Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Advertising and Growing an ESL Tutoring Business

As most of my readers already know, the only advertising I do to get new ESL students is on craigslist.org. I usually keep two slightly different ads running at all times.

However, I've noticed that the last ad I placed was on July 5th. I haven't had a single opening since then. And as a couple of my regular ESL students are leaving at the end of summer, I have former students either returning to the country and/or ready to start taking lessons again, so there's no need to advertise for new students.

The ESL tutoring business is similar to other business in that it grows over time and less work is needed to grow the business. My business has grown and only requires a minimum of time to maintain the number of students I want.

So if you are new in your tutoring business, know that it will likely grow and pay off. It just takes some diligence and patience.

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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

check your spelling

"knew" should be "new"

Name: Debra Garcia, M.A. said...

Thank you! Please let me know what else you find.

Take care,
Debra

Eric said...

Two quick thoughts.

1. You might also place a free ad on www.eslteachersboard.com for students.
2. You might find my conversation book, Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics, a useful book for high intermediate and advanced students. Visit www.CompellingConversations.com for free sample lessons. I wrote the book while tutoring and teaching a conversation class at Santa Monica Community College.

Tutoring can be very satisfying, but I suggest clearly establishing a set routine, getting paid in advance to avoid problems.

Good luck!