EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CREATING FACEBOOK GROUP

Setting up a new group

After you sign in to Facebook, you’ll see “Groups” listed in the left-hand column of the homepage. You can click “Add Group” to create a new one. If you have several groups listed already, you may need to click “More.”

Groups seem to automatically rely on your network settings.
You have the option to create a group within your school or alma mater’s network or outside of it. Creating a group within your school network will help people in that network find the group and join it based on similar interests, rather than having to be friends with them on Facebook. Creating a group outside of your network allows you to broaden the topic and reach.

Customising

Once you choose a network, you can enter your group name, select an icon, add members and choose your privacy settings. It’s required to add members immediately, rather than sending invitations, and Facebook will offer suggestions for whom to add. To add members, you must be friends with them. (They will have the option to leave the group.)

Privacy settings come in the form of “Open,” “Closed” and “Secret.” Open groups are public — members can see the group and who else is in it. If the open group is within your network, users within your network can see what members post in the group. Anyone can see closed groups and who else is in them, but only members can see what is posted. Secret groups are private to members — only members can see the group, who else is in it and what other members post.

As an admin, you can change the privacy settings of your group at any time. However, your group must have fewer than 250 members, and those members will receive a notification of the change.

Editing

After you create your group, you will be taken to the group’s page. Now you have the option to edit. By clicking the gear icon, you can add a short description, set up a group email address, add a group cover photo and manage members (e.g., add more people, make them admins, etc.).