Hint: it’s not what you think
Gotcha! That, dear readers, is called click bait.
Did the click-bait headline and picture get your attention? You’re here, aren’t you?
But for all the wrong reasons! Because, before you can hope to make any money from Facebook group members, you need to get them to trust you.
Type #1: The “Spray and Pray” Sharer
This Sharer dishes out a lot of content, wildly hoping to hit a target. Any target
Don’t get me wrong, many blogs are well written, and videos are a great way to communicate. But when a group is made up of thousands of readers, you need to understand that the majority won’t be in your niche market.
So it really helps to be clear about who you are creating content for, and why.
Imagine opening a cafe with no menu, and promoting your venue by sticking posters on lampposts, when you are specifically cooking vegan food… Yeah, Spray and Pray
What I would do
Have a clear idea of your target niche, know where a reader is on their buyer’s journey, and then provide them with relevant information.
First, people need to accept they have an itch. They then go on a research trip to see what the options are to fix their problem. When they are ready, they will select the one business that looks likely to provide the solution. And that should be you.
Type 2: The Shouty “I Don’t Care” Spammer
This is the kid with attitude who gave you angry looks in class, who did not get up for old ladies on the bus, and who generally likes to see themselves as a rebel.
They might think they’re being smart, but, to put it simply, no one likes spammers. They are time wasters who don’t understand the first thing about business and marketing.
Would you go to a BBQ and start shoving your business cards at people?
I hope not!
So, from an admin perspective, first it’s DEL, then it’s the boot up their digital backside
What I would do
Observe for a while, get a feel for the group’s goals, what type of questions people ask, what kind of replies and support get positive interaction
Not all groups are equal. It’s a bit like going to the gym, are your punters the private trainer type, or the step class type? Different groups, different interaction.
Hint: if your posts keep getting zero interaction, you’re not doing it right.
Type #3: The “Look At Me” Click Baiter
This type likes to think they are Big Stuff, but maybe, behind the ALL CAPS headlines, they are somewhat insecure about their service or product.
After all, when was the last time you saw a hustler outside a 5 star restaurant, handing out pamphlets, shouting at passers-by and trying to convince them to come in for dinner.
Yeah, never. Because that type of outfit does need to spruik.
While click-baiters may very well have a great service or product, their
What I would do
Learn how to create content that showcases you as the expert. Whether blogs, videos, face-to-face workshops, or webinars.
Also, create good headlines for your website articles or videos. On Facebook make sure you add an intro to your post so readers can decide whether it’s for them, or not.
Type #3: The “I Vote For Me” Hijacker
Recommendations. You know, when you ask for info or suggestions on a topic you are not conversant with.
Often something like web design. Or social media. Or Facebook ads.
First of all, be ready for a deluge of responses, you have been warned!
You will get a flurry of referrals, about businesses that have genuinely helped improve sales. Perhaps a few people recommending mates who are actually good at what they do.
But there’s always one. OK, more than one. The Me, Me, Me hijacker.
Telling you how wonderful they are, how many clients they have helped, how they work for next to nothing. Then, to top it all off, they might even pm you!
The best solution if that happens to you: close comments on your post.
What I would do
Do the work. Develop a good relationship with clients. Ask them for a referral you can add to your website. This could be written, or a video.
Use these as part of your communication campaign, on your Facebook page and on other channels. Clients may even sing your praises in business groups.
When a friend asks for a good dentist, I’ll suggest mine, because he’s great. As far as dentists go.
Remember, members from the business group have already liked your page because you share great content in the group.
The “I Know Everything” Desperado
This business person is looking for new clients. Like, aren’t we all?
The Desperado wants people to know, like and trust them right now, but without doing all of the work. Often, they are not prepared to listen first
Just popping up and throwing some content around because you have a gig to promote is not going to get the long-term results you are after.
What I would do
Give before you take
Answer questions, share other people’s useful posts, encourage conversations rather than conversions. You cannot possibly be great at everything, so pick a niche.
When they need brain surgery, people generally choose a brain surgeon over a GP. Well, I did, but that’s another story
Don’t toot your horn, share useful information instead. For example a checklist on how to select the right person for the job.
So, which one are you?
We’ve all been one of the 5 archetypes at some point. We’ve all been short of time, short of inspiration, short of puff, but needing to get some sales, make some money.
My suggestion? This is where a communication calendar helps, getting some ideas in writing. (I don’t call it a marketing calendar because I see it as a way of staying in touch with potential clients.)
There are clients out there for everyone in the swimming pool, so why not stick to your own lane. Specialise, focus on a niche, become known as the expert, the one who usually has the answer.
I would prepare templates, jot down ideas that are easy to implement, save inspiring posts.
Not everything you share needs to be content you create from scratch. Depending on your niche, it can be memes, photos, client feedback, the odd quote, blogs published by others.
You could ask questions, post the odd survey, be controversial (not offensive) if that’s your thing, showcase photos of your clients with ‘your thing’. There are dozens of ways you can help other members in a Facebook community.
It’s a slow game, but I’ve certainly liked people’s Facebook pages because of their group activity. That is step #1 in getting to know and like them. And once I’ve bought from them I will probably recommend them.
Give before you take.
Who knows, you might even make some money!