we grew our Instagram to over 200K followers!

Why Create a Facebook Group?

Before we dive into the specifics of how to make a Facebook group, let’s discuss why you’d want to create one in the first place. I mean, you’ve already got a Facebook Page for your business, right? Why bother with a group?

Well, here’s the thing: Learning how to make a group on Facebook can offer you a level of engagement and community-building that Pages just can’t match. While Pages are great for broadcasting information to your followers, Groups are all about fostering conversations and connections.

They’re like the cozy coffee shop to your Page’s billboard – more intimate, more interactive, and often more effective.

One of the biggest advantages of Facebook Groups is the algorithm love they get. Posts from groups you’re active in are more likely to show up in your feed, which means better organic reach for your content. Plus, Facebook has been putting a lot of emphasis on Groups lately, introducing new features and tools that make them even more powerful for businesses.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Let’s break down some of the key reasons why creating a Facebook Group could be a game-changer for your brand.

*Note: The HeyTony Community has an SEO membership using a platform called Mighty Networks. While we could have used a Facebook group as a community, we wanted to invest in a platform with a monthly fee because there are more features than Facebook Groups. However, if you’re just getting started in building a community, Facebook groups are a great, free alternative before investing in a product!

Building Community

First and foremost, Facebook Groups are incredible for building a sense of community around your brand. They provide a space where your most engaged followers can connect not just with you, but with each other. This fosters a sense of belonging that can be incredibly powerful for brand loyalty.

Think about it – when people feel like they’re part of a community, they’re more likely to stick around, engage with your content, and even become advocates for your brand. It’s like creating a virtual family for your most dedicated fans.

Increase Brand Awareness

Facebook Groups can also be a fantastic tool for increasing your brand’s visibility. When your group members engage with your content, their activity can show up in their friends’ news feeds, potentially exposing your brand to a whole new audience.

Active, engaged Facebook Groups have incredible potential for organic reach. When your group members are excited about your content, they’re more likely to share it outside the group, effectively becoming brand ambassadors.

For instance, the Instant Pot® Community Facebook Group has over 3 million members who share recipes, tips, and experiences with their Instant Pots. This user-generated content not only keeps the group active but also spreads awareness about the product to potential new customers.

Generate Leads and Sales

While hard selling in Facebook Groups is generally frowned upon, these communities can be incredibly effective as part of your sales funnel.

The key is to focus on providing value first. Use your group to share helpful content, answer questions, and showcase your expertise. As you build trust with your members, they’ll be more receptive to learning about your products or services.

For example, Passive Income Pathways shares valuable blogging and passive income tips for those who want to make an income from their own digital personal brands. While their founder doesn’t constantly promote her products,  the trust and authority she builds in the group naturally lead members to check out their paid offerings.

You can also use your group for soft launches, exclusive offers, or early access to new products. This not only drives sales but also makes your group members feel special and valued.

The most effective Facebook Groups for lead generation are those that strike a balance between providing value and promoting products. It’s about building relationships first, with sales as a natural outcome of those relationships.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Make a Facebook Group

Alright, now that we’ve covered why you should create a Facebook Group, let’s dive into how to make a Facebook group.

Before we dive into the technical steps, take some time to think about your group’s purpose, target audience, and goals. This preliminary planning will make the actual creation process much smoother and set you up for success in the long run.

As Facebook is always updating, check out their official page on how to make a Facebook group to ensure you’re getting the most current information.

Accessing the Group Creation Tool

First things first in learning how to make a Facebook group, let’s find that “Create Group” button! Facebook has made it pretty easy to access this tool, but the exact steps might vary slightly depending on whether you’re using a desktop computer or a mobile device.

On desktop, head to your Facebook homepage and look at the left sidebar. You should see a “Groups” option – click on that. Once you’re on the Groups page, you’ll see a big “+ Create New Group” button at the top. Can’t miss it!

If you’re on mobile, tap the menu icon (it looks like three horizontal lines), then scroll down until you see “Groups.” Tap that, and you’ll find the “Create” button at the top of the screen.

Pro tip: If you’re creating a group for your business, you might want to create it through your business page rather than your personal profile. This gives your group a more professional look and allows multiple admins to manage it easily.

Setting Up Group Details

Now that you’ve found the create button, it’s time to set up your group details. This is where that planning we talked about earlier comes in handy!

First up is choosing a name for your group. This might seem simple, but it’s actually pretty important. Your group name should be clear, descriptive, and easy to find. Include keywords that your target audience might search for. For example, if you’re a local bakery in Chicago, you might name your group “Chicago Bread Lovers” or “Windy City Baking Enthusiasts.”

Next, you’ll need to write a group description. This is your chance to tell potential members what your group is all about. Be clear about the purpose of the group, what kind of content members can expect, and any rules or guidelines. Keep it concise but informative.

Finally, you’ll need to choose your group’s privacy setting. You have three options:

• Public: Anyone can see the group, its members, and their posts.
• Private: Only members can see who’s in the group and what they post.
• Secret: Only members can find the group.

For most businesses, a private group is the way to go. It provides a sense of exclusivity while still allowing potential members to find your group.

Customizing Group Settings

Once you’ve got the basics set up, it’s time to dig into the customization options. Facebook offers a range of settings to help you tailor your group to your specific needs.

One of the most important settings is post approval. You can choose to have all posts approved by an admin before they appear in the group. This can help maintain quality content, but it also requires more active management.

Membership questions are another great feature. You can set up to three questions for potential members to answer when they request to join. This helps you screen members and ensures they’re a good fit for your group.

Don’t forget to set up your group rules! Clear guidelines help maintain a positive atmosphere and give you grounds for moderation if needed. Common rules include being respectful to other members, no spam or self-promotion, and staying on topic.

Inviting Members

Now that your group is all set up, it’s time to start inviting members! There are a few ways to do this:

• Invite your Facebook friends directly through the group interface.
• Share the group link on your other social media platforms or in your email newsletter.
• If you have a Facebook Page, you can invite your Page followers to join the group.

When you’re just starting out, focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to have a small group of engaged members than a large group of inactive ones. Start by inviting your most loyal customers or followers – they’re likely to be active participants and can help set the tone for the group.

Once you have a core group of members, encourage them to invite their friends who might be interested. Word-of-mouth is powerful, and people are more likely to join and engage if they see their friends are already active in the group.

Beyond How to Make a Facebook Group: Follow @heytony.agency for More Digital Marketing Tips!

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this guide, from the benefits of creating a Facebook Group to the nitty-gritty of setting one up and managing it effectively. Facebook Groups can be a powerful tool in your digital marketing arsenal, offering unparalleled opportunities for community building, brand awareness, and lead generation.

If you’re hungry for more digital marketing insights and strategies, be sure to follow @heytony.agency on social media for more digital marketing tips, use our website audit tool to test your SEO, or explore our SEO services to bring more dedicated followers to your small business!