diff --git a/plugins/Directory/actions/groupdirectory.php b/plugins/Directory/actions/groupdirectory.php
index 0bcc185670..f7c560b286 100644
--- a/plugins/Directory/actions/groupdirectory.php
+++ b/plugins/Directory/actions/groupdirectory.php
@@ -115,12 +115,22 @@ class GroupdirectoryAction extends Action
      */
     function getInstructions()
     {
+        // TRANS: Page notice for groups directory.
         // TRANS: %%site.name%% is the name of the StatusNet site.
-        return _m(
-            'Search for groups on %%site.name%% by their name, '
-            . 'location, or interests. Separate the terms by spaces; '
-            . ' they must be 3 characters or more.'
-        );
+        // TRANS: %%%%action.newgroup%%%% is a URL. Do not change it.
+        // TRANS: This message contains Markdown links in the form [link text](link).
+        $instructions = <<< END_OF_INSTRUCTIONS
+%%site.name%% groups let you find and talk with people of similar
+interests. After you join a group you can send messages to all other
+members using the syntax "!groupname".
+
+Browse groups, or search for groups on by their name, location or topic.
+Separate the terms by spaces; they must be 3 characters or more.
+
+Don't see a group you like? [start your own](%%action.newgroup%%)!
+END_OF_INSTRUCTIONS;
+
+        return _m($instructions);
     }
 
     /**