MEETUP TIPS & TRICKS

MeetUp is a social networking site that allows you to find and join groups related to your own personal interests. However, instead of just talking about these interests online, MeetUp is used to organize offline and in-person meetings in your area.

MeetUp is a great resource for meeting new people, getting involved in your community, and being more active with an interest you enjoy.

There’s a variety of MeetUp group topics, including books, food, outdoor activities, games, sports, politics, etc. Some are general groups, like social gathering, while others can be more specific like acrylic painting.

Here are a few tips that can help you get your new group up and have a successful MeetUp.

Research similar MeetUp groups/events and their member interests: Do a quick search for the larger groups out there with a similar focus. Note what the interests they have posted – these are the same ones your people are interested in. When you announce your group, MeetUp will notify these people, and you will be more likely to show up in their suggested groups. Be broad here as people have all sorts of related interests.

Build your interests contacts: Go to 12 MeetUp Events before you start your own. Especially in interests you like. Post pictures, post thank youʼs, post nice to meet youʼs. Build your reputation of a well mannered and fun person.

Be mindful in naming your MeetUp group and titles for your sessions: The majority of your visitors may come directly from MeetUp, but a large part may come from Google searches as well.  Your titles are the main clues for search engines for what your group is about. Try to include local city/town names in your descriptions as search engines want to give back local results where possible. This is a clue to Google that this is a local event and you will rank much higher.

Post Passionate Clues: Post each event at least 3-4 weeks prior to the date of the event. Either you or let the MeetUp System remind your members on a periodic basis like 3-4 week before, 1 week before and 72-48 hours before the event. Each reminder must include more details, more photos and more video in each reminder on why this event is so exciting and members must attend.

Schedule More MeetUps: Be consistent, but not boring, in your event naming – Schedule a few sessions ahead so people know you are not just “one event and done”. Try to get some variation in your descriptions so events/sessions seem a little unique and special.

Market your Group: If you are on Facebook, set up a Facebook page for the group. A private group is also a good idea. Post your MeetUps there as well. If you are into Twitter…Tweet. Try to get other sites to link to your MeetUp. You can link to your sites for more detailed information from inside MeetUp too. Links are very important for search engine results.

Make sure to ask for reviews: Ask for reviews, not just for a single event, but also for the group. These are a great form of social evidence and can help in convincing others to try your group.

Take some pictures of the group: People want to go to the things they see others doing. Encourage your members to do the same and post on social media if possible.

Establish relationships with other MeetUps and groups: Your group won’t be for everyone and referring to other people you trust is important. People will respect you for being linked into the larger community.