How To Start An Online Tutor Business

 

The increasing popularity of online tutoring is obvious, so If you’ve got expert-level knowledge in a particular field of study, becoming a tutor can be a really clever move. Start your own Tutoring Business today and you could be running a very lucrative venture in a short space of time. 

1: Pros and Cons
2: Qualifications
3: How much can I earn? And startup costs
4. Choose your business structure and registering your business
5: Create your business plan
6. Research
7. Marketing and Branding
8. Red tape
9. Conclusion

 

Connecting with pupils from all around the world has never been simpler thanks to advancements in technology. If you’re a retired experienced educator, college student looking for a side gig or someone thinking about changing careers to a field of learning you love, online tutoring might be a great fit for you. ⬇️⬇️

 

 

Students of all ages today face growing pressure to excel and the skyrocketing demand for extra help is driving the tutoring industry to new heights.

According to a recent poll, the number of students taking private tuition in the UK has climbed by about 20% in the last decade, and the trend shows absolutely no indication of stopping. 

The private tutoring business in the UK was worth an estimated £7.5 billion for the academic year 2019-2020, indicating strong growth.

Not unsurprisingly, the Covid19 pandemic accelerated an already healthy industry even higher. 

According to a Sutton Trust study, more than one-third of UK students receive private tuition, and almost 60 percent of secondary school pupils have been given private tuition at some stage in the course of their schooling, with Maths and English being the most requested subjects. London is predictably the region with the highest number of tutored children with 46% of pupils in London having received private tutoring, compared to 30% for England as a whole.

Research conducted by the Education Policy Institute (EPI),  found that students from higher economic homes are four times more likely to use a private tutor than those from lower income backgrounds. This might be an area you’d like to be involved with. 

The demand for tuition for non-academic courses has increased by almost 30% in the last few years.

The demand for tennis lessons, singing coaching, chess tuition and roller skating classes has never been higher. If you know your stuff and can back up your claims you can teach anything! 

 

• Potential Annual Revenue: £24-42,000
• Startup Cost: £500-2,000
• Time To Revenue: 2-3+ months 
• Annual Market Growth Rate:  %
• Best for: Patient, enthusiastic, tech savvy, problem solvers with great communication skills.

 

Starting an online tutoring business comes with a plethora of benefits, opportunities and the inevitable headaches. So, before you arrange that Zoom call, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:

 6 Great reasons to start an online tutoring business

• Flexibility: One of the biggest perks of running an online tutoring business is the flexibility it offers. You can set your own schedule and work from anywhere with an internet connection. In the afternoon for school pupils and in the morning, evenings or weekends for adults? You decide.
• Low Start Up Costs: A good computer and fast internet speed is essential. As you don’t need to invest in physical classroom space or commute to a specific location, you are saving time and money. 
• Global Reach: With the power of the internet, you can reach students from around the globe. This opens up a vast market of potential clients and allows you to connect with students who may not have access to local tutoring services.
• Scalability: As your business grows, you can easily expand by hiring additional tutors and offer a wider range of subjects or services to meet the needs of your students.
• Consistent demand:  There are always people that want to learn a new skill or upgrade their knowledge. And there will always be students who are taking exams or require additional help with their education.
• Personal Fulfilment 🙂 : Few things are as rewarding as helping others succeed. As an online tutor, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on peoples’ lives, helping them achieve their academic goals, learn new skills and build confidence in their abilities.

 

From registering your company, establishing your brand to marketing your services, we’ll cover everything you need to know to help you turn your entrepreneurial skills into a successful and busy business.

 

7 Common challenges when starting an online tutoring business

• Finding Clients: As with all new ventures, finding your first students can be challenging. It takes time and effort to attract students and establish yourself as a reputable tutor in the online marketplace. Establishing trust and credibility quickly and the word will spread.
• Competition: Find your niche and give it all you’ve got. The online tutoring industry is becoming increasingly saturated, with many tutors vying for the same pool of students. Stand out from the competition. 
• Technical Issues: Dealing with technical glitches, internet connectivity issues and learning how to use new software tools can be time-consuming and disruptive. Make sure you can use it effortlessly. 
• Time Management: Balancing teaching responsibilities with administrative tasks, lesson planning, marketing and your life in general can be a juggling act. Time management skills are essential.
• Student Engagement: Keeping students engaged and motivated during online tutoring sessions can be an uphill battle, especially when working with younger learners or students with varying attention spans. Developing interactive and dynamic teaching strategies is key to keeping them from fidgeting or just wandering off!   
• Adapting to Different Learning Styles: If you have never taught professionally before this can be a major hurdle. Every student has unique learning preferences and needs. Adapting your teaching style to accommodate different learning styles, abilities and challenges requires flexibility and patience
• Managing Expectations: Managing parent and student expectations and addressing concerns or dissatisfaction can be delicate tasks. Have clear communication, set realistic goals and provide regular feedback. No one wants a helicopter parent contacting them 24/7! 

 

Qualifications 

Tutoring isn’t only for the young, it helps all ages reach their fullest potential. Help your students prepare for tests, work on tasks that require further assistance or teach them a new skill entirely that will transform their life. 

So what is your area of expertise? Life Coaching? Photography? Computer Coding or GCSE Psychology?  Whatever it is, an in-depth knowledge of your subject is crucial.  Previous teaching experience will go a long way towards getting your first students signed up. Certification to prove and back it up will also be looked for, so make sure you are qualified to teach the level of subject you are advertising. 

Additional skills include good communication, the ability to explain information clearly and concisely and be adaptable to your students needs. The capability to use video conferencing software, digital whiteboards and an online learning platform is obviously required, plus plenty of creativity to keep your students engaged. (Remember adults get bored and distracted too!) Time management and planning skills are also important.⌚

Oh and a good deal of patience. 

 

 

How much can I earn as an online tutor?

According to Glassdoor the average salary for an education online tutor is £33,374 per year in the UK. One-to-one in person tutoring may earn you more. 

With hourly rates varying dramatically from £12-£40+, you will have to do your research for your subject and current teaching ability. This will obviously depend on the hours worked and your geographic location as well. Even if you are solely online, hourly prices in the south east will be higher than many other regions. 

Level of experience and educational qualifications also will make a difference. If you have years of experience in your field and have the qualifications to show it, you will probably want to charge higher fees for your time. 

Subject matter and academic level being taught can have a significant impact on the cost of individual tutoring. Pricing can be influenced by the intricacy and specialism of specific subjects. For instance, guidance in A-Level or Degree topics, which can include sophisticated concepts and thorough research, may attract a higher hourly rate than primary or GCSE level subjects.

In subjects where there are fewer tutors, whatever the field, you can also find yourself at a premium! Teaching a musical instrument usually has a higher hourly rate and a one hour lesson of Mandarin can cost over £50! ⭐

If you can hone your teaching skills, whether it be online or one-to-one and make notable improvements to your pupils’ education, many are willing to pay premium rates.  

 

Traditionally a tutor will teach one-to-one either online or face to face, however some subjects can be beneficial in groups, no more than 6 ideally. If teaching to groups, the hourly rate is usually lower as pupils aren’t getting individual attention. The hourly rates are more likely to be £10-15.

Of course you don’t need to go it alone. You could join  an existing platform, such as Tutor House, MyTutor, or Tutorful.  This would obviously relieve you of the additional work of creating a website, marketing, finding students etc.  However, you will lose some  of the advantages of going solo, such as flexibility and your take-home salary will be lower.

 

 

Start Up Costs

Firstly you should apply for a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to get a copy of your criminal record. This is required for anyone working with children or vulnerable individuals. It costs £18 and is available for people working in England and Wales. 

You’ll need to provide addresses for the last 5 years (including the dates you lived at each address), and if you have them your:

• passport
• driving licence (full or provisional)
• National Insurance number

The one thing you cannot do without is a reliable computer or laptop and if possible have a back-up available! You will definitely need strong, dependable wi-fi, add a booster to your workspace if you need to. A microphone, headphones and a printer are also useful. Will you use learning aids, such as flashcards for language learning? If teaching face to face, what about worksheets and books, stationary etc? Will you follow the curriculum, and use school books if teaching school age children? 

What meeting software will you use? What do your students use? Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, Microsoft Teams make sure you install a few types. Would a virtual whiteboard be useful? 

If you’re teaching a sport, fitness, meditation, pottery or yoga do you have a suitable space to give your lessons?

 

Whether you are about to retire from 30 long years teaching in a primary school, or maybe you have just qualified or you are an experienced Spanish guitar player, your first task is to write a business plan. 

 

How I’d set your business up.

Choice of business structure

This is fundamentally important when you are setting up any business. As a solopreneur, you can start this business as either a sole trader or a limited company. 

 I’d also strongly consider a hybrid startup structure where you can reap the benefits of both structures with minimal cost and risk.

This could enable you to start trading with the simplicity of a sole trader but also have secured the limited company for marketing hacks and saving tax later if you decide to incorporate your business.

Consider the long-term goals and vision for your personal trainer business when making this decision.

 Search through a database of over 5 million registered company names and more than 11 million UK domain names using our FREE Company Name Checker Tool. Here you can find  your memorable name! You can also see what domain names are available.

 

If you are unsure what to do at this point I recommend seeking professional advice.  Let us walk you through this in a clear and concise way you will understand. 

 

 

Do I need a Business plan?

Start by formulating a business plan. We highly recommend you do as it can be immensely beneficial.

A business plan serves as a roadmap for your venture, helping you clarify your business idea, set goals and plan for the future. It also helps to focus on delivering a clear message to your potential customers. 

There are many different types of business plan available on the internet from everyone from accountants, insurance companies to banks. But you can use my no nonsense 1 page business plan here.

It’s designed to cut the waffle but has enough detail to make it a meaningful tool so that you remain laser focussed on what needs to be done when you set up your tutoring business.

 

Do Your Research

When starting any business it’s important to do your research.  Immediate competition will be from other tutors in your local area, although this is not as important if you are working solely online. Good research will help you identify any gaps in the market and determine what extra services you can offer to stand out from the competition. Adding another string to your bow will widen your client base beyond general subject matter.

Once you’ve identified who your competitors are, the next step is to gather information on the way they do business. What lessons do they provide? How do they market themselves? How much do they charge?

As an online tutor, offering additional services can not only set you apart from competitors but also enhance the overall learning experience for your students Here are some standout ideas for additional services you can offer to get you off the ground as your business grows:

• Customised Learning Plans:

Offer personalised learning tailored to each student’s individual learning style, goals and areas of improvement. This can include diagnostic assessments, targeted lesson plans and progress tracking to ensure maximum student engagement and success.

• Exam Prep Bootcamps:

Develop intensive test preparation programmes for standardised tests such as the SATs, GCSEs, AS level, A level, Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) exams, the 11+ exam etc. Offer focused instruction, practice exams and strategies to help students improve their scores and achieve their academic goals.

• Specialist teaching:

Tutoring for children and adults with Special Education Needs (SEN) or additional needs, such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism or dyspraxia. Finding the right support for children or adults with additional needs is crucial and in high demand. 

• Language Immersion Programs:

Provide immersive language learning experiences for students looking to improve their proficiency in foreign languages. Offer conversation practice, cultural immersion activities and what about organised trips to the country of study to enhance fluency and confidence?

• Academic Coaching and Mentoring:

Offer academic coaching and mentoring services to help students develop essential study skills, time management strategies and organisational techniques. Provide ongoing support, accountability and guidance to help students thrive academically and reach their full potential.

• Career Development Workshops:

For older or career changing students, develop workshops and seminars focused on career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation and professional networking. Offer personalised coaching and resources to help students clarify their career goals and navigate the job market successfully.

• Specialised Subject Tutoring:

Offer tutoring services in niche subjects or specialised areas of study that are not widely available. This could include subjects such as computer programming, financial literacy, creative writing or entrepreneurship.

• Parent Education Workshops:

Offer workshops and resources for parents on topics such as effective parenting strategies, supporting children’s academic success and navigating the education system. Provide tips, tools and strategies to empower parents to become active partners in their children’s education.

• Professional Development Programs:

Offer Master Classes for educators, tutors and home schooling parents. Provide training, resources and certification programs to help them enhance their teaching skills, expand their knowledge base and stay updated on the latest educational trends and technologies.

 

How to market your business. 

Here are some tips to help you market your business effectively.

This is a business that I would definitely want to fast-track from the beginning for growth. You want to get busy as quickly as possible and there is only one real way to achieve this.

Most potential students are going to find a tutor using a Google search. Sure some will use an app, some might ask for a recommendation on social media but MOST will look on Google.

If you are tutoring face-to face, either individuals or in a group, Google knows that they will want to see results close to where they live.

This usually means that Google will show a maps listing at the top of the search results like the image below. So get yourself on Google Business asap! 

 

If your tutoring business shows up here then you are right at the top of the search results, under the nose of people who want to find a professional, organised and enthusiastic educator.

For any type of business/search term where Google shows a Maps listing like this, I describe these businesses as having “high local marketability”.

High local marketability means if you know what you are doing and tick the right boxes with Google, you can get a lot of business enquiries very easily.

If you are working only online, ranking highly on Google and alternative search engines is absolutely vital for finding your students but they can be spread far and wide! 🙂

 

So if potential clients can’t find you on Google, they won’t be calling you.
And guess what? That means someone else is tutoring and inspiring them and you’re missing out!

 

 

So how do you dominate Google search results for this business?

You have to optimise for the Google maps listing.
How do you do that?

10 great steps to marketing a tutoring business:

• Get a website. Make sure it complies with Google’s best practice guidelines.
• Get your new website in Google so clients find YOU.

• Provide LOCAL PROOF. Use a local phone number to tell clients and Google you are definitely a local business. Plus a mobile number.

• Provide SOCIAL PROOF. Show reviews from real students on your site. This is called “social proof” and turns browsers into learners!

• Use LANDING PAGES. A landing page is optimised for a specific search term making it rank higher than your competitors. Landing pages are for people who want to book a lesson with you NOW! They show the client what they want to see.

• Provide great CTA’s (CTA =call to action). Make it super easy on your website for clients to get in touch with you by including features such as a messaging/chat app and CTA’s that show clients exactly how to contact you.

• Share FEEDBACK. Go the extra mile to provide an outstanding service and you are sure to collect plenty of positive feedback from your clients. Ensure you harness this by collecting reviews from every new team member.

• AUTOMATE – You won’t have time to be manually updating your website. Make sure you automatically show the new reviews on your website, driving more clients to your business.

• PROMOTE – Regular updates to your website and using Google tools will give your website an extra edge.

• MAINTAIN – From time to time websites need technical maintenance to the software they run on to keep peak performance.

 

Most businesses in this sector DO NOT invest enough time and money to execute this simple marketing strategy providing you with the opportunity to step in and DOMINATE in the local search engine results.

 

The Live Chat Function

This is great as it gives your potential clients a “one click method” to message you straight from your website – you get the messages on your usual Messenger account, this is probably something that your competitors won’t have and we’ve had clients getting great success using this tactic. Make it easy for your potential clients to get in touch with you. 

 

 

Here are 8 more great tips to help you market your tutoring business effectively:

Promoting your business is crucial to attract new students and grow your business. Here are some tips to get your business marketing underway: 

 

• Do your research

This industry is competitive, so it’s important to research your competitors in your local area if you are teaching face-to-face and identify what you can offer that others don’t. This will help you differentiate your business and attract more clients. It is equally as important for online tutors as you will need to know what makes a successful online tutor. 

• Create a great company and domain name for your website 

Choose a name that is related to you and your business and is memorable for your potential students. 
Remember to steer well clear of similar sounding names so confusion does not occur with other tutors. Our easy to use, quick Company Name Search Tool can help you in 30 seconds! 

 

 

Protecting your brand name (IP or intellectual property) requires a company name, domain and trade mark registration. 

We can quickly and easily help you get the ball rolling with this, registering your company and domain name and even providing you with fully featured business email boxes making your business look more professional, adding credibility when you are approaching new customers. So, instead of emailing from an @yahoo or @hotmail address you can be emailing from @mycompanyname. Doesn´t that look better? 

 

You will then have to register a domain name for your website. We all know websites are crucial nowadays so make sure you get yours registered as soon as you have chosen your trade name. Take a look at our Domain Name FAQs  which will explain why a domain name is so important to getting your business up and running. 

Use our Domain Name Search Tool!

 

 

Not thought of a business name yet? Take a look at our inspirational tips and ideas

 

 

• Create an attractive, eye-catching website

We all know a fast, inspiring, easy to use website is essential for any business today! The education sector, whatever you are teaching is no different to any other.

But can you  design and run one? Can you create the content that actually guides a customer through your site and encourages them to pick up the phone and find out more about you and your tutoring methods? 

We can create a personal website for you to get you off to the best start. 

 

Give lots of information about your business and any unique services you offer plus accurate contact details. Introduce yourself and give your experience and qualifications. A little information about yourself can make the business more personal and boost customer confidence. Don’t be camera shy! Add a photo or two. Many clients will want to see who you are before contacting or meeting you. 

Make it clear to your students, both adult and child, what is expected of them and what expectations they should have of you.

You may also consider creating a tight cancellation policy. You may not always want to implement the policy (since this may raise your risk of losing students), but it is certainly beneficial to have something in place, as it may cause a student to reconsider cancelling a session.

Prices don´t always have to be on your website. Some clients would rather know upfront costs before contacting you and others will just contact you. 

Photos and videos are great. Introductory videos will add interest and create a personal feel. 

If you love chatting and imparting your knowledge to your students? Put it down on paper….well their screen actually, and write blogs about topics that you are passionate about. Maybe it will be “The history and intricacies of finger knitting”? Or “Is the French Horn really for you?”

 

We have already mentioned this (a lot!) but it is vitally important.

Always ask for References and Reviews on your website. 

Potential students WILL look for what past students have said about your business. Every time a student reaches a milestone, give them a shout out on your site/social media with a photo/video! Be proud of both their achievement and YOURS!

Also give special offers, ask your student to introduce friends and family and they´ll receive a discount on their next block booking! 

Google reviews, testimonials and recommendations are essential. 

This is difficult when you first start out and asking can be uncomfortable but a happy, fit client who has improved their fitness, both physically and mentally will want to help you up the ladder every time. 

Don’t forget that market research can be ongoing. Once you have started tutoring your students, talk to your them and find out what their likes and dislikes are. Knowledge is POWER! 

 

 

• Word of mouth

is probably the most powerful and effective marketing tool and should never be underestimated!

The foundation of successful word of mouth marketing is providing exceptional service. When your students have positive, visible experiences, they are more likely to share them with others.

Establishing a personal connection with your students is incredibly important. They can often be under a lot of stress, and anxiety can be running high if they are studying for exams, an interview or a place in a new school. Likewise, if you are teaching a course that is entirely new to your student, it can be daunting and initial confidence can be low especially if they have been out of education for some time. 

Ask for feedback, try not to take any negative comments too personally. You will improve as your business grows. Like the student you are tutoring, we all have to start somewhere. 

Always make sure you ask your students to recommend you to their friends and family…..in fact anyone they know! A satisfied, happy customer is the golden ticket to your success. 🙂

 

• Design an eye-catching logo

Your logo is often the first visual element that potential students encounter. An eye-catching logo creates a positive and memorable first impression, setting the tone for the overall perception of your online tutor business.

The logo should represent you and your business and can be used on business cards, leaflets etc.

If you join an association and organisation, make sure this is shown on all your marketing materials as well as your website. 

 

Go back to basics! 

Print flyers and distribute them around your local area. All ages want to improve their knowledge. If you tutor school aged, children distribute them in colleges, schools, parks and play centres. If you tutor adult learners, try bars, supermarkets, libraries, cafes…… Maybe add in an offer for early block bookings!!

 

• Use social media

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok can be powerful marketing tools for your business. Take note of how other tutors use it and have a go yourself. 

As a new kid on the block, you´ll need to shout out loud what makes you and your tutoring business unique! Whatever if it is, make sure you are getting the word out there. 

Join local business Facebook groups or similar platforms to promote your business and connect with potential students.  

Ask your current or past students if they would share their experiences of working with you on video or in a blog. Has their life changed since tutoring started? Did they get into university or start that new job after a career change? Or are the fitter and happier than they were? Can they now read music and play the piano like Elton John? 

Much of social media is free so, experiment with different platforms and see what works best for you. Create short and informative lesson clips to peek interest in what you do. Offer tips and advice on the subjects you teach. 

 

• SEO (Search engine optimization)

is the art of getting your business website to the top of the search results on Google and the other search engines so that you have the best chance of getting their business. 

If you’re new to running a website it’s easy to get caught out with a low cost SEO service that just doesn’t work.

We can help put together an affordable SEO package and we’ll always tell you what we are going to do and what results you might expect to achieve.

 

Look after yourself and your business. 

Looking after yourself, both physically and mentally is crucial to running a successful business. One person will struggle to run a new business, take care of the accounts, run a smooth social media campaign and website etc. 

Often something has to give and it is often their mental health. Make sure you plan thoroughly and get the correct help when you need it.

Joining associations and organisations is highly recommended so your interests are properly represented if required. The Tutors’ Association is the nonprofit professional membership body for the tuition industry and the supplementary education sector in the UK and beyond. It is recognised by the UK Government and events are frequently held around the country.

 

Register as an online tutor on a tutoring website

Another way to gain students is to join a tutoring website. Your take home pay will be less as you will often be paying a commission fee to the platform, but not all of them work in this way. 

You will find many online tutoring platforms like the Revision Centre, Tutorful, MyTutor, Superprof, First Tutor etc. Every online website has its own business model with different features and specifications, so check carefully which one is best for you. 

Starting on an online platform is as simple as filling in your credentials and bio. The sites don’t tend to ask for a DBS check, but some form of identification and a billing address is. Before your profile is made public to students, it has to be reviewed and approved by the service.

 

Let’s talk about the boring stuff! 

 

There are other formalities that you will need to complete before you can start trading.

Open a bank account

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for several reasons. It simplifies accounting and bookkeeping, making it easier to track business expenses, income and tax obligations. It also helps demonstrate financial transparency, which can be important for legal and tax purposes.
How about a contactless card payment machine? There are plenty on the market now and easy for you and your customers to use. Perfect for when you are on the move.

You will need Insurance

Although insurance for a tutor is not legally required, it will give you and your students peace of mind. Often you can build an insurance policy to suit you and your requirements. So whether your giving singing lessons to an adult or teaching a primary school child the delights of fractions, you will be protected.

Professional indemnity insurance, may cover legal fees and the cost of compensation claims for a student who has suffered a loss as a result of your service, advice, or a mistake you made.

It also covers acts of defamation. This occurs when your reputation and credibility is harmed as a result of false information written (libel) or spoken.

If you are giving lessons in your own home or theirs, you should consider public liability insurance. This can cover you for personal accident claims resulting from a student being injured while in your care or any damage you cause to someone else’s property.

Business contents insurance is also an idea. The equipment you use to teach should be covered for damaged, loss, theft etc.

There are several companies that will offer insurance for a private tutor, so do your homework and find one that best suits your needs.

 

By implementing these marketing strategies, you can attract more customers, improve your personal brand identity and grow your business.

 

Conclusion

Starting a tutoring business offers a fulfilling opportunity to share your knowledge and make a positive impact on students’ lives. What and who you choose to teach is your choice and it may well change over time. But to begin with, make sure it is your strongest subject. 

You have the creative freedom to develop your own teaching style, course and brand identity, allowing you to build a business that reflects your passions and values. The more niche the subject, the more in demand you could be! 

Stay updated on the latest trends, technology and techniques in your subject area, as teaching and learning is always evolving. This way you will retain current clients and attract new ones. Continuous learning is vital.

Adapt to the needs of your students and embrace the journey of entrepreneurship with enthusiasm and determination. With dedication and passion, your tutoring business can flourish, empowering your students to achieve their goals and fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

And never forget the power you hold to make a lasting impact on people’s lives. The positive influence you can have on someone’s learning journey could give them a more fulfilled, financially stable, happy life.

Come on! Get your knowledge out there and expand some minds! 

 Save time and money and contact us for no nonsense guidance and unleash someone else’s potential today!