Tutors may specialize in helping students prepare for standardized tests.
There are several recommended steps for anyone looking to start a tutoring business. Regardless of whether you plan to tutor children in schools or help adult learners online, a typical first step is to formulate a business plan that sets out goals and objectives related to running a small business. Then the necessary legal and financial measures must be taken to establish the business. After creating the business, a tutoring business owner needs to recruit clients, so it is important to advertise and market their services.
Tutors are often recommended by local colleges, libraries, or community centers.
Developing a business plan is often a good first step when starting a tutoring business, as it can help a new owner answer important questions. For example, a person who wants to start a tutoring business must first decide whether he will provide the tutoring services himself or manage the business and hire other tutors. If the owner is also the guardian, he must decide where he will stay; he can teach at his home, at students’ homes, or strictly online, for example. Some tutors act more like consultants and work specifically with local school systems. All of these issues can be addressed in a formal business plan.
Tutors may specialize in certain academic subjects such as math.
Additional items that may be included in the business plan may include legal and financial matters. For example, you may need to obtain a small business license to start a tutoring business. Next, you need to calculate the start-up costs and determine how they will be paid for. Some examples may include instructional materials such as study guides and workbooks, as well as rental or transportation costs. Considering all of these factors can help you decide what fees to charge to cover costs and make a profit.
Tutors can help students learn how to take effective notes during class.
Another decision involves the question of which subjects should be tutored. One can focus on specific academic subjects, like math or science, for example, usually at the secondary or post-secondary level. Additionally, tutors can teach effective study skills and note-taking, and may even offer specialized services like ESL classes or standardized test preparation.
Academic tutors often work with students individually or in small groups.
Once someone decides to start a tutoring business and finalizes their business plan, they need to formulate a marketing and advertising strategy. Common marketing tools may include business cards, flyers or brochures, direct mail, and newspaper ads. Other strategies include creating a website, especially if the tutoring business offers online services, and posting information to local businesses, libraries, and community centers. Some tutors also advertise their services by going directly to schools and meeting with teachers, principals, and counselors.