If your side hustle is any kind of service, you should be utilizing Facebook groups at least once in a while.
Here is how to get started:
- Register an account if you have not already
- Determine your service area. Is it within a 5-mile radius of your home? A 50-mile radius? Make sure you clearly define how far you are willing to travel.
- Make a list of cities/towns/neighborhoods/communities in your service area.
- Search for groups in your service area. Almost every neighborhood/town has community groups.
- Be sure to review group rules before joining.
- Once you’ve joined groups, be sure to search for posts that ask about your specialty. For example, if you’re a dog walker, search for those posts.
- Even if a post is old, you never know who is looking, or who will refer to those old posts. Be sure to respond. Some to the effect of “not sure if you’re still looking, but I can help with “xyz”.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to find work.
Make yourself easy to contact
One key for any Facebook outreach is accessibility. Start a page, or at minimum, make sure your profile page includes services offered, multiple ways to contact you, and any other information you think potential clients should know.
It also helps if people are able to simply text you for more information. This method has risen in popularity, so be sure to let people know if they can do so.
Be Professional
Just last week, I noticed that a local car detailer was heckling people in a local community group. He would use the laugh reaction for various posts, and sarcastic comments for others. If you are offering services or products of any kind, it is important to not be a jerk. If you want to be a jerk on Facebook, then use a separate profile. People aren’t going to want to do business with a troll. You’d be surprised as to how often this happens. Don’t do it!
Be Encouraging
If you don’t have a local presence or do not know many people, try being nice. If someone in a community Facebook group asks about road conditions or any other general question, respond with courtesy and respect – people remember this! When they see your promotional posts (if permitted), the good will that you have cultivated will work to your advantage.
Follow Group Rules
Always, always, always follow group rules. You don’t want to get kicked out of a local community group for over-promoting your services.
Even if promotions are allowed, try not to “spam” post or over-post. Once a week or once every two weeks is a good rule of thumb.
Facebook Group Statistics
Check out this screengrab from persuasion-nation regarding Facebook groups – it really is mind-blowing!
Conclusion
Facebook groups are a great way to secure new customers/clients for your side hustle. Good luck, and thanks for reading!