Promote your food business with Facebook groups

Posting in local Facebook groups is a quick and free way to promote your weekly menu, build local awareness, and reach new customers in your delivery or pickup zone.

Reach more locals, with less effort

If you’re looking to grow your food business, local Facebook groups are a great place to start. These online communities are full of people who care about what’s happening in their area - whether it’s finding a local meal service, recommending small businesses, or supporting neighbours.

Used thoughtfully, Facebook groups can help you drive first-time orders, raise awareness, and connect with people who live nearby.

Watch how Ally from 'For the Love of Food' used a simple Facebook post to double her weekly orders and gain new customers:

How to find the right local groups

Start by searching for community-based Facebook groups in your suburb or surrounding area. Look for groups named after specific suburbs or regional hubs. These are usually the most engaged and most relevant.

Examples include:

• Suburb-specific groups (e.g. Reservoir 3073, Kensington Locals)

• Regional community hubs (e.g. Bayside Community Hub, Geelong Community Noticeboard)

• Neighbourhood interest groups (e.g. Melbourne Foodies, South East Locals)

Avoid "Buy/Swap/Sell" or marketplace-style groups - they tend to be less effective for food businesses.

Before posting, always check the group rules. Some only allow business posts on certain days or require approval from an admin.

Reaching HCP customers? Try community organisations

If your food business supports Home Care Package (HCP) customers, Facebook groups are still useful - but it’s worth going a step further.

Many HCP customers are connected to local organisations like RSLs, Bowls Clubs, and Seniors Groups. These groups often have Facebook pages, email newsletters, or physical noticeboards where you may be able to share your offering. A simple message or call to the organiser can go a long way.

What to post

Once you’ve found the right group, it’s time to write your post. Don’t overthink it - just be yourself. Community groups are all about connection, so keep it friendly, authentic, and personal.

Here’s what to include:

• A short intro – Who you are and where you're based.

• Your story or inspiration – Share what inspired your business or how long you’ve been cooking

• What's on the menu – Describe your food style or niche. Include 1–2 images of your meals.

• Who it’s for – Mention if you cater for NDIS, HCP, families, busy professionals, etc.

• When to order – Let people know your weekly ordering window. e.g. "Menu opens Saturday and closes Wednesday."

• Delivery/pickup info – Highlight your local delivery options or pickup times

• How to order – Always include your Cookaborough homepage link with a clear call to action

Need help getting started? Cookaborough can provide a free collateral pack, including templates and imagery to use in your posts. We can also assist with caption templates. Just get in touch with our Support team: [email protected]