Maximizing Retention on Outschool: Insights, Challenges, and Actionable Strategies
Retention is a cornerstone of any successful teaching business on Outschool, but achieving and maintaining it requires strategy, perseverance, and actionable steps. In this article, we’ll explore retention data, common challenges, and practical actions educators can take to build stronger connections with learners and families.
Understanding Retention Metrics
Retention data on Outschool provides critical insights into learner engagement and success. Here are the key metrics educators should know:
- Repurchase Rate: The percentage of learners who either stay in a recurring class for 2+ weeks or enroll in a second class with you.
- Reenrollment Rate: The percentage of learners who enroll in two or more separate classes within 30 or 90 days.
- Reengagement Rate: The percentage of learners who continue taking classes on Outschool, even if not with you.
Benchmarks to Aim For:
Retention rates vary depending on your monthly earnings cohort. For example:
- Educators earning under $500/month average a 35% repurchase rate.
- Those earning $500-$2,800/month see a 51% repurchase rate on average.
- Top earners ($2,800+/month) achieve a 56% average repurchase rate.
Use these benchmarks to set realistic, measurable goals based on your current performance.
Common Retention Challenges
Educators often face hurdles when trying to retain learners. Common challenges include:
- Low Review Rates: Families may not leave reviews, which are critical for attracting new learners.
- Unclear Feedback: It’s not always obvious why a learner leaves a class.
- Limited Time: Managing time effectively to communicate with families and build engaging classes.
- Difficulty Finding New Learners: Keeping your funnel open is essential to long-term retention.
Understanding and normalizing these challenges is the first step to overcoming them.
Key Retention Insights
- Higher Earnings Correlate with Improved Retention:
As bookings grow, so does trust and loyalty, which naturally leads to higher retention rates. - Early Reenrollment Predicts Long-Term Retention:
Families enrolling in a second class within 30 days are more likely to stay engaged for the long term. Offering smaller, short-term classes can help encourage early reenrollment. - Repurchase Rate Directly Impacts Earnings:
Converting first-time learners into repeat learners is key. Strong communication during the first 1-5 weeks of class helps build trust and encourages families to continue. - Long-Term Engagement Is Most Impactful for Top Earners:
For educators with established businesses, longer-form classes are a logical next step to sustain engagement and income.
Actionable Strategies to Boost Retention
1. Earn a Badge
Outschool offers several badges that demonstrate credibility and expertise. Educators with badges see significantly higher reviews, bookings, and retention rates. Focus on:
- Completing three ACE-aligned professional learning opportunities.
- Meeting enrollment and star rating requirements.
- Maintaining good standing on the platform.
2. Enhance Communication
Effective communication is a game-changer for retention. Use these strategies:
- Post-Class Messages: Share highlights, challenges, and “dinner table questions” to engage families after class.
- Follow-Up Messages: Reconnect with families who haven’t attended recently with personalized updates.
- End-of-Section Messages: Recap progress and recommend next steps to encourage reenrollment.
3. Engage in Grassroots Marketing
Local events can build trust and awareness. Ideas include:
- Participating in community trunk-or-treat events with interactive displays and QR codes linking to your classes.
- Hosting workshops or demonstrations at farmers markets, libraries, or school events.
- Creating branded materials like flyers, banners, or small giveaways.
4. Build Strategic Class Funnels
Design your catalog with retention in mind:
- Start with one-time classes to attract new learners.
- Offer shorter classes (2-6 weeks) to complement longer courses.
- Align class topics for seamless transitions from one course to another.
Take Action Today
To make meaningful progress, it’s important to act quickly. In the next seven days, choose two strategies from this article to implement and track their impact on your learner engagement and retention metrics. Remember:
- Track Progress: Monitor how your actions affect enrollments, reviews, and retention rates.
- Leverage the Community: Share your strategies and results in Outschool’s educator communities using hashtags like #OutshineAndEmpower.
Retention is a journey, not a destination. By focusing on actionable strategies, understanding your metrics, and tackling challenges head-on, you can create a thriving business that inspires learners and keeps families coming back.
Let’s build that momentum—starting today!
