4 things to do before you officially 'start' a Meetup
Well today is your lucky day!
This guide will walk you through four simple things you can do to be ahead of the game.
You can do these things even before you hit that 'Start a Meetup' button. And if you have these ducks in a row ahead of time, and you'll be well on your way to a stress-free Meetup start!
Step 1: Find two great photos
- The first photo you'll need is a photo for your profile.
Having a photo on your profile shows potential members that there's a real person running the Meetup Group. Your Meetup Group pages will look better and more members will join your Meetup Group! (Trust us. We've crunched the numbers on it.)
If you don't have a photo of yourself, use a generic picture. A puppy, a flower, a kitten - anything! Whatever you choose, a profile photo makes a difference!
- The second photo to fine is a 'Group' photo.
Find a photo that's appealing and reflects your Meetup Group's topic. If you were to start a pug Meetup Group, for instance, you might want to find a picture of a pug, like this one:
Once you've picked out a swell picture, just keep it handy. Then when you actually start your Meetup Group, upload it as your Group photo! Just like a profile photo, a Group photo makes your pages look great and gets more members to join!
Step 2: Think of other topics that suit your Meetup Group
Organizers can list their Meetup Groups under seven different topics. This gives their Meetup Groups a lot more exposure. So, think of additional topics that'll work for your Meetup Group and add them immediately after you start your Group!
For example, let's say you're starting that Pug Meetup Group. You could list your Meetup Group under the Active Dogs and Small Breed Dogs topics, too!
To find suitable topics, search the Meetup site or browse our list of topics.
Step 3: Write a Description
When starting your Meetup Group, you'll be asked to enter a short description of your Meetup Group. So why not write one ahead of time?
When writing your description, explain what your Meetup Group is about and what members can expect.
So for example, check out this description for The Chicagoland Cycling Meetup Group:
Casual Rides for fun all over the Chicagoland area. See great neighborhoods, beautiful scenery and meet great people too! Rides range from slow rides 8-12 mph to fast rides 22 mph (TBD by organizer and demand).
A simple, short description tells prospective members what your Meetup Group is all about and gets the right ones to join!
Step 4: Think about your first Meetup
When you start your Meetup Group, it's important to list a first Meetup right away. More members will join your Meetup Group and attend the Meetup if it's listed right at the beginning. So, before you even start your Meetup Group, think about:
A date and time for your first Meetup
When it comes to picking a date, aim for three weeks from the day you create your Meetup Group. Let's say you create your Meetup Group on August 1st. Schedule your first event about three weeks from that date, on August 20th, 21st, or 22nd. Be sure to enter those Meetup details immediately after you start. This allows plenty of time to promote your Meetup Group and for new members to join.
A good place to have your first Meetup
For a first Meetup, a public, well-lit place is the best option. We recommend a local coffee shop to start. It's comfortable, non-threatening, and inviting to new members.
What to do at your first Meetup
First Meetups are usually about getting members introducing themselves and sharing why they're interested in the Meetup, so they tend to be simple and low key.
So, to recap, if you're gonna start a Meetup Group, try getting these four items lined up:
- Two great photos
- Up to seven topics that suit your Meetup Group
- A brief description
- The basic details of your first Meetup
It will make setting up your Meetup Group faster, easier, and more rewarding.
These 4 simple items will maximize your Meetup Group!
Check out more Classics from the Organizer Resource Center here!
