A new social media platform has entered the chat and is causing a buzz. Clubhouse is taking networking to a new level with its real-time conversation stages. The app is creating accessibility to business tips, collaborations with industry professionals and insight into making money right into the palms of entrepreneurs across the globe.
Known for its exclusivity, gaining access into the Clubhouse is not as easy as creating a profile. To join, members must be invited by current users. Subscribers can also be waitlisted using the “side-door” option. There, potential users have the option to sign up for the app, reserving their place, and wait for a friend to let them in.
Only available for iPhone users, once in, Clubhouse allows users to create a profile and follow others, similar to Facebook and Instagram. Users are then able to join different chat rooms and have live conversations covering everything from politics to do-it-yourself projects.
Business professionals have now began using the app to monetize their business, build their brand and expand their reach. With tons of free tips and shared knowledge, business elites and new start-ups are turning to the app to help create revenue streams.
Jackie Palmer, a partner in The Goodlife Agency which focuses on branding and development consulting, has over nine years of experience in the marketing industry. Joining Clubhouse in October of 2020, the native Detroiter became active on the site in late November. In just under two months, The GoodLife Agency gained over 1,800 Clubhouse followers and over 600 new followers on Instagram.
“I don’t know about anybody else, that’s not crazy, but that’s good enough for me considering I only talk on there maybe once or twice a week,” Palmer says.
Still in its private beta phase, Clubhouse is taking the notion of social media marketing and reinventing its dynamics. With a vast number of rooms to join, growing business portfolios through direct access to industry leaders proves to be one of the reasons the app may revolutionize the scope of social media.
“Understanding this is a faster funnel to me because someone feels like they have a direct connection very quickly because they got you on the phone, even though they do not have your phone number,” Palmer says.
With over 600,000 registered users and valued at over $100 million, learning to monetize Clubhouse differs from the use of other social media platforms geared toward photo-based posts. While apps like Instagram allow followers a bird’s eye view of pictured moments, the audio-only Clubhouse lets users openly exchange business savvy across multiple stages.
“If you are on there and not figuring out how to monetize or grow your potential target audience, you’re doing it wrong,” Palmer says. “I can personally say that I’m not a big photo taker. I use Instagram more so to showcase the type of work that we do.”
KP Management and Design Agency, a Detroit-based business specializing in managing small businesses, agrees marketing is the biggest gain for entrepreneurs on the app.
“From my perspective, it allows you to instantly engage with your target market along with cross engaging with other people’s audiences within the same industries,” Kendra Paige, owner of KP Management says. “This allows you to market yourself and services in real-time in a way that intimately connects directly to potential consumers while driving traffic to your other marketing channels such as your website, blog, email list, etc.”
Offering goods and business services is one way the branding executive suggests monetizing Clubhouse. With rooms dedicated to buying, trading and selling stock, real estate, niche business audiences and freelance work, the financial opportunities are endless.
“I think there are a ton of ways you can do it [monetize Clubhouse]. It doesn’t have to be extremely structured in the way that most people think about entrepreneurs,” Palmer says.
To assist subscribers in establishing goals and monetizing Clubhouse, the marketing firm suggests completely setting up the business account on the app.
“Setup your account completely. Be sure to highlight the key things you want people to know about you, your business/brand, and how you can best service them,” Paige says.
“Post and market to your other social media sites, website, email and text lists about you being on Clubhouse.”
Security and protected money exchange are key concerns for any entrepreneur looking to send and receive money digitally. Linking digital payment networks like Cash App, PayPal or Venmo, while permitted, may not present the safest method of payment. Allowing clients to pay using secured means can help to curb fear of fraud.
“I’m an invoice person through and through,” Palmer shares.
As Clubhouse gains more traction, users can be sure opportunities for mass entrepreneurship will continue to progress.
“Create a weekly schedule of topics you would like to cover and moderate with people in the same or similar industries to tap into their audience,” Paige says.
Though the app is largely used for business, subscribers should be aware all rooms are not created equal. Allowing for time to enjoy the platform, aside from business matters, will subsequently lead to a more well-rounded experience on the app.
“Have fun and let the conversations flow naturally; however, be sure to recenter on what the initial topic is throughout the conversation and allow it to be a productive space for people.”
About Post Author
