FACEBOOK FAN PAGE OR FACEBOOK GROUP? HOW WE GREW A NICHE GROUP TO ALMOST 700 MEMBERS IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AND BUILD OUR LIST!
Quick question; which one is working best for attracting targeted leads and building your list: your Facebook fan page vs Facebook group?
TUNE IN TO THE FULL PODCAST ON FACEBOOK FAN PAGE VS FACEBOOK GROUPS: THE ADVANTAGES OF BOTH!
And while you are there do subscribe so you never miss n episode and also so others can find this awesome value and be helped too!
Do you wish to learn how we have grown an engaged Facebook group? Now nearing 700 members and growing daily in 6 months, with no ads and no spamming!
How did we grow a creative, heart-centered, content marketing and social media focused-group with almost 100 new members PER MONTH from scratch?
By the way, we haven’t used ads, boosted posts, or any press releases. Nor did we invite friends who aren’t in the industry! Frankly, it feels good knowing we are helping and supporting those ready to help themselves to grow their social influence and get higher post and general blog rankings!
Let me tell you now, Fan Pages are a lot of hard work and the results can be quite elusive! If you disagree we would love to see your page engagement statistics and the secret sauce to how you are keeping the gravy rolling.
With that said.
We have access to a great complimentary training on Facebook Live-streaming for the savvy blogger and marketer. If you need a deeper understanding to crack the proverbial code on Facebook Live Stream; how to get more engagement through it, and generate leads. You can access same training at Zero cost here!
So back to your Fan Page vs Facebook Group; what steps can you take to grow a focused active group?
FACEBOOK FAN PAGE VS FACEBOOK GROUP OUR TOP 3 STEPS TO BUILD A TARGETED AUDIENCE:
- Get yourself Some Training on Facebook Marketing targeted at use of fan pages and Groups!
The thing is there’s a myriad of training products, some truly appalling. So what does one do to find the right guidance? You START HERE with this powerful FREE PDF Training.
And, we are gonna share what we know and a resource that’s got our Facebook Page attracting our target audience. Before we do that, listen to this…
Someone made a bold statement in a group we are members of: Facebook pages are Dead! What?
Well she then qualified it by saying:
“They have no engagement, no reason for people to get to know you – or you them. It really depends how much time/effort/goals you have but groups have a bigger effect for sure. I know some of my members by name around the world, and slowly get to know their stories. Powerful and So authentic to me.”
First off, can we agree that most pages have barely anyone ORGANICALLY fully engaging with the content? This is something we pointed out in our Review of the Unlimited Fan page Profits. You see, most fan pages aren’t as useful or even attractive to your followers or fans predominantly because:
– They don’t check their Page notifications.
– They are not incentivised to engage, and
– They can’t really share on the Page news-feed in a way that is empowering like they can on a Facebook Group!
So some people use their pages for memes, news, posting their blog posts, quotes and updates, share viral posts and the one thing that keeps pages from going totally extinct: Facebook Ads.
In our view Facebook Pages are very much alive and kicking and attracting Leads for those that know how to leverage them. So if you don’t know what to do with your fan page anymore, I urge you to Quickly get a hold of the Unlimited Fan page profits to skyrocket your page engagement and actually generate organic Facebook leads.
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But if finances are tight, let’s look at your alternative…A Facebook Group!
We also go deeper into why it’s a better option for you. So let us ask you a question…
- What do you do to encourage people that are in your group or your Facebook Fan Page to join your list?
Here is what we do: we share free tutorials on how to build your business using social media. You will notice a bias towards, internet network marketing, affiliate marketing, home based business and MLM strategies!
We share training, resources, tools and tips with practical application and how-tos. We undertake training and further research and create road-maps and guides as extra downloadable resources! We do Facebook Live broadcasts and build the trust, like and love!
If you do the same, you too will see more and more of the group members subscribing to your list and even buying your products, services and joining your business!
[bctt tweet=”Do your best to give people what they want without being salesy or pushy! #socialmediatips #facebooktips” username=”Juleskalpauli”]
In other words, we do our best to give people what they want without being salesy or pushy! Simply put; go respond to your fans and audience needs. In most cases you gotta raise the flag so they learn about said needs. Share a solution before they even know they have a need!
But, how do you do this? By planting a seed, via Questions…Ask a Question, give your views and ask their insights!
Those that ask the right questions in the right forum to the right person have learnt the Art of Communication. And they are raking it in, How about you?
Back in 2014 Pauli and I found an online marketing training platform that not only changed the way we manage and promote our business, but how we generate leads too and this is no minor feat!
This platform taught us to ask the right questions. It has been serving the entrepreneur community since 2008 and growing by leaps and bounds. So if you’re looking to build your business on Facebook or any social media for that matter! To attract and generate way more leads while hanging out with the most supportive community in the entire industry. We totally, highly recommend that you check out this platform. Your growth depends on it and you deserve more! Talking of which…
HEADS UP
Are you struggling with social media management and set u of your system online to attract targeted leads and sales into your network marketing or home based business? Then I cant recommend Our weekly COMPLIMENTARY webinar enough. Where 6-figure Earners share their secrets with us on how they build a solid team AND INCOME online!
Back to Facebook fan page vs Facebook group and list building, the thing is….
- Are you willing to invest a lot of money to boost your posts and ads? If not, then your Facebook Fan page isn’t going to get a lot of visibility due to the Facebook algorithms. Facebook wants you the entrepreneur and blogger to pay to play. So those that do pay get some engagement on their pages and even make sales! But they do spend quite a bit of bung on their adverts, split testing, ab testing and trying to beat the control! And…
Unlike Pinterest marketing, people go on Facebook to “socialize” or vent about their day. People love to share their pains and such. They don’t like links and promotional material in their news-feed or so Facebook makes out. So they literally don’t serve your content however awesome it is if you don’t promote it hard!
The thing is people didn’t mind these ads, they simply ignored what they didn’t want. I find that Network marketers shout the loudest about hating being sold, yet they want everyone to check their content out and subscribe…A bit of a disconnect there! I say kudos to the brave marketers. So bring it on show me Whatcha got, if you have the silver tongue I might bite! Although I don’t have Shiny object syndrome!
Yet Facebook decided to simply block almost all linked content posted on personal profiles. Hiding behind user experience. Unless one has a really interested audience like Gary V or Grant Cardone.
Even all the new Facebook Emojis haven’t helped the entrepreneurs’ cause on your fan page!
You would think that since they say market on your Facebook fan page, that your content would be shown at least to your fans…Yet at an abysmal 1-3% rate, it’s simply a long shot in the dark for most unless you have tens of thousands of followers!
So that’s why you find its way better to focus on a Closed and/or Private niche Facebook group where people actually engage, communicate and share! Join in the fun, and attract the right attention…build your tribe!
And on that note…
HERE IS OUR 6-STEP BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESSFUL LEAD GENERATION IN A FACEBOOK GROUP
- If you are the group admin and creator, always welcome new members and ask them what they expect from the group in a welcome message! Not many admins do this. Guess what, you will stand out and also some will respond with their pain points or questions.
Bingo…You got a blog post suggestion, a Free Downloadable PDF in response, as an offer! You could also point them to a piece of content you already have or resource, product, service. Without expecting anything back! You are building trust!
For instance, I created a full blog post on How to promote your blog posts and how often to blog in response to questions posted by members of the Social Bloggers hub!
You could also ask members what they want to accomplish? Then create posts and quick course or training, video or podcast, around those items. (See how this totally removes cobwebs, guesswork on what they need and creates engagement?)
- Post CONSISTENTLY at least once a day in either yours or a group you are part of. Answer questions regularly in detail, pointing to resources preferably free. Over deliver in your answering. Slowly but surely people will start to come to you personally for answers, they will refer their friends to you and above all they will visit your blog and opt-in to your offers too!
While this isn’t a short term quick win strategy, it definitely delivers amazing results for you in the long term! You will be the authority in that niche and a trusted source of good info!
[bctt tweet=”Answer questions regularly in detail, pointing to resources preferably free. #facebookgroupstips #socialmediaetiquette” username=”Juleskalpauli”]
- If you create a group, make sure you lay out the terms and conditions clearly so new members who join know what it’s about, who it serves, the group aims and rules! Give it a Keyword Rich Name, that way when people type that keyword in search, your group pops up as one of the top suggestions by Facebook! Make sure to add tags as you create your group, again this makes your group easier to find by those you are looking to attract.
As you can see, the group above is called “Social Bloggers Hub.” It is aimed at bloggers, creatives, writes, vloggers, marketers, entrepreneurs, social media enthusiasts, who are willing to give and receive!
Once people know what they are getting into you will find your group growing daily. We find at least 3-5 new member requests every blessed morning and the same before we go to bed.
We started this group on 12th February 2016 and we haven’t advertised or anything all this is organic growth. Never make the members feel sold to, but do encourage them to connect with the group admins for easier communication of any private messages! Members get to know you, they are your target market AND VICE VERSA i.e. you too are their target! market. 
Consider your Facebook Group a powerful platform, to showcase your expertise. Help and impact as many people as possible and of course attract targeted optins into your funnel! An open invitation with very low resistance for your Target Market! ….!
[bctt tweet=”Consider your Facebook Group a powerful platform, to showcase your expertise. #facebookmarketing #socialmediamarketing” username=”Juleskalpauli”]
- When you create or join an active private Facebook group, and share value, answer people’s questions and be diplomatic as stated in #1 above, then sooner or later you will build trust. Then and only then will people respond to your suggestions and Calls to Action!
Let me ask you a question, do you like pushy, salesy techniques or content pushed at you?
Don’t you prefer someone to at least offer something to you that helps you or solves a problem before you are sold to. That way you do actually feel almost obliged to choose the recommendations they make for your pleasure! This is the better way!
- This is something I learnt in a New list building challenge I just stared, I also tested it out briefly for about 2 weeks and Got 6 opti-ns via our Fan page offer! So what is it then Julie?
Used the “free” banner space in your personal profile to guide people into your Group or Page” See the Image I had for a while before I changed it to My New book Banner!
Your Profile Cover photo is premium real estate don’t miss an opportunity
- If you are not the group admin/creator why not set aside time to visit at least 2-3 groups per day, find posts and simply give value. Answer questions, leave comments and also with permission, invite members to your own group if you have one or suggest a similar not competitive group to other members! You will find that people will join your group in numbers. And guess what your list too! J Without any resistance or feeling pressured. Post the right content and your list will grow as fast as your group does!
By the way, not all people who join a group are serious about doing anything in there. Most are observers or they found the group isn’t what they were looking for. They simply stay, But, guess what, they still get notifications of the group updates and unless they start spamming or breaking the group Terms and Conditions, let them be!
A Facebook group is definitely more open to members engaging, sharing, taking action and building your list than a Facebook page will at this point in time unless you spend some moolah on boosting your posts or Facebook PPV!
What’s the Verdict then on Facebook fan page Vs Facebook Group?
Frankly its up to how you use either of them, your aims, the quality of posts, how often you post and engage with the members, whether you even reach out and connect deeper with them!
Fan pages are used by many as social proof, i.e. that they are popular and have a target audience already built. More so if you are looking for joint ventures and/or brand collaborations! Still I wouldn’t spend cash on a Facebook Likes campaign if you haven’t yet zoned in on:
- Who are your target market?
- What are their needs?
- How you can you serve them?
This is because you won’t get the right people liking and visiting your page if you don’t have the answers to the above questions. Plus, nobody really cares how many likes you have if you over deliver amazing great content, value, inspiration and show how you got your results.
With that said, you will find greater engagement, on group news feeds, than pages! Also if you don’t know how to set up a leads magnet via your Fan page then it’s likely you aren’t attracting any leads or making much progress via the page.
In can’t recommend enough for you to take a look at The Unlimited Fan Page profits to help you create an attractive, branded to you, leads generating Facebook fan page!
Final Words: We believe we all can be part of a group create a fan page or group that serves your target market, and you feel good about! Both fan page and group are a way of communicating your message in a way that doesn’t put off people, that adds value to their lives and help solve their problems! Only and only then will you have an unstoppable flow of leads, opti-ns and sales via either Facebook Fan Page or Facebook Group!
MORE SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING AND LEAD GENERATION RESOURCES FOR YOU:
The Art of Pinterest Profits – A Full Illustrated Book – Order Your Copy here
Get Facebook leads today – Here is How
How to re-target your Audience for even more leads – Learn More
So, I bet you are chomping at the bit to go Create a Group or Join some cool Niche Groups right now! If that is you, do go right ahead, we are rooting for you. Before you do, first Like our post, share your views in comments below, Pin the image below, and Share on Social media…
As always You deserve more
Learn. Love. Live
Julie Syl & Pauli Kalungi
Here is how To Work With Julie
Email: julie@Juleskalpauli.com
Considering Coaching? Check out our Work with Me tab and Survey or our Secret Affiliate Road-map where we Help People Everyday.
PS: IF YOUR UPLINE DOES NOT HAVE A STEP-BY-STEP BLUEPRINT FOR ONLINE MARKETING SUCCESS, CHECK THIS OUT (UNLESS YOU ALREADY HAVE TOO MANY LEADS) – CLICK HERE FOR INSTANT ACCESS
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Great questions to change it up. Thanks for the ideas.
It sure is, Thanks Alecia, Grand to see you here 🙂
Facebook really conquers the idea of organizational marketing IMO and this post proves that. I would recommend having both depending on the idea or niche that needs to be promoted.
I started a FB group a couple of months back and I LOVE it! Lots of great support and love. I think the hardest thing for me was stating my rules, but at the end of the day, I’m glad that I did state them and not afraid of people not wanting to join or sticking around.
Good to know you started a Group Sybil. I been wondering how you are lately. Good to Know and thanks for stopping by 🙂
This is an amazing post! You have clearly set out the pros and cons of Facebook fan pages and groups and have shared so many helpful tips in the process. I really appreciate all of the detail that you put into your writing, presenting a clear argument for the advantages of creating a Facebook group.
I have one question: I recently joined your terrific Facebook Group, Social Bloggers Hub, and am curious as to approximately how much time it takes each week for you to manage, monitor and participate in the group. As a blogger who’s still working and teaching full-time outside of building my blog, my time is limited and is always a consideration in deciding which avenues of development to pursue. As such, I’d really appreciate some idea of the amount of time that creating and maintaining a group can take.
Thanks again for always sharing such helpful and thoughtful posts.
Hi Reuven,
Thanks for taking the time and for your detailed comment!
With Facebook Groups, That’s a very good question. They have Peak times and very slow times and we seem to be going through a slow period. I put it down to people busy sorting seasonal stuff ready for Halloween, or any other trending seasonal events.
I set out to log straight into the Hub once I m on Facebook while grabbing my first cuppa of the day. I am a full time Home based business person so I can do that.
I post the link Threads that takes me 5-10 mins tops as I have the same template, just change dates! Then I engage with posted content, doesn’t take me much longer than 10 mins as well unless! Most is click and share I put aside 20 mins to go thru the blogs, usually i spend way less! As yo can see it was a slow week this week with blog commenting!
On average I have only ever removed and blocked 3 people for consistently sharing and not reciprocating And prospecting in the group! A few people join and leave. Possibly because they want to find a highly engaged group, without being active themselves! It is a common malaise within groups!
Yet it is a great way to create a private mastermind, connect with other creatives, share value and build your list as well!
Hope that helps And Good night!
Julie Syl
Great post Julie. I have a Facebook page and several groups. The engagement in groups is better than my fan page, although that is probably my fault. I see some of the Top Guns getting very good engagement on their Facebook page. I personally prefer groups, however you need the page to create Facebook ads..
Very true about use of a Facebook Page Keith.
Most Top Guns use their page as an advertising platform they do mega FB ads so they have some engagement over there, Still under 5%!
Thanks for your insights!
[ Smiles ] If all the members of the Facebook group are supportive of each other, it could surpass the expectations of one’s very own Facebook fan page.
Very true Renard.
Lets not forget the Pareto rule 80% of the engagement an shares come from 20% or even less of Group Members!
So its literally human nature to self sabotage…Most people do.
I think Fan pages are just one stop along the road to finding the leads you need. Businesses need a Fan page to buy ads on FB but in order to interact with fans, they need to have a separate space to chat. FB groups are great but I think a self-hosted form is best as you own it.
Its always great to have a private mastermind group and it will grow by leaps and bounds the more people you help!
Thanks for visiting from the pit stop Sara. 🙂
A survey questionnaire is a perfect way tp gather info and serve your audience!
True, a survey can help in knowing your audience. I think being there consistently to help others (like you are) is the best testimony to success. I feel your authenticity through everything you write. ^_^
Awww Sara,
W are humbled by your words, thank you so very much!
It is essential to know your audience and their needs. Thats the only way you can serve them well!
Thanks for stopping by we do appreciate you Sara!
Great info. And, no, my FB fan page does not see a lot engagement… Also, I am part of several groups, and I know I could be a lot more active! It’s one of my goals for this week!
Good stuff Andrea, glad you got value. The more you engage in groups the more people are attracted to you 🙂
I think it just kind of depends on what kind of content you’re putting out there. My fan page hasn’t done terrible well on Facebook, but I also don’t really… well, try. The engagement rate kind of defaults to pitiful. There are ways to improve that, but for me, it hasn’t been worth the time and energy (I have so many other things to worry about at the moment).
Groups are nice because they default to notifying every member when anything gets posted, although I think that’s also a good way to overwhelm people. I’ve had to turn off notifications for a couple groups that tended to post several times in a row during my “quiet time,” and I forget to check up on them.
So it requires a bit of balance…
Hi Michael,
Very true what you post matters, yet in a niche group it matters even more!
It indeed demands focused time to get things done on a Fa page or a group. Thats why its essential to set aside time to do exactly that. Thats way you start to attract whom you are looking for in your private space!
Hi Julie,
I never saw the value in a Facebook Fan Page although I have one.
I see value in FB groups as a member. I’m not all that sure if being the admin is worth my time. I can introduce people to a brand as a member.
Thanks for confirming my opinion of FB pages.
Janice
Hi Janice,
Thanks for sharing your experiences, We find both highly essential to our brand growth, although some groups require more time and more admin effort. A social tribe doesnt really!
Julie Syl
Juilie,
A great article with so many great tips that can really make me think before I decide what to do Face book Group. Know your audience and I do better in groups , but want to start my own as well. It is interesting and I am bookmarking this to refer back to .Thanks !
Lori
Hi Lori,
Good to see you here! 🙂
Groups serve so many different purposes and we gain much from them. Its so interesting how most people do agree that they get better results from groups though. Begs the question, what do those who dont use FB Ads use their fan pages for?
great tips for all, i make use of both and though they serve different purpose. you wrote well. thanks for the share.
Hi Lex,
Glad you make use of both and are seeing results in different ways!
Awesome comparison between facebook fan pages and facebook groups. Amazing work. Thank you
Our absolute pleasure Louis. Thanks for stopping by!
Awesome summary Julie, thanks for sharing
You are most welcome Samantha, glad you stopped by!
Wow!! I got a ton of value from this. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Olivia,
Glad you dropped in from the Pit Stop and Got value 🙂
I would say Facebook groups are more effective for our lead generation since our page is just new. Thank you for sharing this post! Lots of insights.
You are most welcome Grant!
Such a great information and deep analysis on a topic which could help many. Reaching 700 members without ads is quiet remarkable and your tips could be so handy to implement.
Thank you Lisa, It is a pleasure to serve and to increase our reach this way!
I have over 1000 people on my Fanpage and my posts will only reach about 100 so that is truly ridiculous. But like you said, FB wants you to pay to play. I may need to start a group myself.
Hi NaQueen,
It is a common matter FB closed down on organic reach to less tha 3% so that Fan Page users are forced to advertise or abandon their pages. So groups seem to win out at the moment!
Facebook and social media in general is a powerful tool for bloggers. I think now more then ever Facebook has created a new market and new job space for Indy bloggers that was not there before social media.
Spot on Brandon. Not just indoe bloggers, but indie authors, entrepreneurs and all in between!
I’ve never tried handling a facebook group before, it would be awesome to learn more about it. I think there’s a huge difference between the two and you can use both to your advantage.
Very much so Carol.
Handling a group is more intense, more personal than a Page! even though the page is meat to do this task!
Great post, Julie! I actually use both to maximize the mileage of my posts. 🙂
For real Czjai, its the way to go!
Thanks for your time
Ever since Facebook went public, it has become extremely difficult to grow a following. About the only way that I have found to do it is by paying for Facebook ads. I hate that. I would appreciate an easier way to grow my fan base.
Hi Dawn
It had to happen sooner or later and we just gotta play the game,
after all it is a social media so if we wish to advertise we gotta pull a finger out right! So we embrace it instead. that way we get what we desire form our ads!
Great post Julie, I agree, the reach of a normal FanPage is pretty Abysmal. There is work required in order to get enough fans and to have people interacting. Groups are a lot better in my opinion, thanks for sharing a very useful post..
My Pleasure Keith, in fact we have found that most of our blog readers/commenters do come from groups! So it is clear where one should spend their time!
~Julie Syl
Zero cost is always good! This sounds like a nice resource too.
I wanted to add to that the Facebook groups are nice for getting regulars. I have found that members you have been with for awhile tell to come visit even during your down/slow participation times.
Very true Rosey,
We love that about Facebook Groups, looks like the jury is tilting 🙂
Lol Zero cost is very misleading…there is always a cost, someone somewhere is paying! 🙂
Great post Julie! Completely makes sense.
Might be making the switch soon 🙂
Hi Steve,
No need for switching, just continue to serve your audience and TM needs via pages, works more efficiently! 🙂
Julie Syl
WOW! Great blog post. I appreciate this information and can’t wait to see more.
Glad you appreciate Robin, it gives us a warm feeling 🙂
I prefer both for using as Social Media trick. This is such a good idea, I’m thankful that I found this.
Its is good t use both Kelly, glad you got value!
What a brilliant tips! I still find myself wondering which one is the best for business! Your post gives me some clarity! I’m glad that you shared it.
Glad you got some clarity indeed. 🙂
Great post, great tips and information. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you found some great tips Reinaldo! 🙂
It’s all about engagement. I find people are more engaged in groups and you’re more likely to connect with people who want to be active participants.
Yes indeed Cindy, Groups do that for the person who wants to engage and open your networks wider! 🙂
Personally, I find groups work a lot better in almost every way. In my experience the only way to really grow a page effectively is through paid facebook ads.
Hi Michael,
In a way Yes you gotta pay to play on a Fan page, yet you can grow it organically effectively! And serve your audience! 🙂
There’s a huge difference between pages and groups, at least for me. Both of them will benefit your business, without a doubt. It would be nice to have facebook page for people to discover you and a group to maintain those loyal readers.
Yes There is a difference between Fan pages and facebook groups, but its surprisingly not huge! They do serve different aims for different people, yet pages usually serve one aim, to increase one’s reach and clout! 🙂
This is such a great article!! I have a Facebook Fan page and have gotten some really great engagement on it so I think I will be sticking with that for now!
Wohooo one Testimony for the Fan Page hallelujah! I was beginning to think the person who said they were dead was right 🙂
I’m liking your Facebook strategies. I can definitely see how Facebook Groups have some advantages over pages.
Groups do have a major advantage at the moment for growing one’s reach and build a list! We hope pages will do better sooner rather than later…Although it doesnt seem to be Facebook’s plan!
Great tips for starting a Facebook group. Lot of gold nuggets. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Demetri,
Glad you got some gold nuggets 🙂
Great info! thanks for sharing!
Thanks Julie, great stuff as usual. I agree, a facegroup group allows for a more focused targeted group that you can build trust!
So very true Lorraine and that’s why every good trainer has a Facebook Group…aka a “A private Mastermind” great to build trust, get new ideas, create community as the trusted expert!!! 🙂
This is really a great tips! Thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome Chei! Thanks for stopping 🙂
The cookies again! Just wanted to say Thanks for recommending the unlimited fan page profits because my fan page sure needs some work. And I will do better in groups. Thanks for sharing the steps you took to build up your Facebook group!