How I use Facebook groups

Following my recent post, with my list of favourite Facebook groups, I thought I'd follow up with some hints, tips and how I use Facebook groups.

The mobile Facebook

When browsing Facebook groups, I prefer to use the mobile version of Facebook - even on the desktop (which you can access by typing in m.facebook.com/groups in your web browser).

The list that is displayed is much easier to view then the desktop one (and I find the mobile version of the website to be much more reliable).

You can see a list of all the groups that you are a member of, and on the right-hand side the number of new activity (this could be new posts, or replies to posts) within the groups.

To visit a group, I like to right click that group name and then open the group in a new tab, to keep the group list open.

Don't feel like you have to visit all the groups

It may be tempting to check out the Star Trek group, however unless Starfleet and Captain Picard are among your clients, leave visiting this group for your lunch break or when you have finished working for the day!

And when you have LOTS of groups in the list, don't feel like you have to visit every one either. Check out the groups that are most relevant or of interest to you at this current moment.

Read the group description and rules before posting!

Don't just copy and paste the same thing into every group - actually check out the group rules, what others are posting, read posts (and comments - you can often find lots of valuable info in the comments), etc.

Get involved in the groups

This may sound obvious - don't just add your own stuff to the group. Check out what others are posting, get involved and join in discussions, welcome new members, etc. - get involved!

And if you do post stuff, perhaps you can tie it into what others have said - e.g. "I'm aware some people have asked about xyz, so here is my recent blog post on how to xyz".

Group admins often make additional resources, ebooks, etc. available.

Don't keep checking the groups

I like to briefly check out the groups nearer the start of the working day, and then in a little more detail towards the end (although be careful that you don't end up spending hours online - set yourself a time limit if this happens).

Unfollowing, leaving groups, etc.

If you are not getting anything from a group, not really involved, etc. don't feel guilty about leaving.

And if a group fills up your main newsfeed, don't feel like you have to leave the group because of this!

You can Unfollow a group so that posts from the group don't fill up your newsfeed - you are still a member of the group, and you can check out posts by visiting the group.

From the Notifications you can also change the Notification settings. For example, to not see notifications of highlighted posts, or only when friends post. This is particularly handy if you don't want your notifications filled up with things from groups.

Both of these options are worth checking out when you first join a group, and also if you want to take a break from a group for a while without actually leaving.

Have any hints or tips of your own?

Feel free to add them in the comments!

And finally, I have two Facebook groups of my own...

Read business, personal development or non-fiction books? You are welcome to join my book group (members outside Aberdeen also welcome): facebook.com/groups/AberdeenBusinessBooks

Involved with a club, charity or volunteering? Member Manager Plus is a place to connect with others, receive help/support and share ideas: facebook.com/groups/MemberManager