Introducing the Clubhouse app. The invitation-only social networking app set to revolutionise UK business’ marketing strategies in 2021 and beyond.
By now, we all know the power of LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as marketing tools. But there’s a new player in town.
Since Paul Davison and Rohan Seth launched the Clubhouse app in May 2020, it has taken the internet by storm. Banned in China, backed by Hollywood A-listers and making waves in the global stock market, why is this invitation-only enigma the talk of the town?
And more importantly, why should you be bookmarking Clubhouse as your next tool for marketing success? Let’s explore.
What is the Clubhouse app?
The Clubhouse app is a social networking app based around audio-chat, allowing members to listen to conversations, interviews and discussions between interesting people. It’s like listening to your favourite podcast, but live and with an exclusivity tag attached to it.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Clubhouse app is its ability to join the conversation and start one of your own.
As it stands, the Clubhouse app is a picture of virtual elitism. Back in December 2020, it had just 2,500 members. Fast-forward to February 2021 and the VIP list stands at over 600k. Some notable Clubhouse members include Elon Musk, Drake, Oprah, Jared Leto and Ashton Kutcher.
How to become a member of the Clubhouse app?
Despite the Clubhouse app’s rapid rise in membership numbers, you can only join via an invite from an existing member. If you’re lucky enough to receive one, you’ll be sent a text message link which will direct you to an in-app sign-up page.
Think of it as a party for the popular kids at school. If the Clubhouse app was Charlotte or Carly from The Inbetweeners, we ‘non-members’ are like Will McKenzie.
But before FOMO (fear of missing out) creeps in and you find yourself trying to climb over virtual fences to join the party, you’ll be happy to hear that the creators have pledged to complete the app’s beta stage and open it up to the whole world in 2021.
How does the Clubhouse app work?
Once you’re a Clubhouse member, you’ll be able to select a room and start eavesdropping on different conversations.
If you have a question, simply raise your hand and the speaker will invite you to join the conversation as a part of the panel.
Alternatively, you can sit back and listen. The beauty of the Clubhouse app as a social media tool is that you can listen to it as you drive and do your work. (More on this later.)
Depending on what conversations you listen to, your homepage content will be personalised to suit your common interests. If you’re looking for something in particular, you can search for keywords.
4 reasons why the Clubhouse app is the next big social media marketing tool
Just from reading how the Clubhouse app works, you’ve probably already identified multiple marketing opportunities.
While there are no success guarantees with social media platforms, the beta version of Clubhouse is already getting marketers and businesses planning their social media campaigns in advance. So, unless you want to find yourself playing catch-up, you may want to get ahead of the curve.
Here are a few reasons why the Clubhouse app and marketing go hand in hand.
Create viral content
With other social media platforms, followers are fluffy metrics. Yes, they are an essential part of brand building, but they don’t always guarantee sales. (That comes with the right social media strategies.)
What sets the Clubhouse app apart is the app notifications. This means, when someone you follow takes to the stage, you’ll receive a notification allowing you to instantly join the room.
As you build your Clubhouse app network, you’ll start broadcasting to bigger audiences. And like most things in marketing, if you keep delivering valuable content, this will only grow. How’s that for brand exposure and potential sales opportunities?
Potential business connections and investors just a tap away
One of the biggest reasons why face-to-face networking is so powerful is because it enables prospects to connect the brand with someone real.
A great benefit of the Clubhouse app is that it gives you these same networking opportunities but without the need to be dressed to the nines.
FYI – lockdown haircuts and pyjamas are all welcome here. And there’s no need to swap business cards. Instead, prospects can simply check out your Twitter or Instagram account and continue the conversation over there.
Test your ideas for your marketing strategy
Marketing is all about trial and error. Some things stick, others get lost in the never-ending vacuum of digital nothingness.
The Clubhouse app is live and raw. You can test your video and podcast material to see whether your followers engage with it or not. Who knows, you might find a winner and fuel the rest of your marketing strategy.
Reduce mobile screen fatigue and maximise announcements
It’s easy to scroll past good quality content on other social channels. The mobile and social age has created a generation of skimmers.
But seeing as the Clubhouse app is audio-based, everyone can passively listen to quality discussions on-the-go. If the topic is on point and the hook is good, there’s no reason why you can’t see your brand’s community skyrocket.
This also includes your ability to issue important company announcements. Whether you’re launching a new product or are running a game-changing initiative for charity, create a room and start the conversation.
Keep your finger on the pulse
If you enjoyed reading this article about the Clubhouse app, check out some of our other useful marketing blogs:
· 7 proven social media strategies for local businesses
· Is the Apple IOS 14 update the end for Facebook Ads?
· 5 mobile-first indexing best practices to prepare for Google’s 2021 update
Alternatively, if you need any help building a digital marketing and social media marketing strategy, please get in touch with us today.
