Starting a tutoring business presents a unique opportunity to make the most of your knowledge and enjoy the flexibility and autonomy that comes with it. With the advent of online learning, you can reach out to a larger number of students and even create a sustainable business around teaching something fairly niche such as pottery or baking.
Additionally, the low startup costs and minimal overheads make it a great option for entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial teachers. It comes as no surprise that some of the most successful EdTechs or tutoring businesses across the globe have tutors as founders.
The demand for personalized tutoring is only growing across the globe. According to this report the learning losses due to Covid have significantly accelerated the demand for tutoring in the USA. In addition to growth of tutoring businesses in the USA there is an interesting trend across developing nations where students in the USA are learning from tutors in developing countries such as India or Sri Lanka.
Once you have decided what exactly you are going to be teaching follow this guide to start.
6 essential steps to start a tutoring business
- Marketing your tutoring services
- Deciding the right price for your offerings
- Identifying ideal students
- Choosing the right tools
- Conducting initial sessions
- Offering trial sessions
1. Marketing your tutoring services
When starting your tutoring business, the first step in your marketing strategy should focus on leveraging your primary and secondary networks. Reach out to people in your neighborhood, friends, and relatives to find your initial students. You might be surprised by how many people in your immediate circle are seeking tutoring for their children. Relying on your network is beneficial because these individuals already trust you, which can help ease any concerns they may have about your abilities as a new tutor. Even if you don’t deliver a perfect session initially, their feedback will be invaluable for your growth and improvement.
And you can also be flexible around the mode of tutoring. If you prefer online its okay to do the first few sessions in-person. Once your clients trust you as a tutor they will be comfortable with your mode of teaching, online or in-person.
This video explains 3 simple steps to get the first set of students for your tutoring businesses.
Once you’ve secured a few students from your personal connections, you can adopt a more strategic approach to expand your reach. In addition to leveraging social media for your tutoring services, utilize local communities through platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook groups to share your tutoring services and promotional materials. Look for adjacent groups that align with your target audience. For example, if you are tutoring children, actively participate in parent groups where you can offer insights. If your focus is on adult learners, such as college students, engage with student groups and communities to establish your presence. By tapping into these networks, you can effectively grow your student base.
2. Deciding the right price for your offerings
Setting the right pricing for your tutoring services is crucial. One common pitfall for new tutors is the tendency to underprice their services, often out of fear of not attracting students. However, it’s important to strike a balance that reflects your expertise while remaining competitive in the market.
Start by researching other tutors offering similar services. Analyze their pricing structures and position yourself within a similar range. Remember that pricing your services too low can lead to perceptions of inferior quality, which may deter potential students. Conversely, setting your rates too high can make your services unaffordable for your target audience, limiting your student base.
As a new Tutor, you might be very keen on offering discounts or reducing your prices. Have a look at this video below to understand why charging too less for your tutoring services could be counter productive in the long term.
As a new tutor, you may want to keep your prices low to attract initial clients. One effective strategy is to offer discounts rather than simply lowering your rates. For example, instead of stating that you charge $20 per hour, you could advertise a 50% discount on your standard rate of $40. This approach not only positions your services as valuable but also gives you the flexibility to gradually increase your prices as your student base grows. By carefully considering your pricing strategy, you can attract students while maintaining the perceived value of your tutoring services.
3. Identifying ideal students
As you start a tutoring business, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This can make it challenging to say no to anyone interested in your services, especially when you’re eager to get started. However, it’s essential to recognize that your first few students will play a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of your business and will serve as ambassadors for your brand in the future.
You need to focus on finding students who are genuinely invested in their academic growth. If someone approaches you simply for the sake of it, and you sense that their commitment to improvement is lacking, it’s best to decline the opportunity. Accepting students who are not motivated can lead to a lack of progress, which may ultimately reflect poorly on your abilities as a tutor.
Instead, seek out students who are eager to learn and improve. These individuals will not only benefit from your tutoring but will also contribute positively to your reputation. Remember, the success of your tutoring business heavily relies on word of mouth; thus, having the right set of students who are enthusiastic about their learning journey will ensure they speak highly of your services to their classmates and friends. By carefully selecting your initial students, you can create a strong foundation for your business.
4. Choosing the right tools
As much of your tutoring operations—such as live classes, content sharing, and assessments—will take place online, selecting the right tools is essential. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to use Zoom or Google Meet for your live sessions.
In addition to a video conferencing tool, it’s crucial to choose an effective Learning Management System (LMS) or a Tutor Management Software that is both easy to use and cost-effective. An LMS will not only facilitate personalized or group sessions but also enhance the professionalism of your tutoring business. By utilizing an LMS, you can present a more organized and credible image to students and their parents.
You may want to read more on benefits of a tutor management software for new or independent tutors.
Moreover, an LMS such as Wise automates various administrative tasks such as scheduling, grading, and tracking student progress, allowing you to focus more on teaching. This streamlining of operations saves you valuable time. Time that can be better spent on lesson planning and engaging with your students. Additionally, as your business grows and you bring more tutors onto your team, an LMS makes it easier to manage multiple instructors and students while maintaining a cohesive learning environment.
5. Conducting initial sessions
When conducting your initial tutoring sessions, it’s essential to understanding your students’ learning levels. Gaining insight into their current knowledge will help you tailor your teaching approach effectively. You want to avoid coming off as someone who teaches material that is either too easy, which may render you unhelpful, or too difficult, which could lead students to feel frustrated and question your ability to explain concepts clearly.
Having a clear understanding of what your students know is crucial; for instance, you wouldn’t want to teach phonetics to a learner who hasn’t yet grasped basic words or the alphabet. During these early sessions, take the time to assess their skills and identify any gaps in their understanding. This will enable you to provide targeted instruction that meets their needs.
Additionally, make it a point to collect ample feedback from your students after the first few sessions. Reflecting on this feedback is vital for your growth as a tutor. Acting on student feedback demonstrates your commitment to their learning, and they will appreciate your transparent nature. This approach will foster a positive learning environment where students feel valued and understood.
You may also want to check out the 3 most common mistakes Tutors make in their first session
6. Offering trial sessions
As you start, it’s common for potential students to be hesitant about trusting a new tutor. To alleviate this concern, you may be compelled to offer free trial sessions, or students may request them. While it’s perfectly acceptable to provide complimentary sessions at the beginning, it’s important to recognize that people often do not value or feel invested in something they receive for free. As a result, offering free sessions may not yield the desired outcomes in terms of student commitment and engagement.
A more effective approach is to implement a no-questions-asked refund policy for the first two to three sessions. This strategy allows you to charge a nominal fee while giving students the reassurance that they can opt out if they are not satisfied with your services. By requiring a small payment, you encourage a sense of investment from your clients, which can lead to greater engagement and motivation to learn. At the same time, the refund policy provides a safety net for students, making them feel more comfortable trying out your new tutoring services.
By following these essential steps, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a successful tutoring business. Remember, the most important quality of a successful tutoring business founder is patience. In the beginning, your growth may be slow, but if you consistently add value to your students’ learning experiences, your student base will compound through the power of word-of-mouth. This will reduce your reliance on marketing efforts and give you more control over your pricing and refund policies. Filo is an example of a tutoring provider which has grown steadily by providing high quality tutoring for students preparing for SAT, ACT, AP, JEE, NEET etc.
Don’t be afraid to explore collaborative opportunities to expand your reach. For example, if you specialize in teaching science, consider partnering with a math tutor to offer integrated classes to their students. This efficient approach allows you to tap into a wider audience while providing a more comprehensive learning experience for your students.
Keep in mind that building a thriving tutoring business takes time and dedication. Stay focused on your goals, continuously seek feedback from your students. With a strong foundation in marketing, pricing, student identification, and tool selection, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that come your way.
