Contact school counselors. Often, the counselor is the first person to realize that a student’s credits are in jeopardy. Introduce yourself, and give the counselor several of your business cards. Leave information explaining what subject areas you specialize in, your hourly rate and where you are located.
Make some flyers. Think about what graphic elements would appeal to your target group, and incorporate them into your flyers. If you are marketing your services to teens, give your flyers a hip look that will set your apart from all of the other tutors. To get ideas, look at some teen magazines and note how they present information. Post the flyers at schools (with permission from the principal), community centers and any other places that youth might see them. Your flyers should have tear-off numbers on the bottom. This will not only make it more convenient for potential clients to contact you, but will give you an idea of how many people have shown an interest in your flyers.
Sign up with online services that connect tutors with individuals who are looking for a tutor. These will most likely benefit your business the most if your subject area is math or science and if you live in an urban area.
Network with parents in your community, letting everyone know that you are a tutor. Always have business cards with you to hand out. Consider getting involved with your target school’s PTA or campus advisory council. You will find it easier to get students for your tutoring business if people see a face to associate with your flyers and business cards.
Get involved with student activities. Offer to assist the drama club with costumes or lighting, the Spanish club with fundraising or the yearbook committee with graphic design. You’ll need to get clearance from school officials, but these activities can provide personal satisfaction as well as helping you build a client base. It is much easier for students to attend tutoring with someone they are familiar with than with a complete stranger.
Create tutoring activities that are engaging. Students will be more likely to return to tutoring if they found it to be entertaining as well as informative. They will also pass the word along to their friends that you are a “laid-back” tutor who is fun to work with. After all, students have been sitting still in school all day, and you will be getting them at a time when they may be least receptive to learning. Do let students and parents know that it may take time to see results. According to the Urban Institute and The Center for What Works, it may take up to 12 months of tutoring in order to see the desired academic results.