Getting Started as an Online tutor

Created by Kayla McDonald, Modified on Tue, 1 Oct at 1:56 PM by Kayla McDonald

Usually, when we think about tutoring, we think about people at colleges or grade schools. We think about physical buildings, administrations, and some form of a chain of command. This is formal or traditional kind of tutoring.

However thanks to the internet, subject matter experts can help people from all over the world! You can turn your Zoom video conferencing app or Google Meet app into a virtual office. Welcome to the world of online tutoring.

There are many students who need tutorial assistance. Students who struggle with academics coursework or see a pattern of low grades usually benefit from tutoring. Generally speaking, the most common subject matters are Chemistry, Science, Algebra, Math, English and Foreign language. So if you have excelled in these subjects and enjoy helping others you should consider Online tutoring. Furthermore candidates who can speak and write in English are in high demand!

Earning potential

The average hourly rate for professional tutors can vary depending on location, subject matter expertise, and level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for tutors in 2020 was around $20 per hour. Online tutors can make up to $85 per hour with advanced degrees or specialized knowledge in high-demand subjects.

Avoiding Assumptions: The Pitfalls of Generalization

Like with anything else, if you are providing something that anyone could essentially access, it may be categorized as a commodity. Which means, your offerings are not being seen as unique by potential customers. In this instance, you would be stuck competing for clients strictly on price. This is a major issue since it will easily be a race to the bottom if you are providing the same tutoring services.

Other internet tutors will lower rates and before you know it you’re earning minimum wage. As someone on a fixed income, I'm sure you're looking for opportunities with higher earning potential! Not to mention all the knowledge you’ve gained over the course of your career. This is why it's really important to identify the unique value you bring to Online tutoring.

Personal Branding: Your key to success

I'm not just talking about specialization. It would be great if you're a lawyer and you are helping law students quickly understand basic legal concepts. It would be awesome if you're a doctor and you're helping people get into medical school as well as helping them with their first year in that system. But otherwise, aspiring online tutors should also develop a personal brand. This concept involves more than listing your college credentials or former workplace. Simply because there's millions of people with similar job titles across the world.

You have to look beyond just the specialized knowledge you have. Maybe it's engineering. Maybe it's computer programming. Maybe it's some sort of molecular cell biology. You have to look beyond that specialized body of knowledge and focus on branding as well.

This is where digital marketing comes in. When people see that you have a specific brand associated with a specialized form of knowledge, they start preferring you. Maybe they think you explain concepts better. Maybe they think you're more approachable. Maybe they think you are more competent than the next person.

Whatever their perception may be, in the world of digital marketing, perception is reality. So when you market yourself online, building a personal brand will allow you to charge more money for every hour of service performed. Afterall that’s one of the major benefits of working from home or freelancing! Giving yourself room to take control of your salary, create time freedom and help others by sharing your expertise.

In other words, if you're going to spend hours doing specialized work, you may as well charge premium rates for that time. However, if you decide to market your skills as something generic like math, it most likely will result in lower wages. That’s why I recommend you do both. You have to offer specialized knowledge while also creating a personal brand. This way, students and guardians would be willing to pay top dollar.

Where to Find Online Tutoring Jobs

In conclusion, there are many students who need tutorial assistance. After retirement, individuals can become tutors by leveraging their professional experience and expertise in a particular subject. They can also seek out tutoring opportunities through local schools, community centers, or online platforms to share their knowledge with students of all ages. Global job opportunities are available. Candidates who speak and write in a second language thrive. Employers may require a certain level of education and work experience. If you're looking to tutor people via the internet, please understand that going through an employer online or becoming a freelancer are the two primary business models. Click here to view our Go Remote: Digital Marketing Guide and learn how to build your brand and stand out from the competition! This magazine style e-book is perfect for those with No tech experience. It explains digital marketing concepts and guides readers through the process of getting starting online.