Is a Facebook Group Right for Your Holistic Business?

A big part of my summer shake-up has been around my free Facebook group. I created Holistic Business Matters to accompany my podcast as a way of building a community from it. But as I’ve stopped recording the podcast, it’s lost its way and definitely needs a shake-up!

So, I’ve been doing my research – reviewing the groups that I enjoy being part of and understanding why. I’ve been talking to clients and friends about what they like and what they don’t.

Whilst groups are how most people use Facebook, they only tend to engage with those that they’re passionate about. The sad reality for most groups is people don’t participate in them which makes them soul-destroying for the owners.

Several business friends of mine have closed their groups. They’ve either become a victim of their own success and too much work to manage or because they’re deadly quiet.

As a marketing tool, you’ll organically reach more people in a group than you will from your business page, but the reach is still dependent on your audience engaging with you.

Are Facebook Groups Still Relevant?

According to Social Media Examiner, they still have great value and it’s more important now than ever to use them to build authentic, organic connections. They share that the power of a Facebook group lies in both being a reliable hub for content and allowing you to have in-depth conversations with your audience. In addition to this, members can talk to each other, which is a key part of building a self-sustaining community. Check out their full article: How to Build a Community on Facebook in 2023.

Who is Your Group For?

Your group needs to be for the audience first and foremost, and not for your business - but it does need to make good business sense.

Think about who your group is for and what they want from it. Don’t try to appeal to everyone, you want to create connections and community between a specific group of people with common values and goals. People only engage with the groups they’re interested in or topics they're passionate about, so it's vital you identify them and fulfil a need with your group.

This goes back to knowing your niche and really understanding what makes your favourite client tick. Aligning your group with your favourite client will help you to create the right space to support them first, and second, grow your business.

If you’re not sure about your niche, check out this article: How to Niche Your Holistic Business.

Once you know who your group is for, get really clear on the purpose of the group and your goals for running it. This will help you to communicate the benefits and ensure the group aligns with your plans for your business.

Is the Timing Right?

Starting a Facebook group is a big commitment and as with most marketing, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Do you have the time available to run and nurture a group? Whilst a group may seem like a good idea, or you see your peers creating them – it doesn’t mean they’re right for you, right now!

If you’re just starting out, engaging in other people’s groups, and building your profile by being helpful while you figure out your own marketing recipe and whether a group should be part of it is probably the best option.

How Will You Show Up?

You need to understand how you will best use your time in the group and create a system for posting and engaging that suits you. Don’t try to be all singing, all dancing, especially when you start. If you create a basic system that you can easily manage, you can always add to it when time or inspiration allows.

The biggest impact you will make in your group is by going live. Even if no one is watching at the time, they will watch the replays and it will also build up a library of videos in the group as a valuable resource.

There’s no getting away from how powerful video is as it allows people to get an insight into you as a person, what it would be like to work with you and whether you’re the right fit for them.

Holistic Business Matters Shake-up

The Western world has a health crisis that isn’t being managed by orthodox medicine, and people are moving towards more natural and traditional approaches to healing. This is a huge opportunity for you, but it does mean getting out there and being visible.

The purpose of the Holistic Business Matters Facebook group is to create a safe and supportive community for holistic business owners wanting to succeed and make the impact they aspire to. A place that encourages a collaborative approach along with practical business and marketing support.

Join us for live Q&A sessions, access to resources, opportunities to share and collaborate with others and mini-challenges all designed to help you grow a sustainable health and wellbeing business, your way. Join the Holistic Business Matters Facebook Group. Together we’re stronger!