Are you considering setting up a Facebook group for your pet business?

They’re a brilliant way to raise your profile, build a community, learn what your customers and clients need and make friends.

It’s a place where you can share your knowledge and expertise, find people to collaborate with and build your network and connections.

Nearly five years ago I started a Facebook group, Publicity Tips for Pet Businesses, named after the title of my book.

Since then it’s grown to over 2000 members and I’ve supported many clients with starting their groups.

In this podcast I’m sharing 21 things to consider if you’re thinking of starting a group based on my experience and the lessons from my clients.

Key topics and timings in this episode:

0.20 - Introduction to the episode

1.43 - Define the purpose of the group and what you hope to achieve with it.

3.24 - Provide a compelling reason for people to join the group.

5.40 - Consider the benefits that the group will offer for your business.

6.55 - Choose a name that's easy to remember and reflects what goes on inside the group.

7.46 - Check out your competitors to see what they're offering and provide something different.

8.18 - Consider your target audience and what you can offer to them.

10.42 - Be clear about what you won't offer, such as medical advice or copyrighted material.

12.17 - Decide on the privacy settings that will make members feel safe and comfortable.

13.41 - Set rules for the group, such as being respectful and staying on topic.

15.19 - Be mindful of the law and monitor content for potential issues or conflicts.

17.02 - Plan your content strategy, such as regular discussion threads.

19.35 - Promote the group using your existing channels, such as social media and newsletters.

21.35 - Determine how much time you can realistically commit to moderating the group and engaging with members.

21.45 - Create a safe space by checking threads for issues or arguments.

22.25 - Consider having someone help with moderating if budget allows.

22.51 - Be sensitive to world events and ensure your content is appropriate.

24.31 - Decide on your stance for removing members who break the rules.

25.18 - Determine if you will allow people who leave to return to the group.

25.55 - Decide if you will use the @everyone tag and communicate this in the group rules.

27.55 - Enjoy the benefits of running a Facebook group for your pet business.

28.35 - What I love about having a group.

29.12 - The secret tool I used in this episode.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Here’s the link to my Facebook community if you’d like to be part of it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/publicitytipsforpetbusinesses

And if you’ve enjoyed this podcast, and are interested in working together, I also have a private, smaller group for my Pets Get Visible members.

This is where you get more personalised advice, plus we have monthly coaching and forward planning calls and lots more.

Find out more and save your space here: https://publicityforpetbusinesses.mykajabi.com/pets-get-visible