How to Start a Tutoring Service

Tutoring services can provide a great opportunity for those seeking self employment.  It is an easy business to start because it requires little training or start up costs.  It can be a very flexible business plan based on the owner’s interests and time available.   Evaluation, logistics and marketing are the key components to getting a tutoring business started.

Tutoring can be a very flexible opportunity and be used as part time, full time or supplemental income.   One of the benefits to operating your own business is that you decide how busy you would like to be.  Here are some simple steps to get you on your way to running your own tutoring service:

Step 1:  Evaluation

What is your educational background?  What kind of work or volunteer experience do you have?  Do you have any special hobbies, skills or knowledge?    Determine which of your strengths would be most in demand to people hiring a tutor.   You may be an expert in a particular subject area or work exceptionally well with a certain age group.   Think outside the box.   Tutoring doesn’t have to be limited to children in grades K-12 or related to basics subjects, like math, science and reading.   College students may need help learning to write a research paper.   Parents of preschoolers may be interested in helping their child develop language and literacy skills.   Senior citizens may be interested in sharpening their computer skills.  

Step 2:  Logistics

Once you decide on the services to offer, you need to determine the nuts and bolts of your business.   Where will you hold tutoring sessions?   Schools, libraries, after school clubs, community centers, your home or the client's home are all possible options.   How much will you charge per session?   Tutoring services average between $15 - $40 per hour depending on the complexity of the subject and the demand of your work.   Will you need any supplies, such as workbooks, paper, pencils, calculators or computer software?  You will need to determine your policies on cancellations and payments.  A budget, marketing plan and system for keeping records is a must for any business.

Step 3:  Marketing

Your business needs a name!   Strive for something that reflects your expertise and makes it clear the services you provide.   If possible, set up a website for your business, open an email account with your business name reflected in the address.   Make business cards and flyers listing your contact info.   Deliver your cards and flyers to schools, universities, libraries and any other place future clients may frequent.   Put flyers on bulletin boards at grocery stores, churches, community centers and gyms.  Spread the word through email and social networks.    Once you get your first happy client, others will soon follow.