How Can You Grow Your Facebook Group from Zero to Thirty-six Thousand Members Without Spending a Dime?

In the spring of 2017, Ell Duclos found herself in a lonely position. She had started a blog covering lifestyle beauty and motivation but found the blogging journey to be a lone endeavor. That's when it occurred to her—she needed to develop an online community of bloggers! Today, that community is a renowned circle of 36,813 engaged members. The Boss Girl Bloggers Facebook group is a prime example of how one can grow a community organically and without spending a dime.

Understanding the Power of Facebook Groups

Facebook groups saw a growth north of 40% in 2018. With over 1.4 billion users and more than half of them belonging to at least one group, leveraging these communities makes absolute sense. By forming a Facebook group, you can establish yourself as a subject-matter expert. For instance, Ell is widely known for her expertise in growing blogs organically. Her followers look up to her to solve issues they encounter in their blogging endeavors. Brands can use Facebook groups to build brand loyalty by showcasing their human side and sharing what they stand for. An engaged Facebook community is also an excellent place to learn about your audience, understand their pain points, and plan content based on the feedback you receive.

Setting Objectives and Strategies

Before you dive into growing your Facebook group, it is crucial to have clear objectives. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. What Are Your Objectives Behind the Facebook Group?

Are you looking to build a platform for like-minded individuals or establish yourself as an industry expert? Defining your objectives will guide your strategy and help you measure success.

2. Plan a Growth Strategy

Create a plan that focuses on gradually increasing your membership. Start with invitations to your friends and contacts, and then gradually shift to more strategic methods like guest posting and cross-promotion.

3. Promotion Techniques

Determine the best ways to promote your group. This could include social media promotions, guest blogging, and collaboration with other Facebook groups.

4. Encouraging Engagement

Engaged members drive growth. Implement strategies to encourage participation, such as regular polls, QA sessions, and interactive content.

5. Keeping Content Fresh

To avoid your group becoming boring, regularly introduce new content and maintain an active presence. Encourage member-led discussions and events to keep the community dynamic.

Best Practices from the Expert: Ell Duclos

Ell shared her insights and top tips on growing a successful Facebook group. Here are some key takeaways:

7.1 Don’t Sell, Make Friends

Earning trust and building a community doesn’t happen overnight. Focus on bringing value and making connections first before selling anything.

7.2 Be Vulnerable

Show your true self and be vulnerable. This builds a sense of authenticity that resonates with members and fosters a welcoming environment.

7.3 Offer Free Value

Provide members with free resources, guidance, and support. This could be in the form of guides, webinars, or a monthly tip series. Done consistently, this will help solidify your community.

Wrapping It Up

Building a thriving Facebook group takes time and effort, but the results can be incredibly rewarding. By focusing on the right strategies and utilizing the power of organic growth, you can transform a small group into a large, engaged community. Whether you aim to establish yourself as an industry expert or build a loyal brand following, the principles outlined here can guide your journey.

Do you have any questions or want to share your own experience? Feel free to leave a comment below!