6 Tips On How to Start an Online Tutoring Business
Becoming an online tutor is a practical and flexible option for educators, and it can be a fulfilling career choice as well. The online tutoring business has been quickly growing over the last few years, thanks to the modern advancements in technology and easy access to the internet in all corners of the globe. Moreover, the ongoing pandemic means that both students and professionals are left with the option of distance learning.
Here are essential tips on starting an online tutoring business.
1. Make sure you have the right setup
To start an online tutoring business, you do not need a fancy setup. But you need a laptop or a computer with a fast internet connection, and a webcam. The speed of the internet connection must be at least 4 mbps. So if you are using a laptop, make sure you are using an i5 processor or the models above it, which comes with an in-built webcam and microphone. You can invest in an additional headset and microphone, especially when background noise is an issue.
2. Choose your preferred video conferencing platform
Choosing a video conferencing platform that you will use to connect with your students is one of the important steps in building an online tutoring business. There are plenty of options, including Skype, Hangouts, Zoom, that support easy integrations with various third-party apps when it comes to free options.
One of the best options is to create a tutoring platform in your own branding. To create your own online tutoring platform, the simplest way, you can rely on any professional online tutoring software and customize it to fit your unique needs.
If you are looking for a software recommendation, Pinlearn is one such tutoring marketplace software that allows creating an eLearning platform that can host both online classes and self-paced online courses. Using a self-hosted eLearning solution gives you 100% control over the script and the independence to choose your hosting provider.
3. Set your tutoring rates
When it comes to pricing your online classes and courses, there are no hard and fast rules. Most online tutors make the mistake of keeping the tutoring prices low when starting out, thinking to attract more students to their classroom. But this is not a great approach. Keeping the prices low would give your target learners a perception that the value of courses is low as well.
Instead of simply pricing your courses low or high, make sure you analyse the value of your eLearning products. Also, consider the niche and how much your competitors are pricing their classes. This practice will help you understand the market’s pricing trends and set a benchmark for your pricing.
Alongside choosing your rates, you must also choose secure payment processing solutions like Square, PayPal, etc. Finally, make sure you choose a payment gateway that aligns with your local market and the preferences of your target audience.
4. Understand what your audience is interested in
One of the tips for growing yourself as a successful online tutor is understanding what makes your target audience tick. You must understand their ideas of success, challenges, and their perception of a perfect tutor.
Today’s customers are very particular when it comes to the value they receive for the price paid. It goes beyond the traditional belief that all that learners expect from tutors is better results.
Today’s learners are smart about choosing the right online tutor for their needs. They are not hesitant to ask about the credit, and they make sure they are getting the worth for the money they are spending. Understanding your customer’s needs will help you provide the best service that matches their expectations.
5. Analyse the competition and define USPs
Defining the USPs is the differentiating factor for businesses that makes them stand out from the competition. Your USPs can be anything ranging from your niche, teaching style, or even your pricing, or anything that communicates that you want to do something different from your competition.
To define your specialities, find gaps in the eLearning system if there is something that you can add to the existing system or practices to make it easier for learners.
6. Make your tutoring business thrive
When you are launching your online tutoring business the first time, it can be a little challenging.
Here are some of the major tips to make sure you thrive as a successful online tutor.
- Create a schedule and stick to it
Even though you are teaching students from your home, you must have a professional attitude. Create a schedule and announce it beforehand so that your students are familiar with the timings of the classes. When you cannot show up for the classes, make an arrangement to notify your students prior and let them know when to expect you online next.
- Have specific start and end work timings
It’s never a great idea to have chaotic working hours as lack of structure will lead to burnout. Although it’s difficult to have a definite end to your work timings, it is important to set one to differentiate between work and personal life.
- Learn to prioritize
If you feel there are a lot of things to be done and not sufficient time to do it, you might have to improve your prioritization and time management skills. Make it a practice to write down the tasks you have to do on a day-to-day basis so that you are not bogged down by other tasks that might come in between unexpectedly.
Conclusion
Creating and launching an online tutoring business is challenging, but getting the basics right can help you successfully grow your business. Managing it in the future will be easier than you think. Whether you are an online tutor or going to start tutoring for the first time, online teaching is the best way to expand your existing business and get the right start in the industry. With the growing demand for convenience and flexibility in learning, this trend of online tutoring will continue to grow.
