Until a few months ago, you may not have even heard of the new social app, Clubhouse. It started to gain popularity among company leaders, influencers and celebrities, where they could have unfiltered group audio chats about any sort of topic you could think of.
As an invite-only platform, chances are you’re on a waiting list waiting for a friend to approve your membership and let you join in on the fun. You’re probably curious to learn more about all the hype and sudden obsession over the app.
Here’s a rundown on what you need to know about Clubhouse.
What is it?
Clubhouse is an invite-only social media app that allows its members/users to start a “Room” or join one in progress. These audio chat-rooms can be with friends, followers, or the general public. To join the app, you must receive an invitation from a Clubhouse member and have an iPhone.
Co-founders Paul Davison and Rohan Seth both said, “Our goal was to build a social experience that felt more human – where instead of posting, you could gather with other people and talk. …deepened friendships, met new people, and learned.”
Why Am I Just Hearing About Clubhouse?
Clubhouse launched in March 2020 and was initially targeted to high-profile individuals. Recently though, Clubhouse began allowing a larger pool of users – invite only of course. Then those users can invite or accept other users. Soon, the user base went up to over 600,000 users by December 2020.
How Clubhouse Works
When opening the app, you’ll find a homepage that shows current Rooms that are related to your interests or involving your followers. On the top, you’ll also find a search icon, inbox, calendar, and notification icon. You’ll also see your profile photo in the top-right corner. You can click on your photo to change your profile photo and change or add information.
You can use the search bar to explore different Rooms, Clubs, or other people to follow. You can also start your own Room by clicking the green +START A ROOM button, then select from the options below.
Clubhouse Rooms
When you enter a Room, it’s almost like entering a Zoom meeting or webinar with no video and some of the audience partially muted. Users can join or leave a Room at any time as an automatically muted user. If you want to join the conversation, click the RAISE HAND icon on the lower right corner of the Room page.
The Good, The Bad, and The Questionable.
The Positives:
Clubhouse could help businesses and brands build trust and community.
The app is always evolving and updating their content.
It’s a great tool to use for thought leadership.
Users want online communities and audio content.
The Negatives:
Clubhouse still have limited audiences, so there is still a small market.
Like anything new, there could be competition down the road with bigger apps.
It can feel like it’s “all-over-the-place” and unedited.
Companies and brands could be too vulnerable in a live, unfiltered way.
Is Clubhouse The Answer For You?
It’s not a bad idea to “try” it – explore and look around. Like with any new social media platform, see what the app has to offer. When you download the app, it will ask you a few questions to sign-up. Before you can enter Clubhouse, you’ll need to be brought in by a current user. For example: A friend is already on Clubhouse. They see a notification that you sent a request to enter and are waiting for an invite. The friend can click a button to accept your approval to enter and join the Clubhouse family.
Once you’re in, ask yourself the following:
Are there any topics related to your industry or business?
Are there any companies or experts that you can join in a Room, or host a panel discussion to boost your awareness and credibility?
Are your competitors on Clubhouse?
Are you interested in using more audio, Q&A, webinars, or virtual events in your marketing plan?
Clubhouse is predicted by many Marketers to be the “next biggest thing” in social media platforms. Need help to decide if Clubhouse is really the right tool for your Marketing Strategy Toolbox? Email us at info@saltyreddogmarketing.com and join the Club!
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Salty Red Dog Marketing, LLC is a marketing agency in Red Bank, NJ and Westport, CT. We service businesses with marketing strategies, digital marketing, social media and consultations.
Contact: info@saltyreddogmarketing.com
Phone: (732) 802-6295 | (203) 429-9671
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