E:11 How toBuild a Thriving Online Community with Facebook Groups: Interview with Joy Michelle
Raise your hands if you are on a facebook group, What made you join? What keeps you happy and coming back? If you’re trying to build your own online community, today’s episode and first time guest interview is for you.
And we have our very first guest!
Joining us today as our first podcast guest is Joy Michelle from Joy Michelle Photography. She is a Maryland intimate wedding photographer, and now Youtuber and Educator to photographers. She helps photographers go from passionate to profitable through her course Hook and Book Brides, her “Photoboss” Facebook group community, and business 1:1 coaching. In 2019, she was named top "20 on the rise" in the category of Marketing by HoneyBook and the Rising Tide.
Looking for the bullet points? Here are the timestamps for today’s episode.
Feel free to jump in at any point!
Facebook Group vs. Facebook Page (5:05)
Key Features of Facebook Groups (5:30)
How and when to Interact in the Group (9:42)
17HATS (10:47)
Connecting passion with profit (12:00)
Strategies that work for groups (14:58)
Prioritizing Education when being a business owner (21:31)
As we think of ways to build our brand and our audience, one very powerful tool is the use of Facebook Groups. Groups and Pages while they might appear to be similar, they serve entirely different purpose.
A Facebook Page vs a Group, what’s the difference?
It’s important to distinguish these two as we start to think of ways in which to build our brand, and connect with our audience in ways that add value, and feel authentic. The main difference between the two is that while a page is about the brand, a facebook group is really about the community. Its about everyone inside it! In addition, a Facebook group gives you an opportunity to dive deeper into certain topics that might not be of interest to your general audience. This is particular important if you have multiple products or services you offer.
One key feature that helps create better connections
One of the great features available through Facebook groups is the ability to make them private. Having a private group means you have better control of the overall experience within the group. This helps people form better connections, and foster unique experiences. As the creator of the community, setting the tone for the group, and creating a set of rules, helps create a space for everyone to feel encouraged to ask questions and not feel intimidated.
As a community creator, what is the level of presence in the group?
While at first, you’re more involved and active in the group. Later on, and as the community grows, her current role is to facilitate conversations. A great tip to do this is by creating themes for the days! Like Finance Friday!
Value, value, value!
You have to give people a reason to join and even a bigger reason to stay. Listening, observing, and asking questions are great ways to get to know your audience. By doing this, you get the opportunity to learn their pin point problems, and find ways in which you can help them. This here is adding value!
Action brings clarity: Strategies to Build Your Online Community
Part of running a business is trying out new things! While we don’t know how things might end up happening, posting, having a conversation (even if you have a small audience), is what will bring clarity and take you to the next step.
What you should know before starting a business
Branding and marketing work hand-in-hand. As you build your business, keep in mind that what you are putting out as your brand will directly relate to how you will market your business. Don’t worry, you can still share photos of your fur babies! It’s all about balancing your content.
Considering a career in the creative field?
Prioritize education. Invest in mentors, coaches, courses, workshops, books. Learn from people who are doing what you want to do. Sometimes it means investing or just tuning to what they have to share through their free resources.
Best resources to help you along the way
Working One-on-One with a coach can be extremely helpful as they will be able to listen to your questions and help you strategize so you can find the answers you’re looking for. Books are inexpensive, and are a great resources where you can learn.
Connect with Joy!
You can follow Joy Michelle on:
Youtube: Youtube Channel
Facebook: PhotoBoss with Joy Michelle
Instagram: @joyymichelle
Her Website joymichellephotography.com
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