How Tutors Can Keep Their Client Base Going Without TakeLessons

Since TakeLessons announced its shutdown, tutors have been forced to consider other strategies and online tutoring opportunities. Indeed, digitization has made online tutoring one of the services in high demand. It attracts students and tutors alike because it offers flexibility, accessibility, and convenience. Imagine a scenario where a major platform, such as TakeLessons, was compelled to shut its doors: what would a tutor have to do to continue attracting clients? We are here to give you some strategies and alternatives to help tutors succeed in this open landscape. 

One of the best ways to win in a competitive market is through personal branding. It involves establishing yourself as an expert within your subject area, whether that specialist subject is math, music, languages, or even other subjects. Leverage social media platforms, blogs, and personal websites to showcase your skills, share success stories, and give away valuable educational content that reinforces your expertise. The unique strengths that set you apart will be highlighted, and your positioning will be superior among the competition in the online tutoring business.  

Although TakeLessons didn't turn out to be successful, there are several online tutoring platforms where tutors can connect with students. Other factors one may want to consider while choosing the platform include commission rates, the nature of the audience, and how it works. You can also enroll in several platforms, which might increase the visibility of your work and possibly the numbers. 

Setting up an online tutoring business—with the right planning and set of necessary tools—may be just that opportunity you need to assume full responsibility for your tutoring career. In contrast to the simplicity of registering on an already existing platform, running your own business gives you full control over pricing, allows you to create tailored learning packages, and establishes lasting relationships with your clients.  

Even in these digital times, word of mouth remains one of the biggest marketing guns for tutors. Encourage your present students and their parents to spread the word about your services. Consider giving referral discounts as an added incentive. Besides traditional word-of-mouth, online reviews can make all the difference. Starting a tutoring business online requires you to encourage clients to leave positive feedback about your services on your website and social media platforms, or any other place where you might be discovered.  

To start a tutoring business online, another effective way of reaching your desired target audience is through digital marketing. This may include social media advertising, Google Ads, and email campaigns to reach students needing tutoring services. Even with the smallest budgets, these platforms offer flexible ways to set ad budgets and target specific regions or age groups. Additionally, informative web content through blogs, videos, and webinars may position you as an expert. Free online tutorials or webinars can appeal more to students as they will get a glimpse of your teaching style beforehand. 

You might attract more students by offering specialized services. For example, if you teach English, you can also provide specially packaged services for clients studying for TOEFL or IELTS. Specialized services address targeted needs or markets, thus demanding higher rates and attracting more focused students. You can tap into niche markets by offering many services, and possibly those not fully covered by TakeLessons or other online tutoring platforms. 

Conclusion

While the closure of TakeLessons may have sent some tutors scrambling to find new solutions, the prospect of expanding your client base has never looked so good. Online tutoring opportunities, building a personal brand, and leveraging online marketing will complement these. With so many choices available through scaling onto a new platform or establishing your own business, there are options to secure long-term success for tutors. Consider Wondrfly, as we are actively supporting all the ex-TakeLessons tutors to continue building their businesses.