You ROCK!

Thank you Jeff!

Good one...!!!

Thanks Santhosh!

Are these groups created by the page or an individual?

I create the groups as an individual, but the users know that is coming from the company, not me as a person. A page cannot create a group though. Even if I could create the group as a page, I think I would still want the personal touch of having it come from a person. Does that answer your question, Lori?

Yes, I didn't think a page could create a group so I was making sure i wasn't missing something new. We have been trying to figure out the best way to utilize groups for our pages. Thanks for the ideas.

I've got a new-ish successful group that is fulfilling most of the ideas you suggest here: I personally respond/interact, some members are becoming mentors to others, they have insider access to things, etc. But one thing I would love to get your thoughts on (and that I'm a bit muddled about) is how to differentiate what page vs. group members "get". I mean one of the upsides to a FB Page is that you give followers insider access or updates, etc. Now there is this "super insider" community within the group and I'm not clear on how I should be approaching what to share/post to the page vs. group. Thoughts?

I definitely have thoughts on this. Isn't it so cool when your audience starts supporting you by answering questions? I think that is such an amazing feeling. I think about this as the difference between all my acquaintances and my best friends. I can share with all my acquaintances that I was published on Social Media Examiner (yay!), but with my best friends I can say "Get out there and help me promote this, now!" I can tell my acquaintances about a product update, but I can ask my best friends to try it out and give me feedback. They know that when they need a favor, or promotion, or for me to try something out, the favor will be returned. So, Page = Acquaintances, Group = Besties. Make sense? (also, I could not figure out how to spell acquaintances right without spell check this entire paragraph!)

Thank you for this. I have a business as a Body Image Coach and have a page with not a lot of engagement. So because of the sensitive nature of what I do, I really want to create a closed group and have been thinking about this for awhile. My main concern is how do I support others but still advertise my coaching as well? It seems like a delicate balance.

You're exactly right, it's a very delicate balance. It's easy to annoy people by adding them to a group without their permission! If you have a small group of individuals that are big fans of the work you've done with them, start with just them. Then post on your page that you have a secret group with some of your most successful customers. Invite them to join, and let them know that the advantage will be support and ideas from other users who are successful with your coaching. That way, they know they are being added in order to follow you as a coach, rather than just for body image coaching. Then they won't be surprised when you mention your business. Is that helpful?

Kellie, this is the very same situation I'm in. I do food coaching for (mostly) middle-aged women who've struggled with eating problems throughout their lives. I think many women don't want to share their struggles with the world, but might be more open in a group with like-minded others, so I'm considering starting a group, too.

BTW, I checked out your site and FB page -- they look great. We have traveled different journeys but both ultimately want to help people feel better about themselves. I'd love to chat...beth@lastingchangenow.com

Hi Ashley, some great tips in this article, thanks for sharing. Ian

Thanks, Ian! I had such a great time hanging out with you at SMMW, looking forward to next time!

Great stuff! Facebook groups are so much better than fan pages.

Thank you so much Vinny! You definitely help make our ambassador groups what they are!

Thanks for all the ideas, Ashley. The wheels in my mind are spinning with possibilities... (Great to meet you at SMMW, too!)

Looks like you have had some productive and rewarding experiences with Facebook Groups!

It's best when the paths can be followed through natural evolution, which seems to have happened in your case.

To start from scratch is a bit different, but can also work too.

Thanks for sharing with us,

Thats a great way to network with your customers. A superb guide Ashley

The Facebook groups are amazing for Business growth. You come across many people and get their feedback directly from there. They help in improving and letting you grow the business. Thanks for share.

nice article coombe!!!