What are the benefits of Facebook Groups for businesses?

What are Facebook Groups?

Facebook Groups are dedicated spaces where Facebook users can create and join communities with common interests. The primary function of Facebook Groups is as discussion forums where members can share posts and comment on others' posts. Group creators can choose to make groups public or private; private groups require approval to join. Facebook Groups also allow users to live-stream, post polls, and share videos or photos.

Facebook Groups are used for many types of online communities, such as:

Online course support communities

Bringing enthusiasts together to share tips

Allowing access to influencers

Hosting brand conversations

Gathering a religious community

Benefits of Facebook Groups for businesses

1. Build lasting relationships with your customers

In general, using Facebook Groups in your marketing strategy can have a huge impact. A brand-centric business - whether it's part of a subscription service or not - can build a community around it.

This makes your brand and products more valuable to your customers. What could be better than getting a group of people together who love your product?

Facebook groups can help you do just that, while helping you connect one-on-one with your customers. They begin to get to know some of the people behind your brand, which is crucial to fostering rapport.

2. Increase your organic reach

The natural reach of your Facebook page may hover around 5%, but the reach of your groups is much higher.

Facebook prioritizes posts from groups in a user’s newsfeed, so your chances of showing up are high, especially when compared to your home page posts.

3. Study valuable market research data

Outside of organized marketing research, where else can you directly reach your target audience and get real customers to answer your questions?

Being able to test new strategies and ideas in this small focus group will provide you with a wealth of information. As a bonus, your fans will love being "in the know".

What's the difference between a Facebook page and a group?

Businesses may wonder: If I already have a home page, why do I need a group, and what's the difference?

Your home page is essentially your business profile. It contains information about your business, you can collect reviews and set up a virtual store, and the biggest focus is on the content you post. Other people can post on your home page, but it is hidden in a separate tab where users need to search. By default, all pages are public, but you can disable specific users from participating in them.

Groups are a place on Facebook where users can join as members to interact with others on a regular basis. All accepted group posts (which require admin approval if you choose) will be displayed in the group feed, and the biggest focus is on interaction. Groups can be private, and it fosters a sense of community. People are more likely to build relationships not only with you, but also with other users through groups. Because these groups can be at least semi-private, you can share exclusive content here.