The first 30 days after a family enrolls on Outschool are pivotal for building strong connections and fostering retention. Data shows that families who engage in multiple classes within this timeframe are significantly more likely to continue their educational journey with you. In this article, we’ll explore why these first 30 days matter and outline actionable strategies to maximize family re-enrollment.
Why the First 30 Days Are Critical
Two key data points highlight the importance of this initial period:
- Families enrolling in 2–3 classes within 30 days retain better.
- This metric emphasizes families, not just individual learners. Whether it’s one learner taking multiple classes or siblings sharing the experience, increasing touchpoints builds trust and engagement.
- Retention increases when families enroll in more than one subject or format combination.
- Offering complementary subjects or diverse class formats strengthens the family’s commitment to your classes.
Strategies to Maximize Family Re-enrollment
1. Create Short Class Pathways and Funnels
Short courses serve as an entry point to long-term learning and make it easier for families to commit.
- Introductory Mini Courses:
Offer 2–3 session courses that lead into more advanced or longer-term classes. Examples include:- A one-week camp with daily sessions.
- A short series with weekly meetings over 2–3 weeks.
- Complementary Classes:
Suggest classes that pair well together. For instance:- A history class paired with a historical fiction book club.
- An academic class paired with study hall or one-on-one tutoring.
These short-term options create natural pathways for families to progress into longer-term commitments.
2. Offer a Pathway for Progression
Multilevel classes allow learners to grow with the same educator, fostering loyalty and continuity.
- Level-Based Progression:
Design classes that cater to different skill levels or age groups. For example:- A Level 1 class spanning 3–5 weeks that transitions into Level 2.
- By the third week, promote early bird discounts or other incentives to secure enrollment in the next level before the 30-day window closes.
Parents are more likely to reenroll when they see a clear progression and opportunities for continued learning.
3. Target the Whole Family
Engaging multiple learners from the same family benefits both you and the family.
- Sibling Enrollments:
Families often gravitate toward consistency. Offering classes for different age ranges or skill levels can encourage siblings to enroll. - Promotional Opportunities:
Provide sibling discounts or bundle packages to make multiple enrollments more accessible.
This approach builds trust and loyalty, making your classes the go-to choice for the entire family.
Taking Action for Immediate Impact
Here’s how you can implement these strategies right away:
- Leverage Short Class Pathways and Funnels:
Curate your class catalog to include introductory mini-courses and complementary class pairings that encourage quick re-enrollment. - Create Multilevel Progression Classes:
Offer a clear pathway for learners to advance, ensuring families see long-term value in continuing with you. - Encourage Whole-Family Enrollment:
Design classes that appeal to a wide age range, and use promotional incentives to make enrolling multiple children seamless.
By focusing on these actionable strategies, you can transform the first 30 days into a powerful retention period, strengthening relationships with families and growing your business. Ready to take the next step? Start implementing these ideas today, and watch your retention rates soar!