How to use Facebook/Reddit groups to build your online community
Facebook and Reddit are great places for community managers to find members and turn them into brand advocates.
Let’s look at different ways you can use social media groups to build strong communities that encourage brand advocacy!
Engage your core users
The foundation of any successful online community begins with your core users—the people who are already loyal to your brand or passionate about the problem your product/service solves.
So, where can you find your core users?
Facebook has 3.07 billion monthly active users in 2024, with 80% of users being members of at least one group. Community managers should look into existing Facebook groups related to your industry or niche. Pay attention to members who frequently comment and share valuable content.
Reddit has over 100,000 active subreddits, making these spaces a goldmine for finding niche communities! Search for relevant subreddits and note any regular contributors who are enthusiastic about your product or category. For example, a workout brand might look for a subreddit like r/fitness to identify potential community members.
When you focus on your ideal community member, you can engage with them directly. Answer their questions, offer insights into what your community will do, and begin to build a personal connection.
These individuals will often become the backbone of your online community.
What if there's already an unofficial community?
Customer-led communities are a thing and shouldn’t be ignored.
If your customer base has created a very active Facebook or Reddit community, don’t compete against them. Instead, observe what members are talking about, learn from their experience with your service/product, and be available to answer any questions.
Your online community should not replace any that exist and perform well. Remember that ‘community is everywhere’. If your customers have already found their space on Facebook or Reddit to discuss your product/service, your online community should look to help a different problem or audience group on a different platform.
The same community on the same platform will dilute the impact of the existing one and the one you’ve created. Don’t murky the waters!
Creating your community
Once you’ve engaged with your core users, you must show them you value their time and contributions. Facebook and Reddit both provide tools and opportunities to do this.
Create a private Facebook group to give these core users a place to connect. A private or ‘closed’ group will create the feeling of exclusivity.
Within the group, share things like:
Behind-the-scenes content
Early product launches
Special promotions
Facebook groups also offer features like polls, where you can actively ask members for input on new ideas or content creation. When users feel like they’re part of decision-making, they’re more likely to advocate for your brand because they feel invested.
Reddit users love AMAs (Ask Me Anything).
AMAs are an excellent way to interact directly with potential advocates. Invite your core users to ask questions about your brand or industry. This format offers transparency and authenticity, which Reddit users highly value.
You can also make use of Reddit’s karma system, which highlights the most active and valued members within subreddits. Engage with these high-karma users by responding to their posts and recognising their insights. Reddit users trust their peers, so getting the support of a well-respected Reddit member can make them a powerful advocate for your community.
Highlight and reward advocates
So you’ve identified your core users, engaged with them, and set up your community space.
Next, you need to acknowledge the participation of your members. By recognising and rewarding advocates, you solidify their loyalty and nudge other members toward this positive behaviour.
Recognising advocates on Facebook
The participation ladder teaches us the value of incentivising members for higher engagement.
On Facebook, you can do this with:
Group badges and titles: Facebook allows admins to assign badges to group members, such as Group Expert, Top Contributor, and Moderator. Use these badges to highlight your most loyal advocates. This visible recognition boosts their status within the group and motivates others to engage more.
Exclusive group events: Host live Q&As or virtual events specifically for your advocates. Whether it’s a new product demo or a live stream with your team, these events make advocates feel special.
Recognising advocates on Reddit
Awards and flair: Reddit allows subreddit moderators to assign ‘flair’ (personalised labels) to users. Use flair to reward your top advocates by giving them a visible badge in the community.
Advocate-specific subthreads: Create specific subthreads dedicated to advocates where they can offer feedback or discuss your brand in more detail. This engagement strengthens their connection to your brand and gives them a platform to shine.
Over time, your advocates become crucial in extending your reach. According to one study, the average advocate that shares your content could help you reach 600 individuals! People trust people, especially on social media. Organic growth will come from the passion and activity of your most dedicated users, so make sure you recognise their worth.
Sustain long-term engagement on Facebook and Reddit
Communities require ongoing engagement, particularly from your most loyal advocates. To keep advocates invested in your community space, use strategies such as:
Personalised messaging: This personal touch will show your advocates you value their input and ongoing participation. It will also motivate them to keep doing so!
Consistent, value-driven content: Regularly post informative and exclusive content to your group. People are impatient and if they feel the value of your group is declining, they will stop participating or leave altogether.
Regular AMAs and updates: Keep hosting AMAs/virtual events etc, especially if there are new product launches or updates about your brand.
The goal is to build an ecosystem where advocates feel part of something bigger. It will encourage ongoing engagement and ensure your community stays active long-term.
Building a strong online community
At Steadfast Collective, we’re community builders. If you’re interested in building an online community that’s member-first and focused on engagement, let’s talk!
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