Don’t do this on Facebook groups
Most nonprofits understand that Facebook is the largest social media platform on the planet and they struggle to spend a little time posting on a Facebook page. But, there is one thing that would set many nonprofits apart:
To the Facebook group!
While a Facebook page is great, it’s generally about your work and organization. People know this, so if you want to engage your followers and the public in a way that stands out from other nonprofits, then creating a Facebook group is a great option.
What is the most important? noWhat to do if you create a Facebook group?
The answer is that you should not make your group about yourself. Doing so is the quickest way for people who follow you to decide to change their minds and unfollow your group. A group, as in the non-digital world, is about a community and a group gives you the opportunity to strike up a conversation with your followers.
What are some examples of great nonprofit Facebook groups?
Nonprofit Happy Hour is a great group because it creates a space for nonprofits to share their best ideas and advice (and also the things that didn’t work so well).
Nonprofits on Facebook is about … you guessed it … how nonprofits can harness the power of Facebook to help spread their message.
Nonprofit Social Media Storytelling is a group that helps organizations tell their story to the public effectively.
There are many other groups that you can discover on Facebook that help nonprofits and many charities that use Facebook groups to communicate on issues and topics relevant to themselves and their followers.
What is the best strategy to create a group on Facebook?
Take a look at your mission. Choose the most important topics related to your purpose and provide your followers with information about changes or developments in your industry. Talk about it and share lots of relevant third-party content that will help educate and inform your followers. Remember, your followers are interested in your work because of your programs, but also because of problems related to your mission.
What else should I do to make sure my Facebook group interacts well?
One of the first places to learn about how to excel on Facebook, even in groups, is to visit Facebook’s Resource Center for Nonprofits.
Another great resource is Facebook Blueprint, which is your educational platform and helps you learn other tips and tricks to grow your Facebook audience in many ways, including groups.
Finally, remember to keep in mind about a group that fosters the community, whereas a page is usually only about the non-profit organization. So when you develop a Facebook group, treat it as you would whatever community activity you are doing. Keep it fun, informative, engaging, and remember to get great content from third parties and yourself.