When you think of social media platforms, you might be picturing the big four in your head, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Perhaps more recently TikTok has been added to that list as well. Of course, there are other outlets for businesses to use but the big four are the most prominent. However, there is a new app that is taking the digital world by storm, and it is showing no signs of slowing any time soon - Clubhouse.

If you haven’t heard of Clubhouse, don’t worry. Digital and social media can move so quickly it can be hard to keep up but we are here to share some information on what Clubhouse is, how you can use it and make it another resource for yourself and your business.

What is Clubhouse?

Clubhouse is an app that was established in April 2020, right around the early stages of the first COVID-19 lockdowns. This may be part of why the app became so popular in the first place. Clubhouse is audio-only which was a great way for people to continue to connect and network with others while staying at home but also allowing them to avoid any awkwardness of video chats or calls as they weren’t yet the norm.

Initially, an interesting and alluring aspect of Clubhouse was the element of exclusivity that went along with the app. Wherein you could only have full access to the app with an invitation, which meant that not everyone is able to use it. However, Clubhouse has very recently graduated from the beta and is now freely accessible by all who wish to join! Though it may not have the same invite only rules as before, it still has a higher and more natural level of intimacy than other social media platforms.

How it works

Once you’ve signed up, it will be time to set up your profile. When doing this the app will ask you to specify your interests, and there are plenty to choose from, as well as ask who you wish to follow. You can then sort through all your preferences manually or link it to an existing Twitter profile.

The way Clubhouse is set up is you will have access to groups of users that are all interested in or discussing a specific topic. These are called Clubs. You can follow as many as you like and you have the ability to leave a club at any time, if it isn’t to your liking, simply by clicking unfollow. Within the club there are rooms, this is where the action happens. When you enter are room you have immediate access to the live audio chat that is currently happening. Think of it as a podcast that you have instant, live and semi-exclusive access to.

 Some points to note:

• You have the ability to join the conversation in any room, you just have to request to speak using the hand icon featured on the platform. This will either be approved or ignored by the moderator.

• Be sure to follow any rules or guidelines set by the moderator of the room.

• Use your time wisely and don’t hog the mic, allowing others to speak.

• There will be potentially hundreds of other room users with their virtual hand in the air. Don’t take it personally if you aren’t chosen!

Clubhouse for Business

Now that you have a better idea of what the app is and how it works, you might be thinking ‘how can I make this an added resource for my business?’. The answer is frankly, in many ways. It is an excellent networking tool as well as being another marketing outlet, an opportunity for thought leadership and a way for you to mark yourself as an expert in your field. The app allows a user to set up one Club only, this can be something that is specific to your brand and your customer. That said, you don’t need to be running a Club in order to host discussions, so it may be best to get a handle on the app before diving straight in as you only have that one chance to manage.

The rooms, especially when starting out, should be your main focus. When ‘dropping-in’ to these rooms take note of the moderator and speakers, named at the top of the screen, as well as the attendees that should be further down. Where relevant you can follow and connect with them to build your network of like-minded people. You should also take note of how other moderators manage their room discussions, seek out those with a similar career level to you and use them as a guideline as you move toward hosting your own conversations. And remember participation is key, if you are raising your hand and bringing something to the discussion, it will encourage others to follow you and hear more of what you have to say.