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6 Advertising Strategies to Start a Tutoring Business
By Meaghan Montrose
So, you have decided to become a tutor. You have yourself all set up with a website, email address, and online resources for your subject area but one important thing is missing: CLIENTS! The only way you can have a successful tutoring business is if you have someone to tutor. I have put together a list of six advertising strategies you can use to jumpstart your tutoring business.
1. Print Business Cards
Getting your name and information out to the community is important so you will want to have business cards handy. This is especially useful for unexpected opportunities that come up such as bumping into an interested parent at the grocery store. The card should include your name, email address, phone number, and the subjects you tutor.
2. Post Signs Around your Area
You want to spread the word as much as possible. Print up fliers and post them in areas that parents or students will see them. Some places to post are the grocery store, library, book store, community centers, and sports centers.
3. Contact Schools Directly
The schools are going to be your source of clients. Go into local schools and meet with the principal, guidance counselors, and teachers of the subjects you tutor. Give them business cards and/or fliers. Parents often ask the school staff for suggestions for tutors and you want to have your name at the top of the list. If you don’t personally know anyone at the school it is a good idea to offer references from past clients with your business card to ease any concerns the school might have.
4. Get Involved in Schools
I know I have said it already, but the schools are your source for clients. Get your name and face out in the public. You can volunteer at school events or work for school related activities to get to know the school staff, students, and members of the PTA. The more familiar you are, the more you will be trusted.
5. Get Employed by the School
Even better than volunteering is to actually be hired by the school. Apply to work as a substitute or a homebound tutor. The goal is to make yourself familiar and trustworthy and of course it doesn’t hurt to make a few extra bucks along the way!
6. Know Important School Dates
There are certain times throughout the year when parents are more likely to look for a tutor. These times occur right around Parent-Teacher conference days and report card distribution days when a parent finds out their child is not doing well in a particular subject. Find out the specific dates of these events and make sure you advertise heavily during this time. A day or two before Parent-Teacher conferences is a great time to go to the schools and drop off your business cards.
Topics: Starting/Running Your Tutoring Business, Uncategorized | No Comments »