Product Overview of Meetup
Introduction
Meetup is an online social networking platform designed to facilitate offline group meetings and events in various locations worldwide. Founded in 2002 by Scott Heiferman and Matt Meeker, Meetup is headquartered in New York City and has expanded to operate in 180 countries with over 35 million members.
What Meetup Does
Meetup serves as a bridge between online social networking and offline interaction, enabling members to find and join groups unified by common interests such as politics, books, games, movies, health, pets, careers, or hobbies. The platform’s primary goal is to help people make genuine connections and come together around shared interests or causes, fostering a sense of community.
Key Features and Functionality
Group Creation and Management
- Anyone can create a group on Meetup, and organizers can use tools for scheduling events, sending announcements, managing membership, and promoting their group within the Meetup community.
Freemium Business Model
- Meetup operates on a freemium model where basic services like joining groups and attending events are free. However, organizers pay a monthly subscription fee to create and manage groups, with fees varying by location and subscription plan. There is also a premium subscription service, Meetup Pro, aimed at businesses and institutions to manage multiple groups and gain community insights.
Event Discovery and Participation
- Members can search for groups by keyword, category, or interests. The platform allows users to RSVP to events, which are then added to their personal calendar. Users can also synchronize Meetup events with their Google, Outlook, or other calendar services.
Communication Tools
- Meetup provides direct messaging features that allow members to communicate with each other. Users can send messages to other members through the group pages or the messages icon on the website and app.
Connections Feature
- A new feature called “Connections” allows members to stay in touch with people they meet at events. This feature is prompted after attending an event and enables mutual connections that are not public, focusing on building friendships rather than prestige.
Goal Setting and Personalization
- Members can set monthly attendance goals and track their progress. Additionally, users can share what they are looking for on Meetup (e.g., practicing a hobby, socializing, making new friends, or building a professional network) to enhance their experience.
Mobile and Web Accessibility
- Meetup offers both a web platform and mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to pursue their interests, host events, and manage groups on-the-go. The app includes features like event recommendations, map views of local events, and the ability to save and revisit events of interest.
Revenue Model
Meetup generates revenue through several channels:
- Organizer subscriptions: Monthly fees paid by group organizers.
- Meetup Pro: A premium subscription service for businesses and institutions.
- Partnerships: Sponsored Meetups that allow brands to engage with target communities.
- Advertising: Displayed throughout the website and app.
In summary, Meetup is a robust platform that combines online networking with offline community building, offering a range of features to facilitate meaningful connections and community engagement.