I noticed a little trend going on particularly within Facebook groups for entrepreneurs.
Some people because they don’t have any clue how to control what people share in their group end up putting SERIOUS restrictions on the group members.
Effectively I call that turning your Facebook group into your personal fan page. You become the only person who can post any content and you’re not even allowing people to message you from the fan page.
Now if you’re the only person who can post or comment in a group, then you’ve completely defeated the purpose of a Facebook Group.
Trust me I get it!
It’s really hard to manage groups when there are so many people out there who just want to spam your group. I have actually left groups because the members just didn’t get the point of the group and the admins had zero control.
But the solution shouldn’t be to disable the ability for group members to interact.
Groups are designed to help people share useful information related to the topic at hand.
You will always have spammers and haters and people who are just up to no good, but the solution shouldn’t be a “Peter pay for Paul and Paul pay for all” solution.
So here’s what I’ve noticed about the highly effective groups that I’m in.
They rarely get spammers and there is some very high engagement.
So let’s go.
Facebook Group Management Tip#1
One of the first things about the group is that potential members are bought into and fully understand the purpose and GOAL of the group. For example if you have a group that is solely about motivating other entrepreneurs then you need to make that very clear when you are inviting others into your group.
It’s not about selling or promoting yourself it’s about motivating.
I recently joined a Blog Syndication Group. The purpose to share your blog. The rules – you must share other people’s blogs.
Facebook Group Management Tip#2
Next thing is that your group should be searchable but not open to the public.
What do I mean by that?
Basically people have to request to join the group. And you have to approve.
(for more tips on how to do that checkout this link)
Here’s where you can but some nice “barriers to entry”. You can request them to do certain things before they even start posting. Provide them with the rules and provide with actions to be done.
Nine out of ten times if they go through these criteria for joining they are less likely to spam.
If they are a spammer they will just not do what you want and leave the group!
Facebook Group Management Tip#3
Never be the only Admin on Your Facebook Group
Having several admins for a group is always a good thing. If not the management of the group can become tedious and you will eventually want to close the group.
Having multi admins even from around the world can really help with a groups growth as well.
It means someone will always be available to approve requests or monitor activity in the group.
Facebook Group Management Tip#4
You want to have a specific theme.
That prevents people from getting off group topic. If your group is too general then you’re going to have too many people posting random stuff, then it becomes a nightmare to manage.
This is very much related to having buy-in for your group members. But you should be very specific when creating a group.
Don’t create a group just for people to post their opportunity or business. Those type of groups to be honest are pointless.
Facebook Group Management Tip#5
You also MUST have group rules displayed.
This works I tandem with your group theme and your entry criteria.
Be very detailed and specific with your rules.
Put examples of what people should NOT post in your group. Having a zero tolerance policy with your rules is also important. If other members see that rules are being broken they will think it’s ok.
When you enforce the rules also make it known to the group that you just enforced it. Let members know when you delete someone for rule infringement and what the rule was that they broke.
Yes it may sound like you’re being a policeman in your Facebook group, but keep in mind it is YOUR Facebook group.
One poor lady started a group for mothers to help each other giving advice about child birth, child upbringing etc. It turned into a place to sell stuff and bad talk other mother’s method of upbrining.
I felt sorry for her because her intentions were very good, it’s just she never had the time to monitor the group and control the situation. Nor did she have other admins to help her.
Facebook Group Management Tip#6
Take a leading role in your group.
You have to make sure that you are posting to your group if not daily at least weekly. You will know when it’s OK to not post daily or weekly.
Include some form of engagement every once in a while. Do a survey in the group.
Ask people to post blogs or personal content on the condition that they will share other’s.
Host live stream webinar in the group.
Be very active in your own group.
It shows you have a presence. Comment on other people’s posts if they are acceptable. Give warnings to those who seem to be breaking the rules. And most importantly SHARE other group members content in your other circles if relevant.
Yes this may appear counteractive to the “selfish” reasons you started your group, but the reality is if you don’t engage with other people and their stuff, they are not going to want to engage and share with you.
Facebook Group Management Tip#7
Provide Training for your Facebook Group Members
If you can’t provide it find resources to help other members develop. This is especially important for business groups. It also shows that you are taking a leadership role in your business.
So don’t be afraid to start and manage a group.
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I’m Hilary De Freitas The Marketing Mom
My Mission: to bring as many moms back home and still earning a living!
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