Getting your ducks in a row

Even before you buy a subscription and create your Meetup, there are four super-simple things you can do to get ahead of the game. Following these instructions will maximize your Meetup's initial impact!

1. Find two great photos


2. Think of other topics that suit your Meetup


3. Write a Description


4. Think about your first Meeting

Find two great photos

Photo #1: A Profile photo

Having a photo on your profile shows potential members that there's a real person running the Meetup. Your Meetup pages will look better and more members will join your Meetup!

To add a profile photo:

1. Sign into Meetup.com


2. Click "Account" in the upper right of the screen


3. Click "Manage photos"


4. From here, click "Browse..." to find a photo to add

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!

Photo #2: A Group photo

Find a photo that's appealing and reflects your Meetup's topic. If you were to start a pug Meetup, 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, 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!

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Think of other topics that suit your Meetup

Organizers can now list their Meetups under four different topics. This gives their Meetups a lot more exposure. So, think of additional topics that'll work for your Meetup and add them immediately after you start your group!

For example, let's say you're starting that Pug Meetup. You could list your Meetup under the Active Dogs and Small Dogs topics, too!

To find suitable topics, search the Meetup site or browse our list of topics.

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Write a Description

When starting your Meetup, you'll be asked to enter a short description of your Meetup. So why not write one ahead of time?

When writing your description, explain what your Meetup is about and what members can expect.

Jonathan Durston wrote this description for his group, The Chicagoland Cycling Meetup Group, :

Casual Rides for fun all over the Chicagoland area. See great neighborhoods, beautiful scenery and meet great people too! Short rides are 20-25 miles and long rides are 40-50 miles. We go 8-12 mph avg. We ride on limestone and asphalt trails.

A simple, short description tells prospective members what your Meetup is all about and gets the right ones to join!

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Think about your first Meeting

When you start your Meetup, it's important to list a first meeting right away. More members will join your Meetup and attend the meeting if it's listed right at the beginning. So, before you even start your Meetup, think about:

• A date and time for your first meeting

  
  

  When it comes to picking a date, aim for three weeks from the day you create your Meetup. Let's say you create your Meetup on August 1st. Schedule your first event about three weeks from that date, on August 20th, 21st, or 22nd. Be sure to enter those meeting details immediataly after you start. This allows plenty of time to promote your Meetup and for new members to join.




• A good place to have your first meeting

  
  

  For a first meeting, 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. Check out this article for great advice on finding the right venue.




• What to do at your first meeting

  
  

  First meetings are usually about getting members introducing themselves and sharing why they're interested in meeting up, so they tend to be simple and low key. For information on planning your first meeting, be sure to check out this article.

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So, to recap, if you're gonna start a Meetup, try getting these four items lined up:

• Two great photos


• Up to four topics that suit your Meetup Group


• A brief description


• And the basic details of your first meeting

It will make setting up your Meetup faster, easier, and more rewarding. These 4 simple items will maximize your Meetup!