Groups on facebook

Facebook groups can become key sources for target market opinions.  Using the thread option you can hear what your target audience is saying.   Looking at the facebook group as a market survey tool will allow one to optimize the groups purpose.  Recently I started groups for the network of bars and restraunts I represent. Probing the consumer audience for ways to improve and draw more volume.  Facebook groups also are a great way to send promotional messages that will not be filtered.  Facebook spamming if you will. You know what the audience is interested in and related topics associated with those interests. 

If you can widgetize any feature of your business I would recommend that as well. For instance Surfrider Foundation started as a Group and is now a "Cause" application. There may be initial overhead for development but it may be worth it to build a larger more directly involved target audience.

Hey there,

If you have more concerns about Fb groups and would like to share them, try
http://www.gooruze.com/groups/785/
The topic originally is Fb groups for bloggers, but all Fb groups related concerns are useful.

Tx
Xavier

Do you mean a group for employees and friends to interact or a group to market your product/service to clients/consumers?

Assuming the latter and your intent is to use it as a marketing tool, are you thinking of creating a free group or sponsoring one?

Either way I would recommend making sure your content is a 2-way dialog and allow members to interact with your brand/company. If you do create one,  also be sure you are willing to accept negative comments/feedback/interaction along with the positive.

Check out this link by web strategist Jeremiah Owyang which talks about sponsored groups but may also still be helpful:
www.web-strategist.com/blog/2007/09/10/facebook-sponsored-group-analysis-target-vs-wal-mart/

Marketing Sherpa published a tutorial today: How-to Market Yourself & Your Company on Facebook - 11 Steps and Strategies

Step 5 says to create your own group allowing you to gain control over your content and its reach.... interesting read...

Thanks for the link.

Thank you, will take a look through this