Ever since Facebook changed their algorithm, small businesses have found it increasingly difficult to reach their customer base organically. Facebook’s aim was to share more, stay in touch and engage in meaningful interactions with friends, family and Facebook Groups we are a member of. However, it now seems that Facebook is allowing the monetisation of some Facebook groups. Should membership be charged for Facebook Groups?

Initial Reaction
At first we were outraged that yet another free marketing opportunity was being taken away from us. Small businesses in their very nature have limited funds for Digital Marketing and this was one.

For us, using Facebook groups is a great, free way to promote your business or events. You do need to check the group allows business promotion but by doing the research and finding the most relevant groups, you can build up a relationship with the members.

Facebook Changes the Rules
In June 2018, Facebook announced that they were testing out membership subscription services with some parenting and cooking groups, reported The Verge.

Group administrators can charge between $4.99 to $29.99 for new subscription only groups so that they can deepen the engagement with members and continue to support their communities. Many admins will be running these paid-for groups alongside the free groups. The subscription groups will have exclusive content to make them value for money.

In the Facebook announcement, Sarah Mueller set up a subscription group Organize My Home to sit alongside her original group Declutter My Home. Declutter My Home still continues to inspire and motivate others to tidy their home whereas Organize My Home gives access to checklists, tutorials and other tools that would be available to her clients.

The Flip Side
As part of our on-going local community efforts, we have set up and administer a number of Facebook groups. Whilst they are still on the small side, checking them regularly for requests to join, reviewing posts and dealing with membership disputes could take a chunk out of someone’s working day. Therefore, why not make a little money on the side? As they say, there’s no such thing as a free lunch and this is still a really cost-effective advertising strategy.

If you were considering to monetise your Facebook group then take read of this article “11 Ways to Make Money with Facebook Groups” for some ideas.

We’d love to hear what you think: should Facebook group administrators charge membership? Let us know by tweeting @RedDeskVirtual