Gone are the days when a tutor is called for remedial purpose only, that is, to make slow learners catch up. Today, even students who are bright and get high grades are given tutorials so they can excel more.
Modern parents want their children to perform well in school but usually lack the time to tutor their children themselves. This is especially true if both parents are employed.
These are the primary reasons a tutoring business commands tremendous potential and demand nowadays.
However, a new and unknown tutorial business would be hard put getting its first clients or customers. Needless to say, at this stage, there is no record or reputation to speak of, no way that word-of-mouth advertising would circulate.
Take it from Mona Serrano of Thinking Hats Tutorial Center in Muntinlupa City: “Marketing is critical. You have to talk with people. Early on, I and my team joined school fairs, built networks, distributed brochures and put up tarps.”
More ways to promote and market a start-up tutoring business follows:
1. Create a simple flier and matching business card that advertises your tutoring services. Include your company name, credentials, subjects you cover, educational levels you service and contact information.
2. If you are a parent, you can network with other parents in Family Council and PTA meetings. Have your business card ready for handing around. You can also ask your kids if they have classmates who may need help in some subjects.
3. Contact your local schools — talk with homeroom advisers and guidance counselors to offer your services. It will be a good idea to begin with your alma mater, especially if your former teachers are still teaching. Just make sure you are remembered for your good academic record.
4. If you have a marketing budget, advertise in the local newspaper or purchase ad space on education-oriented websites.
5. Send out flyers or brochures to households in your neighborhood.
6. You can also post your flyers in community bulletin boards.
7. Visit local community fairs and festivals targeted to children to meet and pass your fliers and business cards to parents. Try day care locations that serve school-aged children as well.
8. Get online exposure. Have a professionally-designed website with appealing content so people who browse online can access your site.
9. Be sure to make a good job of your first clients and develop good rapport with their parents. Doing this could jumpstart the word-of-mouth advertising your need to get yourself known.