Outshine & Empower: Building Your Brand and Engaging Strategically as an Outschool Educator

In this session of Outshine & Empower, educators explored strategies to enhance their branding, discover their unique value propositions (UVPs), and engage strategically with their audiences. Here’s an in-depth recap of the session, featuring actionable insights, retention strategies, and a marketing challenge to empower educators to grow their teaching businesses.

What is a Unique Value Proposition (UVP)?

Your UVP sets your classes apart and communicates what makes them exceptional. To develop a compelling UVP:

1. Unique Benefits: What specific advantages does your class offer?
2. Experiences: How do learners engage and connect in your classes?
3. Outcomes: What measurable results can learners and their families expect?

Action Steps for UVPs:

• Reflect on what you consistently offer that distinguishes your classes.
• Gather and analyze feedback from families using tools like AI or your reviews to identify strengths.
• Incorporate these insights into your class listings, ensuring clarity and engagement.

Retention: Strive for the “First Class 5”

Retention starts with creating exceptional first impressions. Based on Outschool’s research, families consistently stay with educators when:

1. Learners enjoy the class.
2. Participation is enthusiastic.
3. Something new is learned.
4. Post-class updates are received.
5. Learners have materials prepared.

Insights on Retention:

• High-retention formats include enrichment clubs, one-on-one classes, and semester-long courses.
• Lower retention rates are seen in one-time and self-paced classes, primarily due to limited communication opportunities.

Strategic Engagement and Communication

Strategic engagement builds loyalty and retention by fostering connections beyond the classroom. To engage effectively:

1. Post-Class Updates: Send personalized messages highlighting achievements, next steps, and encouragement.
2. Community Building: Share relevant activities or questions with families to deepen involvement.
3. Personal Touches: Remember learners’ milestones and follow up on shared experiences.

Challenges with Self-Paced Classes

Self-paced classes can struggle with retention due to the lack of direct interaction. Educators are encouraged to:

• Send timely, personalized messages throughout the course.
• Use creative strategies to maintain engagement and showcase value.

Marketing Insights and Social Media Strategy

Marketing begins with a strong foundation: your class listing. Optimize your listings by:

• Adding videos to showcase your teaching style and class highlights.
• Writing clear, engaging descriptions that outline your UVPs and outcomes.

Social Media Marketing Tips

When using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook:

• Focus on building brand awareness through engaging and educational content.
• Avoid simply sharing links; instead, highlight learner success stories, class benefits, or behind-the-scenes glimpses.
• Use the hashtag #OutschoolTeacher to connect with the Outschool community and expand your reach.

Grassroots Marketing

Leverage local opportunities such as:

• Hosting storytime events at libraries and distributing flyers.
• Participating in community back-to-school events or farmer’s markets.

Challenge: Showcase Your UVPs

Educators are invited to participate in July’s social media challenge by:

• Creating short-form videos or photos that highlight their UVPs.
• Using the hashtag #OutschoolTeacher on TikTok for a chance to be featured and win prizes, including Logitech accessories.

Recommended Reading

This month’s featured book, Your Next Five Moves: Master the Art of Business Strategy by Patrick Bet-David, provides insights for educators at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey. It’s a practical guide to defining your goals, building your team, and growing your teaching business.

Key Takeaways

• A clear and compelling UVP is the cornerstone of your brand.
• Retention strategies, like the First Class 5, are vital to sustained success.
• Strategic engagement and thoughtful marketing are essential to attracting and retaining learners.
• Use available tools and feedback to continually refine your teaching practices and business approach.

Next Steps

Join the upcoming session on August 2nd, focused on pricing analysis and optimizing class funnels to prepare for Outschool’s bundling feature. Don’t miss the Powtoon Power event on July 22nd to enhance your video marketing skills.

By embracing these strategies and challenges, you can effectively build your brand, engage with families, and grow your teaching business on Outschool.