Last updated: August 15th, 2024
Here’s everything you need to know about Class Links, like how to bundle and sequence your classes to upsell effectively.
What is a Class Link?
A class link is a combination of two or more class listings offered together. This approach encourages families to purchase classes together, though they can still book them individually as before. There are two types of class links you can create: bundles and sequences.
What is a bundle?
Bundles are collections of classes that can be taken in any order, either one at a time or all at once. By creating a bundle, you’re suggesting to families that these classes pair nicely together.
Examples include:
- A series of educator’s offerings about a certain topic
- An educator’s recommended classes for learners with ADHD
- A combination of Courses that add up to a complete curriculum
- An academic Course plus additional tutoring on that topic
What is a sequence?
A sequence is an ordered set of classes that build upon each other. Each class in the sequence is designed to be taken after the previous one, creating a structured linear learning pathway.
Examples include:
- Semester 1 and Semester 2 of a full-year Course
- Beginner Spanish, Intermediate Spanish, Advanced Spanish
- Trial class, followed by a full semester class that it feeds into
While sequences can be used for any class format, they are particularly effective for fixed-length classes (Courses or Enrichment & Clubs). This is because fixed-length classes have a defined start and end date, allowing educators to create a clear and logical progression of content that builds on previous lessons. This structure makes it easier for families to commit to a series of classes, knowing the entire curriculum is planned out in advance, which can lead to better learning outcomes and higher satisfaction.
Advantages of Bundles and Sequences
Introducing bundles and sequences on Outschool brings numerous benefits to educators and families. For educators, this feature enhances visibility, drives higher revenue through bulk purchases, and boosts learner retention by offering a structured learning journey.
For parents, bundles and sequences simplify decision-making and provide a seamless, coherent educational path for their kids. Sequences will be highlighted on your class listing page, and bundles will be offered as upsells at checkout.
Tips for successful bundles and sequences:
Maximize the potential of your class bundles and sequences with these tips and tricks:
- Choose the right size: Bundles sell best as an “upsell” to what a family might already be buying. Consider keeping bundles of live classes small—2 or 3 is best. Self-paced class bundles can be bigger, with a recommended cap of 5. Sequences can be any size, as their value comes from retention rather than upfront purchase size.
- Highlight popular classes: Include your best-selling classes in your bundles to attract more interest and drive enrollments.
- Stick with one age group for bundles: Consider the most probable use case of one learner taking everything in the bundle. Don’t pair a class for learners age 5-8 with a class for learners age 9-12.
- Create thematic bundles: Group classes around popular themes or subjects, such as holidays, hobbies, or academic topics, to appeal to specific interests.
- Ensure clear progression: For sequenced classes, create a logical progression from one class to the next to keep learners engaged and motivated. Coordinated class images will look particularly professional and slick on the Sequence Page!
- Write engaging descriptions: Craft compelling descriptions that clearly outline the benefits and learning outcomes of the bundle or sequence. Inform families about where to start a sequence or how to place their learner so they know the appropriate level to start with. This will help parents understand the value and make informed decisions.
- Focus on visual appeal & choose attractive cover images: When creating covers for your bundles or sequences, choose high-quality images that clearly represent the main theme. Make sure they instantly convey the content. Pick relatable images for your target audience, like kids painting for an art class bundle. Keep visuals simple and focused to avoid clutter. Stay consistent with your personal brand to build recognition and trust. Experiment with different images and monitor their performance. Adjust as needed to see what attracts more interest.
By following these tips, you can create effective and enticing bundles and sequences that will enhance your visibility, potentially increase enrollments, and provide a better learning experience for your families.
How to bundle or sequence your classes:
Follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1: Create a bundle/sequence
Navigate to your class management page, where you handle your class listings. If you are an Organization, you will click on the “Manage” tab first then click on “Class Links” to view or add your Class Links. Click on “Add a Class Link”.
Solo teacher view
Organization admin view
Once you click on “Add a Class Link,” you will be instructed to create a name and select whether you are creating a bundle or a sequence. Click “Next”.
Step 2: Add classes
Select the classes you want to add to your bundle or sequence. Note that you must select more than one class to create a bundle or sequence. Arrange classes in order for sequences. If you are creating a sequence, make sure to arrange the classes in the correct order. Click on “Create the Class Link” when ready.
Step 3: Customize your bundle/sequence
Give your bundle or sequence a unique and appealing name.
- Highlight the benefits and what learners will learn in the description.
- Choose a cover image. Select a visually appealing cover image to represent your bundle or sequence.
Step 4: Publish
Publish your bundle/sequence once you have finalized all the details, click on “Save all changes” to make it live.
Exploring and tracking progress with Class Links for families
When we launch to families, they will be able to explore bundles and sequences in the following ways
- Feature on your class listing pages: Families can easily spot your sequences and bundles right on your class listing pages.
- Showcase in emails: We’ll spotlight sequences and bundles in our emails to families and we’ll help guide them to the next class in your sequence or bundle.
As a parent, they will have a variety of ways to view your Class Link:
- Track progress: From the class details page, families will be able to see where their learners class falls within a sequence and keep track of their last viewed class.
- Continue learning: Get recommendations on what Course to take next to further their childs learning.
- Save classes: Save individual classes within a bundle.
FAQ
Q: Can I change or delete a bundle/sequence once created?
A: Yes, you can edit or delete bundles and sequences at any time through your class management page.
Q: If I create a bundle or sequence, does it have to go through approvals?
A: No! If your classes are already approved, you do not need to go through the approval process.
Q: How will refunds work with bundles/sequences?
A: There is no change to the refund policy of individual classes. Buying a bundle is the equivalent of buying individual classes, just at the same time.
Q: How many classes can I bundle or sequence?
A: As many as you like, but remember that a bundle is supposed to be a group that a family might realistically like to complete. We suspect bundles of 5 or less might sell the best.
Q: Can I easily change the order of classes in a bundle or sequence?
A: Yes, very easily! Just visit your class edit page, click on “Class Links,” and then select the bundle or sequence you would like to edit.
Q: Can I add classes to multiple bundles or sequences?
A: Definitely! Feel free to include your classes in as many bundles or sequences as you like.
Q: Can I set the order in which classes should be taken in a sequence?
A: Yes, you can specify the order in which classes should be taken in a sequence. Note that you set an order for bundles and sequences. For a sequence, the order is the order in which you recommend families take your class. For a bundle, it is just the order in which your classes visually appear.
Q: Can I highlight a particular bundle or sequence as a featured offering?
A: Yes, you can star a bundle or sequence to highlight it as a featured offering. Note that this may not be ready when we launch to educators, but it will be ready by the time we launch to parents.
Q: Can I create branching sequences?
A: No, sequences must be linear, with no branching paths.
Q: How does this feature help families?
A: This feature helps families by reducing the hassle of checking out each class individually, especially for those using education savings account funds. By grouping classes into bundles and sequences, it simplifies the process, making it easier for parents to navigate the marketplace and find a comprehensive educational path for their learners.
We believe this new feature will empower educators, streamline the learning process for learners, and enhance the overall Outschool experience for families. Start bundling and sequencing your classes today to make the most of this exciting opportunity! If you have any feedback to share, please email us at support+featurefeedback@outschool.com.
