Welcome to our Retention Boot Camp series! In today’s session, we’re diving into a powerful tool for enhancing learner retention: class funnels. By strategically designing your class offerings, you can create natural progression paths that keep learners engaged, successful, and coming back for more. Let’s explore what class funnels are, how they work, and how you can leverage them to strengthen your teaching business.
What Is a Class Funnel?
A class funnel is an intentional sequence of courses and classes that guide learners through progressively engaging experiences. Each step in the funnel offers a “next class” opportunity, creating a seamless pathway for learners to continue their educational journey with you.
The Funnel Framework
Imagine your class offerings as a color-coded calendar spanning the year, where each class type plays a unique role in your funnel.
- Pink: 8-Week Courses
- These longer courses dive deep into topics, running from August to April, with start and end dates in May and August.
- Red: 3-7 Week Courses
- Unit studies or intensive topic explorations with rolling start dates throughout the year.
- Blue: 1-2 Week Courses
- Shorter camps or focused studies designed to introduce topics or reinforce skills.
- Yellow: One-Time Classes
- These introductory classes give learners a taste of a topic and your teaching style. They should have rolling start dates all year.
- Orange: Enrichment and Clubs
- Recurring classes that offer consistent engagement and flexibility for learners to join and leave as they wish.
- Purple: One-on-One Classes
- These personalized sessions support entry points at all levels of the funnel. Availability is key to ensuring learners can join at any time.
How the Funnel Works
1. One-Time Classes
These are the starting point for many learners. They allow families to sample your teaching style, explore a topic, and experience the Outschool platform. Use these classes to:
- Build rapport.
- Showcase your expertise.
- Introduce learners to the next step in the funnel.
2. One-on-One Classes
Personalized tutoring or coaching sessions can act as another entry point. From here, learners may explore other classes in your funnel, such as one-time classes or short courses.
3. Enrichment and Clubs
These recurring classes are ideal for learners who enjoy a consistent, ongoing experience. They also serve as a bridge to more intensive courses.
4. 1-2 Week Courses
Shorter courses are perfect for diving deeper into a topic introduced in a one-time class. They offer excitement and engagement with less time commitment.
5. 3-7 Week Courses
Unit studies or intermediate classes provide a more structured learning experience for learners who want to expand their knowledge after completing shorter courses.
6. 8-Week Courses
These comprehensive courses offer the most in-depth exploration of a topic, providing learners with a robust, long-term learning experience.
Designing Your Funnel
When designing your class offerings, think strategically about how your classes interact and complement each other. Consider:
- Rolling Start Dates: Ensure each class type is available throughout the year, so learners can join your funnel at any time.
- Topic Compatibility: Align topics across classes to create natural transitions. For example:
- Science and nature pair well with English or art.
- Math complements English and science.
- Life skills connect with many academic subjects.
The Power of Topic Compatibility
Our data shows that pairing certain subjects increases learner engagement. For instance:
- English classes often pair well with science or math.
- Science and nature classes align with art and life skills.
By creating compatible class pairings, you can encourage families to enroll in multiple classes, increasing retention.
The First Class Five
Every class in your funnel should deliver a stellar first experience. Here’s a quick reminder of the First Class Five principles to ensure every learner is excited to return:
- Genuine Enjoyment: Create an engaging and fun atmosphere.
- Active Engagement: Keep learners involved and invested.
- Expanded Knowledge: Provide meaningful learning experiences.
- Stellar Communication: Maintain clear, consistent communication with families.
- Prepared to Learn: Ensure learners are set up for success from the start.
Key Takeaways
- Build Funnels with Intent: Create a sequence of classes that naturally lead learners through their educational journey.
- Offer Rolling Start Dates: Ensure learners can join at any point in the year.
- Focus on Compatibility: Design topics that align and complement each other for seamless transitions.
- Implement the First Class Five: Every class should be a stepping stone to the next.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll foster stronger connections with families, enhance learner retention, and grow your teaching business. Thank you for joining today’s session, and we look forward to seeing your funnels in action! Happy teaching!
