You’ve probably heard of Clubhouse, an invitation-only social media app that lets users set up chat rooms to talk about different things: business, wellness, art, sports, entrepreneurship, technology, etc.
Clubhouse’s “Rooms” are divided into talkers and listeners. Talkers can see a list of everyone in on the conversation, numbers that can – and often do – number in the thousands).
The only way you can join Clubhouse is via invitation from a current Clubhouse member. You also can access it only on an iPhone, so Android users are out of luck.
There is moderation: a moderator watches over the discussion and can let someone talk or even kick people out. The app has Rooms (Clubhouse capitalizes this) sorted by topic, but even just two users can join together and create their own Room.
Clubhouse growth has been incredible
Launched in March 2020, Clubhouse grew to 600,000 users in December and, as of late February, had grown to 10 million users. (That’s not a typo.)
Part of its phenomenal growth probably is due to its beginnings: it originally was marketed to “influencers” and celebrities. Soon enough, such names as Oprah and even Elon Musk participated in chats, at least in the first few months.
While celebrity usage has declined, many business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, etc. have joined and can be found talking in Rooms discussing topics related to business.
So, the question begs: should you start using Clubhouse?
Possibly and probably, especially if you do so relatively quickly so that you have a fighting chance of standing out.
Here’s why.
The app can help you build community and trust.
Join a Room that discusses your industry, sub-industry or issues about your industry. This allows you to showcase your expertise. You also can earn trust so long as you’re truly willing to speak candidly and really listen to other participants in the room.
If you feel comfortable after a bit, consider starting your own Room. This needn’t be too daunting – a Room is somewhat similar to a LinkedIn Group, for example. But it will take effort and time from your schedule.
It’s still new enough that expectations regarding content/Room discussions are relatively “low.”
Try different topics to see which ones resonate the most with your target audience. You also will have the chance to build true relationships with Room members as the platform continues to grow.
You can become a thought leader fairly quickly.
When something is built specifically to attract thought leaders, it also can create thought leaders because users are coming to hear exclusive information.
But it’s not all unicorns and butterflies
Only Apple users have access to Clubhouse: Android users can’t access it. Which means you’ll be missing out on engaging with thousands of potential customers/prospects.
As mentioned above, moderating/hosting a Room can be time-consuming: some Room discussions can last hours. (Of course, you can set a start and stop time)
Rather than have us explain how to join Clubhouse and participate in a Room), we direct you to HubSpot’s Clubhouse explanation/guide for signing up and joining or starting a Room.
If you give it a go, let us know how you do!
