If you have knowledge or a skill that others want to learn you can serve as a tutor. An example is a teacher who tutors on the side as an additional income stream. But you don’t have to be a teacher or even have special certifications. You just must know something that others want to know. Tutoring makes a great retirement business or a side hustle for anyone.
Start by making a list of skills or specialized knowledge you have. Then decide which of those skills others might pay to learn. Do a little research to see what people usually charge for tutoring your skill, do a little marketing and you soon have a little side business.
It can be very rewarding to help someone learn something. Ask anyone who is tutoring when they suddenly see the light bulb go on in one of their students! Or maybe you tutor in social networking and help someone find forgotten friends.
So how do you go about marketing a tutoring business?
Referrals
Word of mouth will always be your best source of business. Just help a few students and watch business start coming to you. People talk. In the case of children parents really talk! If a parent has a child who is having trouble with math and you help them I guarantee they will tell others about you.
Business Cards
Spend a few dollars at Staples and get some business cards printed. Let people know what you do. List any certifications you have right on your card. You will get business.
Flyers
Get some simple flyers printed that highlight the kinds of tutoring you can do. Hand out the flyers in likely neighborhoods and hang them on community bulletin boards.
Online Website
This doesn’t have to be anything too complicated, but having one makes you look more stable and professional. Make sure you list your credentials and when you have testimonials add them.
Online Listings
There are sites that list services online. Some charge and some are free. At least take advantage of the free ones.
Craigslist
Craigslist also is free so why not make use of it. Make it easy for people to contact you and maybe include a link to your website.
Newspaper Classified
While the Internet has greatly reduced the use of classified ads, it still may make sense to buy small ads in their services section. Remember the whole idea of most of these marketing efforts is to generate enough leads so that word of mouth can eventually take over as your primary source of customers.
Ask For Referrals
Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. People actually like to help each other out. And remember to especially thank the referring person. Maybe even send a thank you note. They’ll be surprised to get this and will probably refer even more people to you!
Social Media
I wouldn’t go crazy with this one but if you are already active on social media of course mention what you are doing.
Promote Yourself With Media Articles
Maybe write some short “How To” articles for local newspapers or websites. It helps establish you as someone who knows what they are talking about.
PTA or other Parent Organizations
These organizations are always looking for speakers. Volunteer to give a short talk and answer questions. Give parents hints of what works. It will be appreciated.
Talk to Teachers
If you want to reach parents, talk to teachers. Parents will often ask them for advice and they may refer you. And let them know it is a two way street. Maybe they would like to try tutoring and you could refer students to them for skills that you don’t know. Who knows, if you build up your network you might be able to expand to a bigger business and subcontract work to them!
Speak Your Mind