Why do some value posts EXPLODE and some FLOP?
Well, it ain’t the Facebook algorithm. Not completely, anyway. (So you can stop your obsession with figuring out if linking your group to your Business Page makes a huge difference, now!)
For reference (in case you're not well versed in the art of garnering attention in Facebook groups), a “value post” is any original post you add to the discussion feed of a Facebook Group that does not include a pitch to a paid product or service you have for sale. In the world of Facebook groups, value posts are often encouraged by group admins.
When utilized correctly, a well-written value posts grabs the attention of your ideal client, helps them in a significant enough way for them to keep you on their radar.
The most successful value posts engage the reader, encourage follow-up clarification questions or supportive comments, and ideally — cause your cold audience to click on your profile and follow the trail to get to know you as a potential investment.
They can, however, flop. And they often do.
Here are some things to consider, if you’re the person getting less-than stellar engagement on your posts:
Consideration No.1: You're that person.
Do people see me as THAT person? It’s hard to admit, but sometimes you can corner yourself into being that spammer, even if that wasn’t your intention. Spending a lot of time talking only about yourself, or ONLY talking about your niche (and implying you’re not interested in anyone else’s anything) or using headshots of yourself that look eerily like the corny stock photos no one ever uses these days in relationship marketing? Yep. That’ll do it. You’re that person.
Consideration No. 2: People can see your not-so-innocent intentions
People are intuitive. People can tell (especially if they’ve been in enough groups for long enough) if a “value post” is baiting potential clients to reveal themselves, so the original poster can ask leading questions with the not-so-hidden intention of suggestion a discovery call. It’s been done, folks. People see what you’re doing.
Consideration No. 3: Your friends don't have your back
Maybe you haven’t built up any alliances. This is where the Facebook Algorithm DOES factor in. I know that “making alliances” sounds like some sheisty Big Brother tactic, but honestly? People respond on their friends’ posts. When I see my clients, or customers, or fellow masterminders post something even remotely good, I’m more likely to show them support with a thoughtful response than just a “like” if they were only an acquaintance. And I’m not the only one who does that (participate in enough group programs and you’ll notice this pattern, too). And when Facebook catches wind that people are responding on a certain post, the FB gods will open the flood gates and share that organically with other people. Kind of. (Although I’m sure they’d prefer if you boosted it, somehow. I don’t even know if that’s possible, but it’s probably still true.)
Consideration No. 4: It's not your fault.
Sometimes you honestly can just chalk it up to bad timing. For real. I’m big on faith and magical, validating signs and divine timing and all, but not every post is going to be a goldmine. At least you did your part, showed up authentically, and made the community a better place with a post the admin will appreciate (and we DO notice every post! We want more people to post good stuff! If you admin a group you totally get this!)
Consideration No. 5: Divine timing.
A large somebody, somewhere, is trying to tell you something. You probably have that annoying gut feeling about it already — but do YOU even buy what you’re saying? Or did you sit down one day and spit out a bunch of “value posts” and say “Okay, I met my quota. These 35 posts will make me some money soon” and then get straight to work on posting them wherever you could? You’re headed down a rough path, my friend. Sometimes no feedback IS feedback. Listen in!
Consideration No. 6: You're not being obvious
You didn’t include a call to action. With no CTA, the assumption is you’re just providing amazing reading material, and people will read. And move on. That one’s an easy fix. 🙂
What kind of things do you think about, when you post something with good intention but CRICKETS instead?
Comment below with what you think is the most frustrating thing about getting CRICKETS on your value posts in Facebook groups.
