Stop Lurking in Facebook Groups: Here's How It's Hurting Your Business
You know exactly what we’re talking about. You click join, join, join on private Facebook groups left and right and then what? Nothing. You silently lurk in the corner possibly reading posts here and there, but never commenting or posting on your own. Hey, we’ve been guilty of it so no judging. But, here’s the thing: that lurking behavior is doing absolutely nothing for your business and it might actually be hurting it.
When you are a star Facebook grouper you get noticed. People see you, learn from you and value your input. You increase the worth of the group as a whole by your participation and that comes back, friend. So if you’re still silently creeping along the edges to not be seen here’s what it’s costing you.
Connections
When you post or comment often (in a non-spammy way) you get noticed. Other members will start to connect your face and name with what you do and you will become known for it. By not doing this you’ll also be missing out on the opportunity to turn an online relationship into something physical. When you share about yourself you’ll realize that there are probably people in your area that you can meet up with in person. The value of bridging that connection is one of the main reasons we started our very own group. How amazing to be a part of a group that creates and inspires in-person meetups of similar interests?
Sales
Getting more sales should never be your main focus for joining a group. It’s most likely heavily monitored how often (if at all) you can plug your own content. The reason for this may seem silly at first, but trust us if you’re a part of a group that is constantly selling to you, you’ll understand. However, just by being an active member of a group (commenting and posting regularly) people will notice what you do. When the time comes for you to share a promo link it will be received a lot more authentically if you haven’t been hiding for 6 months.
Referrals
The best part of being a non-lurker is getting to work with the people inside the group on a professional level. We’re part of groups that constantly ask the members if they sell or offer what they need before looking anywhere else. You know the power of word of mouth referral is amazing and there’s no better place to get plugged then a group of your like minded peers!
Education
Trust us when we say, that most moderators of the groups you’re in are highly knowledgeable and willing to share what they know. For our group specifically we wanted to create a space where you could pick our brains, come to us with questions or hash out your struggles….for free. We know not all of you are ready to drop down some Benjamins for a strategy session so we wanted to provide something for all of you. If you aren’t posting, commenting or participating you are letting this go to waste.
So how do you remedy past lurking behavior? Luckily for you, it’s not difficult or awkward and it can start to totally change how these groups work for you. Here is a quick and painless guide to be a non-lurker:
Introduce yourself and your business
Be sure to include where you're from and some funny quirks
Make an effort to comment or respond to someone once a day
Post meaningful/non promo link materials (think articles, stats, quotes, personal stories)
Share any of your own blog posts or things you’ve learned that might help another out
Ask for feedback on a new offer, product or service
Be open and honest about your personal or business struggles (someone can always relate!)
Respond to your industry related threads like an open book
Keep your voice encouraging and supportive
By following that guide you’ll add tremendous value in whatever group you’re in. Every moderator or admin wants to see you benefit greatly from the space they’ve created for you, but the only way you can do that is to take advantage!
If you haven’t already be sure you're on our list so you can get approved for our private Facebook group. Besides our monthly Q&A we host daily prompts to get you thinking and involved including a once a week promo thread for you to share your latest guilt-free. Can’t wait to meet you!
