Marketing Beyond the Platform: Expand Your Reach, Grow Your Business

While your Outschool class listing is the foundation of your teaching business, promoting your classes beyond the platform can help you reach new families, attract more learners, and grow your impact.

This guide provides actionable strategies for grassroots marketing, building partnerships, and leveraging social media to share your successes. Let’s explore how you can connect with families in your community and beyond to expand your reach.

Grassroots Marketing: Start Local, Think Big

Why Grassroots Marketing Works:
Engaging with families in your local community creates trust and provides opportunities for direct connections.

Ideas for Local Outreach:

• Host Events: Offer free workshops or mini-classes at libraries, community centers, or local businesses.
  • Example: “Creative Writing for Kids: A Free Workshop at [Library Name].”
• Collaborate with Schools: Partner with after-school programs to introduce your teaching.
• Donate to Local Fundraisers: Provide class vouchers or themed gift baskets for auctions and raffles.
• Parent Networks: Share your classes with homeschool groups or parenting communities in your area.
• Flyers and Posters: Distribute materials in kid-friendly places like coffee shops, libraries, or parks.

Pro Tip: Use these opportunities to showcase your teaching style and drive families to your Outschool listing.

Building Partnerships for Growth

Partnerships can help you reach larger audiences while adding credibility to your teaching business.

Types of Partnerships:

• Local Businesses: Collaborate with bookstores, art studios, or music shops to co-host events or promote your classes.
  • Example: Partner with a local music store to offer a beginner’s guitar demo.
• Nonprofits and Community Groups: Work with organizations that align with your teaching focus (e.g., STEM nonprofits, cultural organizations).
• Other Educators: Collaborate with fellow Outschool teachers to create complementary classes or cross-promotions.

Action Step: Identify one local business or group that aligns with your teaching niche and explore ways to collaborate.

Social Media: Share Your Success

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with families and showcasing your expertise.

Tips for Creating Engaging Content:

• Showcase Learner Achievements: Share completed projects, testimonials, or fun moments from class (with permission).
  • Example Post: “Look at the amazing stories our learners created in today’s Creative Writing class! Ready to join the fun? Enroll here: [link].”
• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share videos or images of your teaching setup, class materials, or planning process.
  • Example: A quick video of you preparing a science experiment for your class.
• Live Q&A or Demos: Host short live sessions on platforms like Instagram or Facebook to introduce families to your teaching style.

Pro Tip: Stay consistent by posting 2–3 times per week and engaging with comments to build trust and community.

Leveraging Community Events

Community events are an excellent way to connect directly with families and promote your classes.

Ideas for Event Marketing:

• Seasonal Pop-Ups: Host themed workshops during holidays or seasonal events (e.g., “Spooky Science for Halloween”).
• Library Programs: Partner with your local library to offer free educational sessions.
• Farmers’ Markets or Fairs: Set up a booth with interactive activities or class demonstrations to attract families.

Pro Tip: Bring printed materials with QR codes linking directly to your Outschool class listings for easy enrollment.

Sharing Success Stories to Build Trust

Highlighting your successes shows families the value of your classes and encourages new enrollments.

How to Share Successes:

• Testimonials: Post reviews or feedback from families (with permission) on your social media or in local groups.
  • Example: “My daughter loved this class! She’s now writing stories every day. – Parent of a Creative Writing Learner.”
• Showcase Projects: Share images or videos of learners’ completed work to inspire interest.
• Celebrate Milestones: Highlight your achievements as an educator, such as completing a professional learning opportunity or receiving badges on Outschool.

Pro Tip: Families are more likely to enroll when they see clear, relatable examples of success.

It’s time to take your marketing beyond the platform! Choose one grassroots idea, partnership opportunity, or social media strategy to try this week. Start building connections with families and driving new enrollments to your classes.

Examples of Successful Campaigns

Example 1: Local Workshop and Social Media Promo

An educator partnered with a library to host a free STEM workshop. After the event, they shared photos and a recap on social media, including a link to their follow-up Outschool class.

Result: The workshop attracted 20 families, and 10 learners enrolled in the follow-up class.

Example 2: Themed Gift Basket for a Fundraiser

An educator donated a basket to a local school fundraiser with a free class voucher, a book related to their topic, and class-themed goodies (e.g., art supplies).

Result: The winner enrolled in multiple classes, and the exposure brought in three additional families.

Example 3: Behind-the-Scenes Instagram Reel

An educator posted a short video preparing for a creative writing class, showing their enthusiasm and process.

Result: The post gained high engagement, and families shared it with others, leading to new enrollments.