The Top 3 Questions I Get Asked by Tutors—and My Responses

Working with tutors who want to break into the international market, I often encounter some recurring questions. These questions reflect the common challenges and considerations tutors face as they work to expand their services and reach a global audience. Here, I’ll share my responses to the top three questions I get asked most frequently.

1. Where Do I Find Agents?

This is the easy part! You can find agents on a variety of platforms dedicated to connecting educational professionals. Some top platforms I recommend include the Boarding School Association, FELCA, ICEF, and, of course, LinkedIn. These platforms are great resources for connecting with agents who can help you reach a global client base.

However, finding agents is only the first step. The real challenge is convincing them to work with you. Why should they choose your tutoring services over someone else’s?

This is where your unique offering, tailored programs, expertise, and background come into play. To stand out, you need a strong value proposition that highlights what makes your tutoring services unique and valuable. Focus on showcasing your strengths, such as specialized subject knowledge, innovative teaching methods, or flexibility in accommodating diverse student needs.

Quick Tip: When reaching out to potential agents, don’t just list your services. Share testimonials, success stories, or examples of results you’ve achieved with past students. This adds credibility and gives agents a clear reason to partner with you.

2. How Should I Price My Services?

Pricing is always a sensitive topic. I encourage tutors to price their services based on their experience, expertise, and the value they bring to their students. It’s essential to take a holistic view of what you’re offering. Are you including extras outside of lesson time, like planning, customised resources, or feedback on assignments? Make sure to factor these elements into your pricing.

The last thing you want is to set a rate that feels insufficient once you realise the extent of work involved. If you underprice your services, you might end up feeling resentful or burnt out. On the other hand, setting your rates too high can make it harder to attract students. It’s all about finding a balance that reflects your worth and covers the time and effort you put in.

Quick Tip: Start with a baseline hourly rate that feels fair to you, then add on for any extras or specialised services you provide. It’s better to be transparent about what’s included in your pricing so clients know exactly what they’re getting.

3. What’s the Best Platform to Recruit Students?

The ideal platform for recruiting students depends on where you’re trying to reach them. Different regions have unique preferences and go-to platforms, so it’s essential to tailor your approach accordingly.

• LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for connecting with agents and clients globally, especially if you’re targeting professional or high-net-worth clients.

• Instagram works particularly well for reaching audiences in Europe and the USA. It also has a growing influence in regions like the Middle East and Australia. Its visual format is perfect for showcasing your personality and sharing insights into your teaching style, making it more appealing to parents and students.

• WeChat and Little Red Book (LRB) are the key platforms for recruiting students in China. WeChat is essential for communication, while LRB is great for sharing educational content and engaging with potential clients. If you’re unfamiliar with these platforms, consider hiring someone with expertise to help you navigate them effectively.

Quick Tip: Experiment with different platforms to see what resonates best with your target audience. Don’t be afraid to mix up your content—share informative posts, student testimonials, and insights into your teaching philosophy to build trust and engagement.

Final Thoughts

The tools and platforms are out there, but success lies in how you leverage them. It’s not just about finding agents or setting prices—it’s about building a reputation, delivering value, and showcasing why your services stand out in a crowded market. The real game-changer is in demonstrating what you can uniquely offer. By highlighting your expertise, showing flexibility in your services, and maintaining a consistent online presence, you can build a sustainable and thriving tutoring business on a global scale.