10 steps to jumpstarting your tutoring business

10 Steps to Jumpstarting Your Tutoring Business

By Rhonda Jones

The Need for Tutoring

A well sought out profession, the need for tutoring continues to grow with each new school year. Many professionals know

the benefits of one to one instruction. What better way to utilize this teaching strategy then through tutoring.

The Need for Tutoring

Tutoring offers a personalized approach to learning. Lessons can be customized to meet the needs of each student. Thus,

there is a wide open market for those offering tutoring services.

Step 1: Draft a Business Plan

Get off to a good start by drafting a business plan. It does not have to be overly elaborate but focus on areas such as

business structure and management, target market, services offered, daily business operations, marketing strategy, pricing,

and how you will make a profit.

Step 2: Who will you offer tutoring services to?

Who are is your target market? Will you be tutoring elementary school children, test prep, college students,

special needs, homeschoolers, etc? What subjects will you offer tutoring in?

Step 3: How will you deliver tutoring services?

How will you deliver services? Consider where you will tutor students. Will you instruct them at school, the library, their

home, your home, online, etc? Are you looking to have office space at a physical location?

Step 4: Budget Carefully

How much will it cost to run your tutoring business? Consider marketing materials, educational supplies, and other tutoring

expenses. What will be your daily operational expenses?

Step 5: Planning and Research

Research the market for tutoring in your area. Who will benefit most from what you have to offer? How much will you charge for your services? Do you need to hire additional tutors? Do you have enough money to cover your living expenses while

you build your business? What will you offer that is unique and different from your competition?

Step 6: Marketing Strategy

How will you get the word out about your business? Inform local schools, parent associations, libraries, etc. about your

tutoring services. Advertise online, in the newspaper, even set up a website to generate a buzz and show customers what

you have to offer.

Step 7: Insurance

Will you need liability insurance? If you are tutoring inside of your home or if you have a physical office/ commercial space

you will definitely need it.

Step 8: Educate yourself

Invest in seminars, workshops, and classes that will improve your tutoring services. Stay abreast of the latest teaching

strategies and educate yourself on the different ways in which students learn.

Step 9: Be Positive

Always have a positive approach and be courteous to everyone you come in contact with. Your reputation and

character can be what makes or breaks your business. Be a person of honesty and integrity.

Step 10: Research Small Business Resources

National Federation of Independent Businesses

SBA (Small Business Association)

U.S. Dept of Labor

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