How to Change the About Section on a Facebook Group

Your Facebook Group's 'About' section is one of the most important - and overlooked - pieces of real estate for building your community. It's the first thing potential members read to decide if your group is the right fit for them and the perfect place to set the tone, establish rules, and tell your brand's story. This guide will walk you through exactly how to change your 'About' section and, more importantly, what to write in it to attract the right people and build a thriving community from day one.

Why Your Facebook Group 'About' Section Matters So Much

Before jumping into the step-by-step instructions, it's worth understanding just how powerful this small text box can be. Think of it as the homepage for your community. It's not just a description, it's a tool for community management, branding, and growth.

• It Sets a First Impression: For anyone discovering your group, the 'About' section answers the all-important question: "Is this for me?" A clear, compelling description can be the difference between a browse and a join request.
• It Communicates Purpose and Rules: It is your first opportunity to establish what the group is about and what it stands for. By clearly outlining the purpose and key rules, you pre-qualify members and reduce moderation headaches down the line.
• It's an Onboarding Tool: A well-written 'About' section helps new members get their bearings. It can direct them to an introduction thread, a welcome post, or other important resources, helping them integrate into the community faster.
• It Helps Your Group Get Found: Facebook is a search engine. Using relevant keywords in your 'About' section helps your group appear in search results when people look for communities related to your niche or industry.
• It Shapes Your Community Culture: The tone and language you use will attract like-minded people. A fun, emoji-filled description attracts a different crowd than a formal, professional one. Use it to build the exact culture you want.

How to Change the About Section on a Facebook Group (Desktop)

Changing your group's description on a desktop computer is straightforward. The terms "About" and "Description" are used interchangeably by Facebook, but you'll make the edit under the "Description" setting.

Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Navigate to Your Group

From your Facebook home feed, locate your group in the left-hand sidebar under the "Groups" tab or by searching for it directly.

Step 2: Go to Group Settings

Once you're in your group, look for the "Admin Shield" symbol in the left-hand menu. Just under your group's tools section "Admin Tools," you'll see a button for Group Settings about halfway down the left-hand menu. Click on it.

Step 3: Find "Name and Description"

In the Group Settings menu, the very first option at the top will be Name and Description. Click the pencil icon to the right to edit this section.

Step 4: Edit Your Description

A pop-up window will appear. The "Description" text box is your 'About' section. You can now write or paste your new text here. Facebook allows for a good amount of text, so you have plenty of room to be detailed. You can also add formatting like bold text and bullet points to make it easier to read.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

Once you're happy with your new description, click the blue Save button at the bottom of the pop-up window. Your 'About' section is now updated and live!

How to Change the About Section on a Facebook Group (Mobile App)

Updating your 'About' section from your phone is just as simple. The steps are nearly identical for both iOS and Android apps.

Step 1: Open Your Group

Open the Facebook app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). From there, select "Groups" and choose the group you want to manage.

Step 2: Access Your Admin Tools

In the upper-right corner of your group page, tap the shield icon (which may also look like a badge). This takes you to your Admin tools screen.

Step 3: Go to Group Settings

On the admin screen, swipe down and you'll find the Group Settings option. Tap to open the settings menu.

Step 4: Select "Name and Description"

Tap on the Name and Description option, which is usually at the top of the list.

Step 5: Update the Description

This will open the edit screen. The text box is your description field where you edit your 'About' text. You can add details, format your text, and ensure it reflects your group's purpose.

Step 6: Save Your Changes

Once you're finished, hit the blue Save button at the bottom right corner. Your changes are now live and visible to all members.

Crafting the Perfect 'About' Section

Now that you know how to update the section, let's focus on the more important part: what should be in your 'About' section to make it compelling and informative for new members and set the tone for an engaging community.

What to Include:

• Purpose: Clearly state what the group is about and who it is for. This helps potential members understand if the group aligns with their interests.
• Rules: Outline any important rules or guidelines members should follow. This sets expectations and helps maintain order.
• Contact Information: Provide a way for members to reach out if they have questions or need support.
• Keywords: Use relevant keywords to help your group appear in search results.
• Call to Action: Encourage members to introduce themselves or participate in a specific way to foster engagement.