The word on everyone’s lips in Marketing right now…have you heard it?

Say hello to…. Clubhouse.

Just when we all thought we were so on it with juggling Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok, a new contender joins the race! This new social media platform is different from the rest, and I’m going to share with you everything I know about this exciting new platform and how you can use it too.

So, what is Clubhouse?

Developed by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Paul Davison and ex-Google employee Rohan Seth, Clubhouse is an exclusive, invite-only audio app where users can move around virtual rooms and join in conversations where you can discuss anything and everything!

You can only communicate with other users via audio, a completely different method of social media communication used on Instagram and Facebook. The only images you’ll see are profile pictures, and the only text to read is in users bios and room descriptions! Similar to all social platforms you can follow others to build your network.

If you are a marketer, do you remember the days of attending an industry seminar or show and you’d attend the schedule of panel discussions lead by industry experts? Clubhouse is very similar to this, the main difference? You can join in from the comfort of your home, it’s free, very socially distanced and you can ask questions without the fear of a whole theatre watching you!

The only rule? You don’t talk about Clubhouse, (just kidding!), the one rule is, you are not allowed to record conversations. This means you might come across a well-known celebrity or two being more honest than normal as they know nothing goes on record!

You can follow me on Clubhouse by searching @maryannedamarzo.

How does Clubhouse work?

Once you have got your golden ticket into this exclusive club, you can host, listen or contribute in live conversations known as ‘rooms’. Think of it as ‘real-time podcasts’ where you can actually ‘raise your hand’ to contribute and get in on the conversation and ask the host direct questions. You can switch from room to room and explore different conversations on ALL topics. Seriously, there is a 'room' for everything!

If you are planning to host, you can schedule conversations for the future which you could promote on your other social channels.

How is Clubhouse different to Facebook & Instagram?

It’s a networking site where you can have spontaneous conversations in real-time. There are no images, no videos and no captions, just meaningful conversations with industry experts, potential connections and future customers. Making this an incredible platform for entrepreneurs and business owners.

Oh, and there are no ‘likes’! 

Why should you join Clubhouse?

It’s a great way to network, share stories, show off your expertise and find new opportunities, you never know where a conversation may take you! If you want to position yourself as a thought leader or create conversations around your product or service then this platform is for you. 

Could you find potential customers on Clubhouse? Yes, I think you could!

How do I join Clubhouse?

Getting an invite to Clubhouse is like finding a golden ticket at the moment. It works on a referral/invite basis. Members have one invite each to give out but some gain an additional 3 after a while.

The Clubhouse app is only available to Apple users. When will it be available on android? Watch this space! At the moment there is no update as to when it will be released for android users.

How to get an invite to Clubhouse?

Ask around! There is plenty of chat in Facebook groups at the moment where people are giving anyway invites, ask your industry contacts to see if anyone has an invite spare. Put on your Instagram stories that you are looking for an invite. You never know who might have one!

Why is it so hard to get an invite to Clubhouse?

It’s currently in a private beta stage, so it’s very exclusive. Why? One, it creates a huge buzz. Everyone wants to get into the party that is invite-only right? And secondly, it’s possible they are doing this so the platform can grow slowly without overwhelming the systems with mass users joining. 

What do you do if you can’t get an invite to Clubhouse?

Download the app and reserve your username! It will eventually become public so don’t miss out registering your business or brand name whilst you can. There are rumours that if you have many friends on your contact list who are already on Clubhouse, they can grant you access without an invite. If you are wondering which clubhouse app is the right one to download, I’ve screenshotted the right one below. 

Who can you chat with on Clubhouse?

SO many famous names, including a favourite of mine, Gary Vee! Drake has been hosting conversations, Oprah is a member, broadway musicals have been hosting auditions, and Kevin Hart caused a bit of a stir over on Twitter after he popped into the ‘Is Kevin Hart funny?’ conversation. I really see this platform as a way to go behind the scenes and access more real, honest and genuine conversations.

What are your thoughts on Clubhouse?

Okay, so I know what you’re thinking:

‘Mary-Anne help! How do I have time for ANOTHER social media app?’

Don’t panic! As I always say you don’t need to be on every single platform, just focus on the one where your customers actively hang out. 

I think this could be a really useful platform for thought leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches and consultants in its early stages, but it could develop further and become useful for brands and businesses. I’ll keep you in the loop and you’ll be the first to know any advice that I have for you about Clubhouse, stay tuned on my social media channels for regular and up to date advice.

You can follow me on Clubhouse by searching @maryannedamarzo.

Let me know in the comments if you have joined Clubhouse or if you are interested in joining, I’d love to know your thoughts!

BIG love,

Mary-Anne x 

Ps. If you’d like more marketing tips, check out my TikTok or Instagram!

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