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How to set up custom links for streaming online classes in Punchpass
How to set up custom links for streaming online classes in Punchpass

Add links to your favorite streaming service for hosting live, online classes

Chris avatar
Written by Chris
Updated over a week ago

Punchpass allows you to insert links into online classes with our Zoom integration or by inserting links to your favorite video conferencing service into online classes.

Setting up online classes with links to your favorite streaming service

This guide will show you how to add a link to your online classes, both individual classes and recurring classes, to provide your invitees with instant access to the class information; saving you time and reducing no-shows.

Custom online class are recommended:

  • when you prefer to use something other than Zoom for online meetings; for example, Vimeo Livestream, Whereby, or Google Meet.

  • if you want to use the same link for all of your online classes,

  • and if you prefer using separate Zoom accounts for running online classes.
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Before you Begin

  • Gather your online class links. You'll want to have the online class links on hand!

  • Confirm the Zoom Integration in Punchpass is turned OFF. Setting up custom links for classes also requires that you have the Zoom integration to Punchpass turned OFF. Please navigate to Manage Settings > Integrations and make sure the Zoom integration is not connected before proceeding.

Create the Class

To start you'll want to define your classes (from Manage > Classes, click + New Class or copy an existing class) and create the class schedule.

Set up the Class Timetable

After defining a class, it's time to add classes to the schedule. You have the option in Punchapss of creating individual class times or creating recurring class times.

Add Online Class Links to Recurring Classes

When adding class times to the schedule, by default they are in-person classes, so after we add classes to the timetable, we need to change the sessions from in-person to online.

To set change recurring classtimes into online classes, from Manage > Classes, click on the class name, and click the Manage the Schedule button.

This opens the recurring class schedule. You'll see that the class type indicates the class is "in-person."

To turn a class time into an online class, press the Edit button.

And select the option to Turn class into an online class:

A pop-up window opens, asking you to confirm the action. Toggle the setting "this class time is ONLINE" to ON.

  • Planning on using the same online class link for all of your classes? Paste that link here. The link will then appear as the online class link for all classes occurring at this time.

  • Planning on using different links for your online classes? If you leave this blank, you can add an online class link for each class from the Schedule. If you're choosing to add links later, please remember to do this with enough notice for the automated email notifications to your customers.

Now the class is an online class!

All instances of this class time will now automatically be set to online on the schedule. If you provided an online class link, this will now automatically be added to each class happening at that time.

How Online Classes Appear in Punchpass

Here's how that looks on the Admin view of the schedule:

And from the Public Schedule:


Change Individual In-Person Classes into Online Classes

When adding individual classes to the schedule, you have the option to designate a class as an online class.


Need to turn an in-person class into an online class?
To change an in-person class to be online, from the Schedule, click on the class, click the Actions dropdown, and select "Mark Class as an ONLINE class" to change the in-person class into an online class.

Punchpass allows you to change in-person classes into online classes and vice versa at any time from the Schedule.

Add Online Class Links to Individual Classes

Use this method for adding links to single classes and when you're using custom online class links for each class time.

Note: If you're choosing to add online class links to individual classes, please remember to do this with enough notice for the automated email notifications to your customers (see below).

From the Schedule, click on an online class. You'll see the prompt and button to add a class link. Click Add Class URL.

This opens the Edit Class page and you'll enter the link to your online class. If your class requires a password, there is a place to enter that information as well. Press Save.


​ And the class now has an online link.


How Your Customers Are Notified about Online Classes

When you set up online classes in Punchpass, the link for your online class will go out in the automated class reminder emails and your customers will also be able to find this in the My Reservations section of their accounts.

If your class is set up to send online reservation reminders, Punchpass will send an email with the link either 1, 2, or 3 days before class.

For classes designated as online classes (as we've set up here), Punchpass will send out an automated email with the link for class about 30 minutes before class is scheduled to begin.

Starting the Class

10 minutes before class....start the meeting/online class and Teach!

When it's time for class, you'll turn on your webcam, teach class, and take attendance - Punchpass will handle the rest!

You will need to start your meetings from the service you are using. We recommend starting the class maybe 10 minutes beforehand, so you can be online to chit-chat, welcome people, etc. Most of these online meeting tools have a way to 'mute' participants, which we recommend you do during the class.


Remember to Take Attendance

Finally, simply take attendance in Punchpass by marking all reservations as attended (if you accept reservations.) If the software you use allows you to record the class, we recommend doing so and sending a link to the recording to everyone who registered. That way you can mark them as attending even if they weren't there 'live'.

But Most Importantly... Just Get Started

This sort of thing can seem a bit overwhelming at first. We recommend trying a 'test' class with a few of your closest customers before your start publicizing it to everyone. See what works, and what doesn't. Ask for feedback! We think you'll find people are very understanding - with everything that is happening they know that you are doing the best you can.

Need help? Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Support Team!

FAQ

What software product should I use?

We specifically recommend Zoom. It's the most reliable, and very easy to use. It's free for anyone to download, and very easy for your customers to join a meeting (we use the term meeting/class interchangeably here). Plus there is a FREE Zoom plan so you can test this out. It allows meetings up to 40 minutes in length. Recording is not as easy - so if this works well and you plan on recording all your classes, we recommend their lowest priced plan, which is $14.99/month. Click here to learn how Punchpass integrates directly with Zoom!

Do I need any special equipment?
A webcam, but that isn't very special anymore! Most laptops have one built into the lid. A smartphone should do the trick as well.

Should I teach the class completely online?  Or just have an online version of my in-person classes?
Whatever works for you. You may find that some customers are more reluctant to come to class than others (they may be more at risk for example). You can literally just put a chair with an extension cord in front of you when you teach, and let people 'attend' the class online if you want. Keep it simple to start!  

Should I change the class I teach?
If you are going to be teaching a class that is ONLY online, then we recommend you think about modifying your class. You need to consider....

  • Is an hour long class too much?  30 minutes with 5 minutes social time before or after might be better. Shorter classes might be more successful when attendees are viewing from afar.

  • Your customers might not have much space at home. And if a class normally requires specialized equipment, you should make adjustments for folks who won't have access to that equipment at home. If your students generally borrow mats and props at your studio you may want to offer them an extended loan for their home practice during your closure. 

  • Smaller online classes might offer more of the personal feel you're looking for. So, depending on the type of class you offer, you might reduce the number of students who can book.  

  • On the other hand teaching classes online allows you to accommodate more participants without worrying about fitting them all into your studio so you may find you can open your sessions to more students than normal.

  • You will not be able to monitor individual participants as you normally would. You can't see and adjust students when you're teaching class from afar.

  • You should not slash prices for classes that you offer online. You don't want to undervalue your service now or in the future. Your classes still take the same amount of effort, and you are worth it!

  • Setting expectations is key. The experience of attending a class from home is not the same as attending in person. It's best to be up front about why you have decided to offer this service. Your students will understand and appreciate your honesty and your willingness to put yourself out there.

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