Have you been wondering how to start an online tutoring business? Thinking about the freedom that would create for you, but not sure how to get started?
There are lots of reasons to start an online business, and tutoring is an option that lots of professionals are turning to. In this article we’ll look at some key reasons this could work for you, some common challenges tutors face, and the nuts and bolts of how to start an online tutoring business.
Why Start an Online Business Right Now?
There is certainly hope that Covid-19 will fade away as quickly as it came. However optimistic we can be regarding that hope, we must also realize that companies are currently seeing the benefits of people working from their homes. And students enjoy learning from home. As a small business owner in the United States, you may be able to take deductions off your taxes for your cost of personal use computers, internet service, and space used for an office. As prices continue to rise for basic necessities, it can be smart to find ways to reduce expenses while also increasing income.
The Job Market is Changing:
In the early days of the industrial revolution, people around the world recognized that a big change was coming. It was time to learn new skills and seek additional ways of income.
Today, we’re facing a pandemic that is forcing businesses to downsize, employees to work from home, and people to lose their jobs. If you want to stay relevant in the market, it’s a good time to adapt and gain new job skills.
Learning how to start an online tutoring business can be an effective step in the right direction.
Decide What You Will Teach
You’ve probably seen jobs advertised for English teachers who have to wake-up extra early to accommodate students on the other side of the world. A lot of these companies are legitimate, and offer rewarding jobs. However, not everyone is meant to be an English teacher.
As many schools move to virtual learning, a lot of students need extra assistance for subjects in math, science, social studies, foreign languages, art and music. What subject(s) did you excel in that you could assist others with?
1. Choosing a Subject is the First Step
For instance, if you excelled in math, would you be able to teach pre-algebra through calculus? If you loved music, could you offer one-on-one online tutoring or would you feel confident enough to teach a group? Deciding what you are able to teach is a decision that merits your attention.
2. Considering Your Teaching Style is Essential
The next step is to consider how you will instruct others in a way that makes lesson time with you productive and well worth the students’ time. My favorite teachers not only had a wealth of knowledge, but they also had an enthusiasm for the subjects that they taught. They really cared about whether or not the students fully understood what was being taught.
I personally enjoy movies where new teachers have a group of outcast students who have been neglected by other teachers. They have fallen behind and are assumed to be unwilling learners. However, it is the remarkably CARING teacher who shows a genuine interest and shows the students how capable they are.
Therefore, choose your subjects that you want to teach, plan your curriculum with your students in mind, and then spread the word about your new online tutoring business.
Know How to Market Yourself
Gone are the days of expensive newspaper ads (yay!) where you had a few lines to convey a message.
Depending how tech savvy you are and how comfortable in front of a camera, you can decide if you want to begin a YouTube channel that showcases your teaching ability, or perhaps you will choose to have a teaching website that is linked to another form of social media.
For example, I just did a search on Instagram for ‘mathtutor’ and there is a wealth of tutors advertising their online businesses. I’m instantly drawn to an account with a professional looking teacher who has an account full of learning tips and a link to her website prominently shown. When I click on the link to her website I am given options of 10% off my first month of tutoring services, subscribing to her YouTube channel, and the option to schedule a free consultation. I’m hooked!
Of course, there are platforms like TakeLessons, where students come to search for academic tutoring help. It will still take time and attention to stand out from the crowd, but networking through an actual education platform can be helpful in getting you your first students.
Make Sure You Have a Way to Get Paid
It’s always important to put your rules in writing. I cannot stress this enough. While you will have amazing students who will pay ahead and pay on time, there will be that one student who doesn’t show up, wants to reschedule constantly, and never wants to pay.
Don’t let this scare you. When you have an agreement in writing, then your life will be easier. For example, you may consider getting paid in advance for 10-lessons with the rule that they need to be scheduled three days in advance and used within a three month time period.
You need to let students know what the rules are for cancellations and no-shows. People are accustomed to paying online, and you have options. Consider using PayPal to assist with your transactions and record keeping, or another form or payment service to protect you and your students.
Remember, It May Take Time to Build Your Student Base, But the Results Are Worth It!
While you can’t expect a crowd overnight, you can spread the word through multiple social media outlets and platforms. Over time, as your reputation grows as a reputable online teacher, your business will grow too, and you will be able to consistently profit from sharing your skills.
Chelsea Nugent