Every group in Jovo has two settings that decide how it works: who can join it, and what people can do once they are in. You choose both while you are creating the group, and getting them right at the start saves reworking the group later.
This article is for anyone setting up a group from the Jovo admin site.
Step 1: Choose the type of access
Start by deciding who can join.
Open access. Anyone already in your account can find the group and join it themselves, without being invited. This works well for groups that are meant to be easy to join, such as a general notice board or an interest group.
Invite only. People join when someone adds them or sends them an invitation. Nobody joins on their own. This works well when membership needs to stay controlled, such as a leadership team or a group handling sensitive information.
If you are unsure, invite only is the safer starting point. You can open the group up later, and you can add members at any time.
Step 2: Choose the group type
Next, decide what kind of group it is. This setting controls whether the conversation runs one way or both ways.
News group. Posts travel in one direction. The people with permission to post share updates, and everyone else reads them. Choose this when you want announcements to land clearly, without a conversation building underneath them.
Chat group. Full chat is switched on, so members can reply, start their own posts and talk to each other. Choose this when the conversation is the point of the group. You can read more about what this unlocks in Conversation Group Features.
Step 3: Match both settings to the purpose of the group
The two settings work together, and the combination is what shapes day to day life in the group:
- Open access and news group. Updates that anyone can opt into, such as a weekly notice.
- Open access and chat group. An informal space anyone can join and talk in.
- Invite only and news group. Updates for a named set of people, with no replies.
- Invite only and chat group. A private space for a specific group of people to talk freely.
Ask yourself two questions before you save: should people be able to find this group on their own, and do you want replies? Your answers point straight at the right pair of settings.
What you have set up
You have created a group that lets the right people in and gives them the right way to communicate. Announcements stay clear where you want them clear, and conversation flows where you want people talking.
You can now go on to add members, set posting permissions and adjust these settings if the purpose of the group changes. If you want to compare all the options side by side before you build more groups, see What are the different types of Groups?
Still have Questions?
We’re here to help! If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team.
