{"id":3374,"date":"2017-05-17T05:26:48","date_gmt":"2017-05-17T04:26:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.totalcoaching.com\/blog\/?p=3374"},"modified":"2017-05-09T18:44:00","modified_gmt":"2017-05-09T17:44:00","slug":"private-facebook-group","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.totalcoaching.com\/blog\/private-facebook-group\/","title":{"rendered":"You Need a Private Facebook Group: Here’s How to Build a Profitable One"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3372,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"

Yes, you really need a private Facebook group.<\/p>

As personal trainers, we need to have a solid grip on the needs and struggles that our clients face. By creating a private group, you can do just that.<\/p>

\"\"<\/span><\/div>

For example, I manage a group for women between 35-50 years old who are looking to lose weight as part of my 10 in 4 Challenge<\/span> program. Everyone in the group has the same goal: losing 10 pounds in 4 weeks, then keeping that weight off (and hopefully losing even more!). <\/p>

This intimate community allows them to hold each other accountable<\/a>, offer advice to each other, and motivate <\/a>each other.<\/p>

But that's just the start. Building the right Facebook group can do so much more for your clients AND your business.<\/span> <\/p>

Because of the default notification settings for any Facebook group members, every time I post within the group, all members are alerted, essentially guaranteeing that they see what I have to say. <\/blockquote>

This is perfect for advertising my other programs or products (i.e. upselling and cross-selling<\/a>) that I think will benefit them in their journey.<\/p>

This groups also allows me to do market research. A<\/span>s members post about their experiences, I can see what many of them are struggling with. This insight allows me to create new services to offer<\/span>, and in turn, can bring in new streams of revenue.<\/p>

Quite simply, if you don't have a private (a.k.a \"closed) Facebook group for your clients and followers, you're missing out. Here are the steps you need to take to change that:\u200b<\/p>

1. Create a Specific Private Group<\/h2>
\"private<\/span><\/div>

Private Facebook groups are meant for tight-knit communities<\/a>. Everyone who becomes a member should have roughly the same goals as everyone else in the group.<\/p>

In other words, creating \"Jay's Fitness Group For Everyone\" isn't ideal. You want to hone in on your ideal clientele and foster a community build for just them<\/span>.\u200b<\/p>

Again going back to my group - it's for women only, of a certain age range, and is a bonus<\/a> for joining my 10 in 4 Challenge<\/i> program. <\/p>

IMPORTANT NOTE:<\/span> You cannot sell access to your private group, per Facebook\u2019s rules! You can be permanently banned<\/span> (ouch!) from Facebook if you do. Package it as a free bonus, so you don\u2019t break the rules.<\/p>

For your group, it should be specific, and the qualifications clearly explained. The more specific the group, the stronger the bond between members.<\/span><\/blockquote>

When creating the group, you have a couple options<\/a>. Since this is a private group, you\u2019ll want to choose \"Closed\" or \"Secret.\"<\/p>

A Closed <\/b>group means that your group will be searchable and viewable by non-members, but posts will only be seen by members. People can also request to join. <\/p>

A Secret<\/b> group means it cannot be found and is usually invite only.<\/p>

I opted to make my business Closed for advertising purposes. Closed groups can show up as suggested groups, advertising my program for free. When unqualified people request membership, it\u2019s the perfect way to sell my services and help them become a qualified member.<\/span><\/p>

2. Give Them a Guide<\/h2>
\"Facebook<\/span><\/div>

To preserve an encouraging and positive atmosphere, you\u2019ll have to provide some guidelines<\/a> about what can and can\u2019t be posted. Also, post a mission statement that will keep members focused on their goals.<\/p>

The most important aspect of a group is it being a healthy and safe environment for people to share. Creating guidelines, as opposed to a list of dos and don\u2019ts, will allow full expression for your members and feels less aggressive than a list of rules.<\/blockquote>

However, this is not to say that you shouldn\u2019t use rules. Certain lines can\u2019t be crossed, so make sure that\u2019s clear from the beginning (e.g. \u201cDon\u2019t be a jerk\u201d; \u201cLet\u2019s keep content PG\u201d).<\/p>

This will keep the community on the same page and make your job easier.<\/p>

3. Moderate<\/h2>