📝 Overview

Creating activities and scheduling them are typically done separately in Sawyer, but you now have the flexibility to create new activities seamlessly within your schedule building flow. Whether you prefer to build activities first in your Listings tab or create them on-the-fly while scheduling, both paths lead you through the same four-step setup process. This guide walks you through both methods and everything you need to know to create engaging, discoverable activities that showcase your programming.

✨ How to Create an Activity

Learn how to set up a new activity using either of two equally convenient methods.

You can create activities in two ways: directly from your Listings tab, or inline while you're building your schedule. Choose whichever method works best for your workflow.

Click the arrow to learn how to create an activity

Follow one pathway from the bullets below to reach the create activity section
- Pathway 1: Create from Listings
  - Go to your Sawyer for Business portal at hisawyer.com/for-business
  - Click the Listings tab and select the Activities section
  - In the top right of the screen, click the New Activity button to access the Create Activity form
- Pathway 2: Create Within Your Schedule
  - Go to your Sawyer for Business portal at hisawyer.com/for-business
  - Click the Schedules tab and go to Semesters
  - In an existing Semester timeframe, click the + Add Activity button
Create New Activity
- Give your activity a clear, descriptive name. This is how customers decide whether to book your class, so make the title enticing and easily recognizable. For example, instead of "Art Class," try "Watercolor Painting for Ages 7–9."
- If you have an activity photo that you would like customers to view in your widget, upload them here. You can upload from your computer, Instagram, Facebook, or Google Drive.
  
  Crop or rotate the photo as needed and then select Save.
  
  You will see a preview of the Activity Image. If you're happy, select Upload or select the back arrow to make more adjustments.
- Select a Category from the dropdown. If you're listed on the Sawyer Marketplace, these categories determine how your activity appears when parents search. Only select categories that truly apply to the activity so it's clear to potential customers.
  
  Note: Online classes have their own category. If you're listed on the Sawyer Marketplace and you select this category, parents will be able to find your offering on the Online Classes page.
- Choose an Activity Type: Select whether this is an in-person or online activity.
- Determine who can register and the age range
- Select if adult participation is needed.
- Add a class description and let participants know what they should expect.
- You can add Requirements, Skills, Class Format, & Materials
- Other Optional Details you can add include: grades, assessments, homework, additional notes, notes for the order confirmation email, and hashtags.
  - Will There Be Grades or Assessments?
    Choose None, Pass/Fail, or Letter Grades. If you select anything other than "None," a Grades section appears on your widget showing your selection.
  - Will There Be Homework?
    Select Yes or No. If you select "Yes," customers see "Homework" listed under "Other things to know" on your widget.
  - Additional Notes (optional)
    These notes display on your activity page so parents can see them before or during booking. Use this to share anything that helps customers decide.
  - Notes for Confirmation Email
    These notes appear only in the confirmation email customers receive after they register—not on the activity page itself.
  - Hashtags
    Add hashtags to make your activity more discoverable. You can create new hashtags or select from ones already in use (you'll see the number of times each has been used). Read more about hashtag best practices below.

🏆 Best Practices for Activities

When a parent discovers your activity, they may not know your business yet. Help them understand what you offer and why they should choose you.

Activity Titles

Keep titles clear but engaging. Include the type of class if it's not obvious.

For example:

❌ "Class"
✅ "Beginner Jazz Dance for Ages 5–7"
❌ "Art"
✅ "Watercolor Painting: Exploring Nature"

Title Tips:

Keep titles short and informative
Include the class type if not obvious (dance class, arts & crafts, coding, etc.)
Add a hook that makes parents curious ("What's Pokemon Art?!")
Keep capitalization consistent across all your activities
Avoid using emojis in titles

Activity Descriptions

Your description is your chance to inspire parents to book. Write as if explaining to someone unfamiliar with your business.

Writing Tips:

Use second or third person ("you" or "they") when describing what children will do
Keep your tone light and fun but informative—parents want to know their child will have fun and be safe and learn
Highlight what makes your programming special: instructors, class structure, learning outcomes
Share details customers love: "Children love to make their own..." or "Parents love when their child comes home with..."
Think of your description as a sales pitch—why should they sign their child up with you instead of someone else?

Content Tips:

Explain who you are and why you're an expert
Share details about instructors, class pacing, and what children will actually learn
Help parents get to know your offering and understand your teaching philosophy

Images

For a dance class, show children dancing in your space—not a generic dance emoji or stock photo.

Your images should be bright, professional, and well-edited. Show your actual space and the real activity happening. This builds trust and gives parents a clear picture of what to expect. Avoid clipart and generic stock photos.

Hashtags

Spell hashtags carefully—typos reduce discoverability
Add at least 4 hashtags per activity
Be creative and specific to your programming
Check the popularity count (shown to the right of each hashtag) to see what others are using
Mix popular hashtags with unique ones that describe your specific activity

Hashtag Examples:

For a "Unicorn Pottery" class for elementary students, you might use: #Unicorn #Pottery #Ceramics #Art #Elementary #Creative #Clay

Get inspiration from popular hashtags in the Sawyer community: #Parkour #Dinosaurs #Anime #GleeClub #Photography #Space #Slime #Songwriting #Puppetry #Superhero #Safari #DIY

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about creating and managing activities.