“A good teacher is like a candle — it consumes itself to light the way for others.” — Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Though the pandemic has undoubtedly thrown a wrench in conventional learning, the studying struggle persists for students, and anxiety stems from the parents. That’s when tutors help them to cope up and score perfectly. Hence, the demand for an efficient and experienced tutor always remains no matter what the current situation is.
So if your knowledge base is strong enough and you feel passionate about helping students achieve their academic goals, then tutoring is a lucrative side-business. Moreover, you can have limitless earning potential by starting your business from anywhere, whether online, at home, or on-site.
Your knack for guiding students academically and making fast-track remote income can be met by initiating a tutoring business. Follow our guide and get started now!
But before you proceed let’s discuss some more benefits of starting a tutoring business!
Why tutoring business?
Besides faster money-making ability, some of the key advantages of tutoring business are:
- Minimal or zero start-up cost
- Minimum requirements- you can start from anywhere with just an internet connection.
- Allow you to set your schedule as per your convenience.
- Offers immense flexibility to work online even while traveling.
- Freedom to set your rates
- Helps you build a strong relationship with students and families
- Endless opportunities to find jobs and teach a variety of topics.
Do you think tutoring means only guiding students on specific subjects? Then you must take a look at the section below to know more about the types of tutoring business.
Types of tutoring business
Here are some of the varieties of tutoring services that one can look out for before starting their business.
- Subject Tutor: One who guides students on particular subjects.
- Test-Prep Tutor: In this type of business, tutors assist students with exams like SAT, ACP, AP test, etc.
- Homework Help Tutor: Offers assistance to students in completing their homework and projects.
- Pre-K Tutor: These types of tutors are for helping young school children, or pre-school goers to perform well in school and develop socially.
- Group Tutor: These tutors generally provide group coaching on a variety of subjects but are not for one-on-one guidance.
- University/College Tutor: A college tutor guides university students by simplifying the lectures and notes, and helps them perform well in exams.
- Language and ESL Tutor: These tutors specialize in native languages and help people learn local languages for ease of their communication. These tutors also help in learning English as a second language for the students.
- Learning Disability Tutor: These professionals are specialized in the field of psychology who help students with learning disabilities excel in school and develop in all aspects.
- Admission and application Tutor: These tutors improve the extracurricular of the students and help them get admission in higher education.
So, let’s finally begin with the steps of framing your tutoring business!
How to start a tutoring business?
Although you are well-experienced and capable of being a great tutor, proper channeling of your passion is essential to set up a business. So follow this guide to be on the right track.
Specify your niche:
Specifying a niche is a great way to set yourself apart from others out there in the market. Specializing also helps students to look for their requirements. Before you start your tutoring business you need to decide on what subject you want to guide on, the types of students you will be guiding, what will be your platform, and also what ways you can implement to stand out from others.
Identify your clients:
Besides deciding your niche, determine what type of students you want to work with, whether elementary school, high school, college, or test-takers. Also decide whether you want to provide one-on-one or group tutoring classes, to get your clients easily.
Build your subject matter knowledge:
Your expertise is your greatest strength that would ease up your money-making process. After you decide your niche and identify your client base, focus on your subject matter, figure out your strengths and weaknesses, and set a schedule to work on your weaknesses to develop your knowledge. Moreover, always make sure that you are current with the syllabus, bring out effective ways to teach, and get certified to prove your credibility to make your business flourish.
Determine your business model:
Some of the main types of the business model are:
Traveling tutor:
In this type, you can provide on-site classes. Travel to the client’s location to provide academic guidance to the students. In this, you get time to interact with the parents and you don’t have to put up your address that preserves your privacy.
Home-based tutor:
Well, this model is quite profitable as it keeps your start-up cost lower and you can make a good start at the comfort of your home. Also, make sure whether you would be meeting your clients in person, or will it be an online session.
Tutoring franchise:
If operating in an existing business model is not a problem for you then a tutoring franchise is a good option to start with. But it might probably cost you more and you may experience a lack of freedom, so research well before you make this model your preference.
Build your online presence:
Going online has become a normal norm in this pandemic situation, and hence, your online presence is vital even for your tutoring business. Starting from providing classes to tracking your payment, online activities have eased up every aspect of your business. There are various helpful tools available online that can streamline your regular task. You can even create online profiles to list your services, showcase your expertise and attract your clients.
Register your business:
Give a unique name to your business and make sure you get it registered. Sole proprietors may seem suitable but it may come up with side hustle. Whereas, an LLC can reduce your liabilities and boosts your professional appearance.
Create your business budget:
Calculate your startup and operating cost and finalize your budget. It might seem intimidating, but it is crucial in the long run. Moreover, depending upon your business set up your initial cost may increase which may end up in seeking funds. That could be a business loan or opening a business line of credit or even private funding.
Set your rates:
It’s time you rate your services as that would decide your business growth. Set the prices keeping in mind the current market rates. You may need to lower your rates a bit to get clients but never compromise with your hard work and expertise.
Market your services:
How would one know about your services? Finally, it’s time to market your business services. There are quite a few online platforms where you can post about your business to reach out to prospective clients or can create online portfolios as well. Some of the online sites are LinkedIn, Facebook, Craigslist, Google, and many more. Well, you can get the same thing done even offline through referrals, business cards, flyers, or in-person events.
Polish your skill:
Providing amazing services is the main USP of your business. Work on your weaknesses and hone your skills to improve your business growth. Moreover, running a successful tutoring business also involves appeasing parents and testing your patience to work smoothly.
Ask for testimonials:
Your students are performing well and that’s your achievement. Make sure you ask your happy clients for online testimonials to showcase your performance to prospective clients.
Wanna know how much you can make as a tutor? Here’s your answer.
How much money does a tutor make?
The average rate of tutors in the US may vary depending upon the state. But the approximate per hour rate is $28-$80, which may also vary depending upon your area of expertise and business models. Length of sessions, the complexity of tutoring, and subject matter may also influence the rates.
Wrapping up!
Tutoring can be a solid career if you have the urge of sharing your knowledge base with others. It offers immense flexibility and freedom to choose your desired time and set-up. The above guide will help you set your business faster and would result in better outcomes.
