Adding Custom Links to Study Halls: Connect External Resources
Custom Links allow Study Hall owners to add navigation shortcuts to external websites, tools, resources, or other Campus pages directly in their Study Hall sidebar. This guide will help you teach your Campus members how to strategically add and manage custom links.
Custom Links transform Study Halls from isolated spaces into connected hubs that bridge your Campus with the broader tools and resources your members need.
What Are Custom Links?
Custom Links are admin-defined navigation items that appear in the Study Hall sidebar alongside default links (Feed, About, Members, etc.). They can point to:
- External websites and tools
- Other Study Halls or Campus pages
- Video conferencing rooms (Zoom, Google Meet)
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Project management tools (Trello, Asana)
- Payment or registration pages
- Resource libraries or documentation
Teaching Tip for 45+ Audience: Custom Links are like bookmarks in your web browser, but they’re shared with everyone in the Study Hall. They help everyone access important resources with one click.
How to Add a Custom Link
Guide Study Hall owners through this process:
Step 1: Access Study Hall Settings
Navigate to the Study Hall and click the three-dot menu → Space Settings (Study Hall Configuration).
Step 2: Find the Links Section
Look for the Links or Custom Links tab in the settings panel.
Step 3: Click "Add New Link"
A form will appear asking for link details.
Step 4: Enter Link Information
- Link Title: The name that appears in the sidebar (e.g., "Weekly Zoom Call")
- URL: The full web address (must include https://)
- Description: (Optional) Brief explanation of what the link is for
- Icon: (Optional) Choose an icon to help visually identify the link
Step 5: Set Link Behavior
Choose whether the link opens in the same tab or a new tab (new tab recommended for external resources).
Step 6: Save the Link
Click Save. The link will immediately appear in the Study Hall sidebar for all members.
Strategic Custom Link Examples
Help Study Hall owners understand how to use Custom Links effectively:
For Course-Based Study Halls
Example Links:
- "Course Dashboard" → Link to the main course page
- "Weekly Zoom Sessions" → Link to recurring Zoom room
- "Submit Homework" → Link to Google Form or submission page
- "Resource Library" → Link to Google Drive folder with course materials
Why It Works: Keeps all learning resources accessible without members having to search or bookmark separately.
For Project or Accountability Groups
Example Links:
- "Shared Project Board" → Link to Trello or Asana board
- "Weekly Check-In Form" → Link to accountability tracking form
- "Goal Template" → Link to downloadable goal-setting worksheet
- "Group Calendar" → Link to shared Google Calendar
Why It Works: Centralizes project tools and keeps everyone aligned on tasks and timelines.
For Paid Membership Study Halls
Example Links:
- "Upgrade Membership" → Link to premium tier sales page
- "Manage Billing" → Link to membership management portal
- "Member-Only Vault" → Link to Dropbox folder with exclusive resources
- "Office Hours Booking" → Link to Calendly or booking system
Why It Works: Reduces friction for members who want to upgrade or access premium features.
For Social or Networking Study Halls
Example Links:
- "Member Directory" → Link to detailed member profile page
- "Event RSVP" → Link to upcoming event registration
- "Introduce Yourself Template" → Link to Google Doc template
- "LinkedIn Group" → Link to related LinkedIn community
Why It Works: Facilitates deeper connection beyond the Campus platform.
Best Practices for Custom Links
1. Use Clear, Action-Oriented Names
Good: "Join Weekly Zoom Call"
Poor: "Zoom"
Good: "Download Resource Pack"
Poor: "Resources"
Clear names tell members exactly what will happen when they click.
2. Test Links Before Publishing
Always click your custom links after adding them to ensure:
- They go to the correct destination
- They open properly (new tab if external)
- They’re accessible to members (not behind admin-only permissions)
- Mobile users can access them
3. Limit Link Quantity
Recommended: 3-5 custom links maximum per Study Hall
Why: Too many links create decision fatigue. Keep only the most essential resources.
Teaching Tip: If you have more than 5 links, create a "Resource Hub" page elsewhere and link to that central page instead.
4. Update or Remove Outdated Links
Set a quarterly reminder to:
- Check if all links still work
- Remove links to concluded events or expired resources
- Update URLs if resources moved
- Archive old links rather than letting them clutter the sidebar
5. Use Icons Strategically
If your platform supports link icons:
- Use recognizable icons (calendar for events, video camera for Zoom, folder for resources)
- Keep icon style consistent
- Don’t use icons if they make navigation more confusing
Common Custom Link Use Cases
Linking to Zoom Rooms
Link Title: "Join Our Monday Zoom Call"
URL: Your permanent Zoom room URL
Opens In: New tab
Pro Tip: Use your permanent Zoom room link (not one-time meeting links) so members can bookmark and reuse it.
Linking to Google Drive Folders
Link Title: "Shared Resource Library"
URL: Google Drive folder link with "View" permissions
Opens In: New tab
Important: Ensure the Google Drive folder permissions are set to "Anyone with the link can view" or your specific Campus domain. Test with a non-admin account to verify access.
Linking to Other Study Halls
Link Title: "See Also: Advanced Marketing Study Hall"
URL: Direct URL to the related Study Hall
Opens In: Same tab (keeps members within the Campus)
Use Case: Great for connecting beginner and advanced Study Halls, or related topic Study Halls.
Linking to Payment or Registration Pages
Link Title: "Upgrade to Premium Membership"
URL: Stripe payment link or membership sales page
Opens In: New tab
Implementation Note: This is powerful for monetization. Members see the upgrade path directly within the Study Hall.
Editing and Deleting Custom Links
To Edit a Link:
- Go to Study Hall Settings → Links/Custom Links
- Find the link in the list
- Click Edit icon
- Update information
- Save changes
To Delete a Link:
- Go to Study Hall Settings → Links/Custom Links
- Find the link in the list
- Click Delete/Remove icon
- Confirm deletion
Teaching Tip for 45+ Audience: Deleted links are gone immediately. If you’re unsure, edit the link to make it more clear rather than deleting it completely.
Teaching Custom Links to Your Members
Frame the "Why" First
Before showing how to add links, explain why they matter:
"Custom Links save your members time and create a seamless experience. Instead of making them hunt for your Zoom link in old emails, it’s right there in the sidebar every time."
Show Real Examples
Walk through 2-3 real custom link scenarios in your niche:
- "Here’s how Sarah linked her weekly Zoom call for her accountability group…"
- "Here’s how Mike connected his members to the shared Google Drive…"
Create a Custom Link Checklist
Provide a simple decision tool:
Add a Custom Link if:
- Members ask "Where is X?" more than twice
- You reference the same external resource repeatedly
- The link supports the Study Hall’s core purpose
- It saves members significant time or friction
Don’t Add a Custom Link if:
- It’s only relevant to one or two members
- It’s a one-time event (post in Feed instead)
- You’re not sure members will use it
- It duplicates existing navigation
Custom Links and Campus Transformation
Strategic use of Custom Links accelerates transformation:
Phase 2 (Community Building):
- Link to member introduction templates
- Connect to welcome videos or orientation content
- Bridge to social profiles for deeper connection
Phase 3 (Engagement Ecosystem):
- Link to recurring events that keep members returning
- Connect to tools that facilitate collaboration
- Bridge Study Halls together for cross-engagement
Phase 4 (Transformation Engine):
- Link to implementation tools and resources
- Connect to accountability and tracking systems
- Bridge to your broader transformation ecosystem
Troubleshooting Custom Links
Problem: "Members say the link doesn’t work"
Solutions:
- Check that URL includes https://
- Verify the destination isn’t behind a login
- Test the link yourself in an incognito window
- Ensure the destination works on mobile devices
Problem: "The link appears for me but not for members"
Solution: The link might be pointing to an admin-only page. Verify the destination is accessible to regular members.
Problem: "I can’t find where to add custom links"
Solution: Custom links might be a premium feature. Check with your platform documentation or upgrade your account if needed.
Need Help? If you have questions about implementing Custom Links in your Personally Branded Campus, contact our support team.