Picture this: You're browsing through your favourite Facebook group, seeking advice, sharing stories, and engaging with fellow members who share your interests. Suddenly, you come across an avalanche of ads and shameless self-promotion flooding your feed. Annoying, right?
Welcome to the world of lazy marketing—a place where desperation trumps creativity, and contributing to a community takes a backseat.
As a marketing agency, we see it multiple times daily, even in our groups and the groups we manage. People apply to join, answer the questions and literally within 10 seconds of approval, they facebomb (as we call it) and run!
There are the serial offenders (we see you) who know exactly what they are doing and will look at a groups membership numbers and think it easy pickings for sales and to make a quick buck - Then there are the new business owners that just don't know any different - because they don't know what they do not know.
As a fellow admin and a local marketer, it's incredibly frustrating to watch! But very easy to fix. So buckle up!
The Alienation Factor: You might think generic selling posts in Facebook groups will skyrocket your business's success. Well, hold your horses! Research shows that many Facebook group members feel frustrated and alienated when their groups are bombarded with sales pitches, turning the once-thriving community into a ghost town. Nobody likes being treated as a potential customer instead of a valued member. It's like being stuck in a never-ending infomercial marathon. That leads to people turning off the group notifications!
The Value Deficit: Let's face it—nobody likes to be sold to all the time. Members join Facebook groups to connect, learn, and find genuine value. You contribute to the vast wasteland of empty promotions by dumping ads and selling posts. Group members are there for meaningful content that educates, entertains, or enlightens. Remember, providing value builds trust, credibility, and a loyal customer base.
The Admin's Dilemma: Admins are the unsung heroes of Facebook groups. They dedicate their time and energy to curate a vibrant community. However, when marketers or business owners flood their groups with irrelevant promotions, it's akin to poking the bear. Many admins feel frustrated and overwhelmed by this onslaught of self-serving content, which often forces them to tighten the group's guidelines or, in extreme cases, shut it down. Don't let your actions contribute to the extinction of these valuable communities.
Now that we've firmly established the perils of Facebombing, let's explore alternative, budget-friendly methods to make a splash in your local community:
a. Build Your Online Presence: Create a professional website that showcases your business, its values, and the products/services you offer. Optimize it for local search keywords to enhance your visibility.
b. Harness the Power of Social Media: Instead of bombarding Facebook groups, create engaging and shareable content on your social media channels. Engage with your followers, respond to comments, and foster meaningful connections.
c. Leverage Influencer Collaborations: Partner with local or micro-influencers with an engaged following in your target market. Their authentic recommendations can drive genuine interest in your business.
d. Host Local Events: Organize workshops, seminars, or charity events that align with your business values. This establishes your expertise and helps you connect with potential customers in a more personal and memorable way.
e. Establish Local Partnerships: Collaborate with complementary local businesses and cross-promote each other's products or services. This way, you tap into each other's customer base and expand your reach organically.
Resist the temptation of facebombing into Facebook groups. Instead, focus on building genuine connections, providing value, and becoming an active community member. Remember, an honest approach and creative marketing methods can help you stand out without alienating those you seek to reach.
So embrace the challenge of engaging your audience in meaningful ways. By shifting your mindset from sales-driven to community-focused, you'll be amazed at its positive impact on your business's reputation and bottom line.
Remember, marketing isn't just about selling—building relationships, fostering trust, and adding value. Leave the lazy tactics behind, and embrace the power of authentic connections.
Your business and your community deserve nothing less.
Local Marketing Made Easy is a full-service local marketing agency based in Greenwich, London. We can show you how a good marketing strategy can increase sales - ultimately putting more money in your pocket.
To see how we can help your business, call us on (0203) 303 0625 or book a callback request via the form below.
