Written by Eli Mercer – Solopreneur, AI Strategist, Founder of NextGenAIFinder
Does This Sound Familiar?
You’ve been running a Facebook group for a while, and every day you see new member requests roll in. You ask qualifying questions—maybe their email, what they’re struggling with, how they found your community—and then…
Poof. The second you hit ‘Approve,’ Facebook deletes all that info. 🤦♂️
If you’re not manually copying/pasting before approval, that data’s gone forever. Worse, Zapier’s not an option because Facebook shut down API access for group questions years ago.
So how do you automatically collect emails, store member answers, and even approve or decline requests—without wasting hours or duct-taping complex tools together?
That’s where Group Collector comes in. And no, you don’t need Zapier. Ever.
Why You Need to Automate Facebook Group Onboarding
I’ve personally managed and consulted on dozens of Facebook groups—everything from coaching hubs to SaaS beta communities. One thing’s always the same: lost data means lost leads.
When someone joins your group, they’re warm—they trust you enough to opt-in. That’s your chance to capture their email, understand their pain points, and start building a real relationship.
But if you’re relying on screenshots, spreadsheets, or VAs to track this stuff, you’re burning time and leaking conversions. Even worse—Facebook doesn’t store any of the answers after approval.
Group Collector fixes this problem for good: it automatically stores member emails and question responses before approval, exports them to Google Sheets and your email tool, and even auto-approves qualified leads based on your rules.
What You Need to Get Started
No server setup. No APIs. No Zapier.
- ✅ A Facebook Group (where you ask qualification questions)
- ✅ Group Collector Chrome Extension
- ✅ Google Account (to use Google Sheets)
- ✅ Email marketing platform (optional, for full automation)
That’s it. You can be up and running in 15 minutes—even if you’re not “techy.”
Step-by-Step Guide: Automating With Group Collector
1. Install the Group Collector Extension
Head over to the Group Collector homepage and install their Chrome extension. You can find it in the Chrome Web Store.
2. Connect Your Facebook Group
Log in to your Facebook Group, then follow the Group Collector prompts to link it to your dashboard. Super simple, and no coding required.
3. Set Up Your Member Questions
Inside your Facebook Group settings, make sure you’ve created at least one membership question that asks for an email address. Common variations:
- ✔️ What’s the best email to send your free guide?
- ✔️ Where should I send your workshop recording?
4. Connect Google Sheets
Group Collector syncs with Google Sheets automatically. Every time someone requests to join your group and answers your questions, those fields are captured in a sheet—email included.
5. Enable Auto-Approval Rules
This is where the magic happens. You can set custom rules like:
- ✔️ Approve if all questions are answered
- ✔️ Decline if email is missing
This ensures only serious, qualified people get into your community. Big win for engagement and lead quality.
6. Connect Your Email Tool
Group Collector integrates directly with 35+ email marketing platforms—without Zapier. Some of the supported tools include:
- 📧 ConvertKit
- 📧 Mailchimp
- 📧 ActiveCampaign
- 📧 GetResponse
Once connected, emails will go directly into your list. You can trigger an automation like a welcome sequence, free download, or nurturing funnel without lifting a finger.
7. Bonus Step: Automate a Welcome Email
Now that you’re collecting emails effortlessly, use your email platform to automatically send a welcome email series. Introduce people to the group, your products, your content—it’s a great first impression.
Why I Recommend Group Collector Over Other Tools
✅ No Zapier Needed: That alone used to be a huge obstacle for me. Zapier workarounds were clunky, expensive, and still couldn’t reconnect Facebook group logic.
✅ One-Time Cost: Instead of $25/month, you can grab lifetime access for a one-time fee (often <$99). That’s easily paid back in a week’s worth of saved time.
✅ Unlimited Groups + Members: Great if you’re managing multiple groups or client accounts. There’s no limit.
✅ Direct Email Integrations: 35+ ESPs supported natively. No complicated webhook setups. It just works.
✅ Lifetime Deal Available Now: No recurring fees. No contracts. Just automation on tap—forever.
Perfect For Coaches, Creators, Agencies, and SaaS Communities
I’ve seen Group Collector used by:
- 🎯 Solopreneurs building community-led funnels
- 🚀 SaaS founders running pre-launch beta groups
- 📚 Coaches offering free trainings or challenges on Facebook
- 🎙️ Course creators promoting evergreen content
- 🎥 YouTubers building private follow-up groups
If your Facebook group is tied in any way to your funnel or email list, this tool pays for itself almost immediately.
What Users Are Saying
“Group Collector helped me grow my list by 1,200+ people in just 30 days—automatically. I just approve the right leads and my email tool takes care of the rest.” — Katie, Online Coach
“It’s so refreshing not having to worry about copying/pasting answers before approving members. Group Collector just does it, and my leads hit ConvertKit instantly.” — Devin, SaaS Founder
FAQ: Facebook Group Automation Without Zapier
Can I use Group Collector with multiple Facebook groups?
Yes! Unlimited groups and members are supported—even on the lifetime plan.
Will this work if I don’t use an email marketing tool?
Absolutely. You can still export data to Google Sheets and follow up manually or import later. The email integration is optional—but powerful.
Is this compliant with Facebook’s policies?
Yep. Group Collector works within Facebook’s browser interface (via Chrome extension), so it’s safe and compliant.
Does Group Collector collect data even before approval?
Yes, that’s the whole point. It saves the answers before you click “Approve” so nothing is lost. 💡
Is there a free trial?
No traditional free trial, but there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee on the lifetime deal if purchased through trusted partners.
Final Thoughts: Grow Your List While You Sleep
If your business depends on building community, growing your email list, and onboarding leads 24/7—there’s zero reason to manually manage your Facebook Group anymore.
Group Collector automates the boring stuff so you can focus on your zone of genius—creating value, building relationships, and monetizing your group.
You don’t need Zapier. You don’t need a VA. You just need the right setup—and Group Collector makes it dead simple.
— Eli Mercer, NextGenAIFinder