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Growing a Facebook page from scratch can seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it is entirely possible. Cory Mlan shares his experience of building a college football-themed Facebook page from zero to 40,000 followers in less than 40 days. His mission is to assist content creators in monetizing their content effectively.
The primary purpose of creating this Facebook page was to serve as an outlet for personal interests rather than a strict business endeavor. The page was designed for fun, with the tagline 'just for fun' indicating its casual nature. Surprisingly, the page continued to grow organically, reaching 50,000 followers over several months with minimal posting after the initial content burst.
The key strategy employed for rapid growth was leveraging Facebook Reels. With a low inventory of native Reels on the platform, Facebook was actively promoting this content format. By focusing on posting Reels, the page attracted significant engagement, primarily from non-followers, which helped expand its audience.
Initially, the goal was to post two to four Reels daily. However, the actual output averaged one to two Reels per day, resulting in only 46 pieces of content published by the time the page reached 40,000 followers. Despite the limited posting, the page achieved a remarkable reach of 3.5 million within 28 days.
Facebook's advertising and content recommendation systems are driven by artificial intelligence, which plays a crucial role in audience targeting. The advertising system seeks users likely to engage with products, while the recommendation system identifies users who will consume specific content. Understanding this overlap can help content creators optimize their strategies without relying on paid ads.
Starting a new Facebook page comes with challenges, particularly due to the 'cold start problem' where Facebook initially has no data on the page's content or potential audience. However, Meta's Interest Learner system helps identify the page's niche based on early content, making it essential to post high-quality content from the outset.
For the college football page, content was primarily curated from TikTok and YouTube. By downloading videos without watermarks, the page could share engaging content that resonated with the audience. This method of content curation proved effective in maintaining a steady flow of posts.
Utilizing Meta Business Suite allowed for efficient management of the Facebook page. Engaging with users who interacted with the content by sending out invites helped accelerate follower growth. This proactive approach contributed significantly to the page's success.
While Reels were instrumental in growing the page, it is crucial to diversify content formats. Regular posts, photos, and live videos can help maintain audience interest and engagement. Relying solely on one format may lead to stagnation in follower growth.
Despite the initial success, managing the page became overwhelming, leading to burnout. The pressure of constant content creation shifted the experience from enjoyable to stressful, resulting in a decline in posting frequency after reaching 40,000 followers.
The focus on growing the Facebook page inadvertently affected other content platforms, particularly YouTube. As attention shifted away from YouTube, earnings declined, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced approach across multiple platforms.
For content creators looking to replicate this success, it is essential to adapt and evolve content strategies continually. As platforms change, staying informed about new opportunities and trends will be crucial for sustained growth and engagement.
Q: How can I grow a Facebook page from scratch?
A: Growing a Facebook page can be achieved by leveraging effective strategies such as posting engaging content, utilizing Facebook Reels, and actively engaging with your audience.
Q: What was the primary purpose of the Facebook page discussed?
A: The primary purpose was to serve as an outlet for personal interests and fun, rather than a strict business endeavor.
Q: What strategy was key for rapid growth on the Facebook page?
A: The key strategy was leveraging Facebook Reels, which attracted significant engagement and helped expand the audience.
Q: How often should I post content on my Facebook page?
A: Initially, the goal was to post two to four Reels daily, but averaging one to two Reels per day can still yield significant reach and engagement.
Q: How does Facebook's AI impact content recommendations?
A: Facebook's AI drives advertising and content recommendations, helping to target users likely to engage with products and consume specific content.
Q: What challenges might I face when starting a new Facebook page?
A: Challenges include the 'cold start problem' where Facebook lacks data on your page, making it essential to post high-quality content from the outset.
Q: Can I curate content from other platforms for my Facebook page?
A: Yes, curating content from platforms like TikTok and YouTube can be effective, especially when sharing engaging videos without watermarks.
Q: How can I engage with followers on my Facebook page?
A: Utilizing Meta Business Suite for management and actively inviting users who interact with your content can help accelerate follower growth.
Q: Is it important to diversify content formats on Facebook?
A: Yes, diversifying content formats such as regular posts, photos, and live videos is crucial to maintain audience interest and engagement.
Q: What should I do if I experience burnout while managing a Facebook page?
A: If you experience burnout, consider taking breaks and reassessing your content creation strategy to ensure it remains enjoyable rather than stressful.
Q: How can focusing on Facebook affect other content platforms?
A: Focusing on Facebook may inadvertently affect other platforms like YouTube, leading to declines in engagement and earnings if not balanced properly.
Q: What should content creators consider for future growth?
A: Content creators should continually adapt and evolve their strategies, staying informed about new opportunities and trends to ensure sustained growth.