There’s a new social media app in town and it’s called Clubhouse – you may have already lost a few hours listening to gurus and nonsense-spouters alike, but if you haven’t heard of it yet, don’t worry!
Since launching in April 2020, Clubhouse has created something of a buzz in the social world – but, with just 2m users, it’s still small fry compared to the likes of Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
In this blog, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the app and more importantly, how you can use it for your business.
What is Clubhouse?
Clubhouse is an audio-only app which means that unlike its bigger counterparts, there’s no need to write posts, publish pictures or brush your hair before using it. Clubhouse connects people via live chat only.
Once inside you can listen, join in or start your own conversations. Think of it as LinkedIn come to life – as a live podcast or radio broadcast. This is networking heaven.
How is it different?
The beauty of Clubhouse is that you’re not on camera, so it’s more relaxed.
Once inside you can view the many rooms where anyone from social media managers to entrepreneurs to West End stars are talking.
You can drop in and out of any room at any time, get the chance to speak or even host a discussion. And it’s all free.
Nothing is recorded, which means you’re able to speak freely, and there’s no replay, so nothing needs to be edited.
If you’re lucky you might run into a celebrity or two (Drake, Ashton Kutcher and Oprah Winfrey were all early adopters).
How to join
Currently, the app is only available on iPhone – so if you’re an Android user, you’ll have to wait a little longer (it does work on iPad though!)
But here’s the kicker. You can’t just set up your own account. You must be invited to join by someone who’s already on the app and has your phone number in their contacts list.
Writing your Clubhouse bio
Once you’re in a room, other people can click on your picture to view your profile.
Initially, they’ll be shown the first three lines of your bio and have the option to ‘View full profile’ if they like what they see.
This means the first three lines are the most important and you need to make them count. In short, make sure they include what you do and who you help.
Other things to include in your bio:
- Your services
- Your achievements
- A link to your website (it won’t be clickable)
- Your email address (same)
- Your location
- Fun personal facts / interests
- Links to Twitter and Instagram (these are clickable)
Since it’s not currently possible to message people within the app, lots of people hop over to Instagram to send DMs so make sure your Insta account is looking sharp too.
Navigating The Hallway and rooms
The Hallway is Clubhouse’s name for its main feed. When you scroll through you’ll see a list of rooms and the number of people and speakers in each one.
These rooms are based on your interests and the people you follow.
Rooms in The Hallway are public and anyone can join. Users can also set up private, invite-only rooms.
Each room has a ‘stage’ and only people on the stage can speak (so don’t worry, when you first enter, no one will be able to hear you!)
To get on stage you have to be invited by a room moderator.
Tips & Hacks
- Swipe right to hide a room from your Hallway
- When you’re invited onto the stage mute yourself immediately until it is your time to speak
- By asking questions and getting invited onto a stage, more people will check out your profile, follow and connect with you elsewhere
- Join smaller rooms if you want to be sure that you’ll get a chance to speak – they’re less intimidating too
- Flashing your microphone on and off while on stage is the Clubhouse version of clapping!
- To find out if any of your followers are available to chat, swipe left in The Hallway
Using Clubhouse for business
Unlike other platforms, Clubhouse isn’t a job you can outsource. If you want to make waves, you have to show up authentically and put in the hours!
The upside is that it provides wonderful networking opportunities. Finding yourself in a virtual room with people who speak your business language can be invaluable.
Not only will you learn a lot from your peers, you may end up collaborating. There’s also the possibility of gaining useful insights and feedback from the people you are talking to.
In essence, once you’ve made it through the Clubhouse door, it’s good to talk!
