In some online marketing circles, posting in groups as a marketing strategy is considered dead. Yet, we tend to target people who like certain groups as a paid marketing demographic. What’s up with that?
Let’s take a look!
As a marketer, I use free marketing strategies all the time, and posting in groups is a really good way to generate traffic and leads IF it’s done correctly.
But there are a few things you should know (and a few bad habits you should drop).
Posting In Groups As A Marketing Strategy
1. Abide by the group rules.
This one should be a no-brainer but you’d be surprised how many people actually overlook this, and, in my opinion, this is the biggest reason why so many people groups ineffective.
They post haphazardly, post out of turn, don’t follow instructions about posting, and more.
Since most people tend to use automatic, or semi-automatic posting software, it’s hard to keep up with the rules for multiple groups and posts get deleted, etc.
2. Second, format your content to match what the group expects.
For example, if the group only accepts video posts, don’t go posting your “Learn how to generate 1000’s of leads on autopilot with this simple system” graphic posts.
You’re going to end up being reported for spam, or you’re going to get banned.
Instead, why not take advantage of the many forms of media creation avenues out there? Start shooting videos (something you should do anyway), upload it somewhere, then share it to the group.
3. Thirdly, understand the group’s purpose. Knowing this ahead of time will save a lot of people time and energy.
If it’s a help forum, nobody wants to see your ad. Some groups you go to will have advertising, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can walk in and start posting your ads. Pay attention and see how the group operates. Many times this will answer itself.
It could be as simple as someone asking for recommendations or asking for help with their ad (for example, a mastermind group).
This is one of the biggest reasons people get put on a moderated list and seldom get their posts published, or worse, ignored.
You want to offer value to the group that you wish to post in.
PS: Don’t argue with moderators. It gets messy, so don’t. Just… no.
4. Participate, participate, participate!
This to me is the key to make posting In Groups As A Marketing Strategy effective. You can’t just join a group and start spamming away. Be mindful of other members and their needs.
Remember that they are there for a reason too, and your engagement in the group will be well received and it makes people more likely to click on your ad, or read your blog posts, or etc.
When I post to a group, I always take the time to scroll down, like and share, or even read an article that interests me then comment.
People reciprocate interest, so become interested in the groups. Spent a couple extra minutes engaging. This is what a group is for.
5. Back off the automated software.
Automated software has a nasty habit of making things really impersonal. The passivity of marketing is great as a time saver, but in an environment where interaction and engagement is necessary, if all you use is automated software, you are working against yourself.
So back off the automated software, and interact a little more.
I will use automated software when I’m in a rush, but that’s about it. I won’t go any further than that. And again, if you’re active in a group and you’re consistent about offering value, people won’t care if you use automated software once in a while.
In other words, relying solely on automated software negates the benefits of posting in groups. That is probably the biggest mistake you can make.
In Closing
So if you want to benefit from posting in groups as a marketing strategy, remember that groups in general are a way for people with shared interests to network and benefit. They are a community in themselves and the rules of network marketing do apply.
Interact, engage and lead with value – if you can do those three things, then you’ll find that posting in groups will become a powerful marketing strategy.
