The Story
Every social media platform has it’s time and place. Back in 2006, a strange new micro-blogging platform emerged where anyone could share their thoughts, hello Twitter. Over the past 2 years, TikTok has evolved from ‘that app for teenagers’ to a $50 billion dollar platform that every switched-on brand wants a piece of. Now, Clubhouse is having its time.
After the increasing popularity of podcasts, it makes total sense that a social audio app would be next to steal the limelight, giving people a voice (literally) and the accessibility to broadcast their conversations to the world.
During a year of global isolation, mental health concerns and growing Zoom fatigue, it appears people are warming to platforms where they can connect in a more personal yet less invasive way. Quite like the intimacy of a voice note, there is a more personal feel and less pressure to respond imeediately.
For those who haven’t dipped their toes in yet, Clubhouse lets users create virtual rooms with speakers to discuss topics from marketing to entertainment to creative activity - the options are endless. The platform’s invite-only ‘exclusivity’ has been escalated through the high-profile names joining the conversations, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and even Vladimir Putin. Oh and more importantly, Lindsay Lohan.
As we know from the ‘TikToks vs Insta Reels’ hype and how every platform now offers ‘Stories’, social competitors are renowned for copying each other’s winning features. Naturally, this means that Clubhouse clones have started popping up on our news feeds. The social big-dogs at Facebook are in the early stages of building an audio-chat feature whilst Twitter has added a voice feature for tweeting and is testing their separate audio platform ‘Spaces’.
What Does This Mean For Brands?
Whilst professionals in the marketing and PR industry are currently exploring Clubhouse as a means to network, promote themselves and grow their contact lists, the question still remains regarding how they will suggest Clubhouse as a viable option for their clients.
'If you’re a brand debating whether to use the app for your business, GO FOR IT.'
In fast-moving and rapidly changing industries, involvement with apps like Clubhouse are sure to set brands apart from their competitors and you know as well as we do, it’s all about the USPs.
For businesses, Clubhouse provides a rare and unique opportunity for personable and transparent conversations which will touch the hearts of your consumers far more than a bot-message response will. So what should you be doing?
1. If your brand relates to any hobbies or passions, involve yourself by discussing new trends or findings in your industry or find the conversations that your customer communities are having and use the voice of your brand to get involved.
2. Brands can set up their own ‘shows’ in a Clubhouse room through hosting sessions and inviting people to come in and discuss different topics. What better way to a) collaborate with external partners b) prove to your customers that your hot on your industry knowledge and c) educate your audience.
3. Have REAL conversations, forget listening to TED Talks - you ARE the Ted Talks on this platform. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that consumers are dying for authentic-led approaches from brands. If you ain’t taking this on board, you ain’t doin’ it right.
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Did you think we we’re going to give everything away!? 😏 If you are in need of more understanding about Clubhouse or any other platform from our social wizzzzards - slide into the DMS.