Can you count on at least one hand the number of TERRIBLE Facebook groups you’ve been a part of?

Oh friend, you know the groups I’m talking about: filled with mean, judgmental, and snarky comments within an overwhelming and overcrowded space?

*Some online spaces feel like walking into a crowded nightclub on a Friday night, you know what I’m saying?*

My fingers are popping up as I count too, boo boo! Unfortunately there are quite a few bad Facebook groups out there. Pressing “unfollow” has never been easier! #sorrynotsorry

Here’s what a Social Curator asked me about building a Facebook group for her membership that emphasized the community aspect while avoiding the negative outcome I just described:

Although I was hesitant about it at first because I didn’t want to invite any unwelcome negativity into my life, the Social Curator Facebook group was created as a way for members to have a virtual space to come together as a community.

And guess what, friend?

The Facebook group has been a total game changer for our membership..

Believe me, it didn’t happen overnight. We’re currently at about 6,500 members, but it has taken time to get where we are today.

>>Building a membership community is a marathon, not a sprint!<<

*Rome wasn’t built in a day, okaaaay?!*

I spent about two weeks envisioning, imagining, and dreaming up the ideal Facebook group. That may seem excessive, but I took all the time I needed to be completely satisfied with this particular platform.

Now that we’ve acquired a substantial amount of members, I can look back and say that there are three main strategies to building a community while avoiding the negativity and overwhelm in groups that make us all cringe.

1. Establish culture

The most important part of creating a business is establishing a culture. The same is true for a membership community. Determining a culture right out of the gate will help to lay the groundwork for success.

2. Plan content

Creating content ahead of time will avoid a free-for-all society. By providing the bones of the group, you also offer stability and structure, so members know what to expect. And when the time comes to call for reinforcements…

3. Have moderators

Utilizing people to act as your eyes and ears will be tremendously beneficial for the group. These overseers will be available to address certain issues and cut off any unwanted behavior, preventing the bad reputation that so many groups receive.

>>When it comes to creating Facebook groups, it’s all about strategy, not tactics.<<

No gimmicks, just authenticity. It’s not a numbers game. *Never has been, never will be.*

A membership community is exactly that: community. By taking the time, putting in the effort, and being proactive, you can build a space that will grow and flourish.