We were super excited to find a host of new Facebook Page and Group functionality today. First: Many of us Page Admins run Groups that are massively more engaged and exciting than their (associated) Pages but until now it’s not been possible (other than with a Pinned Post) to
communicate that association to fans and visitors. You can now link your Group to a Page. Here’s how: NOTE: You need to be a full Admin on both the Page and the Group. Therefore a Page cannot post to an existing Group unless the Admin linking the Group to the Page is also an Admin of the Group. Kinda complicated huh?! If you’d prefer to follow a set of instructions:
How to post as your Facebook Page in a GroupThe new feature that many Facebook Group Admins have been waiting for is the ability to post as the Page (rather than your personal Profile) in the Group. Once your Group is linked to the Page you’ll see that as an option whenever you go to either post or comment. Simply click in the top right of the new post to change to commenting either as yourself or as the Page.
For many Groups, posting as yourself (using your Profile) makes a lot of logical sense. Groups are communities and people want to talk to people there rather than brands or nameless personas. However, for some organisations, including those where for whatever reason staff members wish to remain anonymous (this could be down to personal safety) this is great news. It also addresses Facebook’s increasing problem with fake Profiles which has been the logical workaround to date. How does this all look on the Facebook Page?Once linked, your Group will feature in the tabs on the left hand side of your Page (see below):
It will also surface in the right hand navigation of the Page.
We are also (inconsistently) seeing references to the Group in the main News Feed of the Page. Here’s how it looks to a non member:
And in the same place it surfaces a recent post to a Group member:
We’re not seeing that on The Digiterati’s main News Feed at the moment. It might well be related to the size of the Group. Even more new features!We’ve also discovered that with this new Group/Page linking functionality it is possible to use your Facebook Page inbox to manage messages, Page comments, comments on Page posts shared to your Group and even Instagram! Check out the video and how to guide here. What if you are not an admin of the Group and Page in question?Check out this article:
CommentsWhat happens when you link a Facebook group to a page?When you link a Facebook Page to a group, that Page will become an admin of the group. Tap in the bottom right of Facebook and tap Groups then Your groups, then select your group. If you don't see Groups, tap See more.
What does it mean to link group?It means that your Page will be an Admin of the Group – which allows you to interact in the Group as your Page and opens up a few extra options for you. It also allows Facebook users to find your Group a lot easier (especially if you're running Paid Facebook Ads) because your Group will appear on your Facebook Page!
Is it better to have a Facebook group or page?Here's the long and short of it: if you want to share personal information, make a Facebook page. If you want to have one spot to share posts from a business or organization, make a Business Page. If you want a place that people can connect together and have discussions, create a Facebook Group.
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