Quick takeaway: Set a goal, define your unique value proposition, then choose 2–3 channels you can do consistently (referrals + social + a simple website is a strong start).
Before you begin, define what success looks like
Whether you’ve just started a private tutoring business or want to grow your existing company, knowing how to advertise your services is critical to your success.
However, knowing where to begin—especially if you haven’t advertised a tutoring business before—can be a little daunting.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to advertise tutoring services, including:
- Why you first need to outline your advertising campaign goals
- How to define your unique value proposition as a private tutor
- How to decide which advertising platforms to use to reach your target audience
To ensure your advertising campaign is successful, you first need to understand what you want to achieve with your marketing efforts.
Having a clear goal in mind will help you define your priorities and stay on track.
Here are a few example goals:
- Increasing traffic to your tutoring website
- Getting higher conversions from your tutoring website
- Securing more tutoring lessons
Whatever goal you set, make sure it’s realistic and supports the growth of your tutoring business.
Next, establish your unique value proposition (UVP)
How you position yourself is one of the crucial elements of advertising. To position yourself effectively within any market, you need to determine what sets you apart from the competition.
Ask yourself:
- What makes you stand out from other successful tutors?
- Do you have unique teaching techniques or notable academic achievements?
It may be helpful to outline some basics:
- What subjects you will be tutoring
- What your area of expertise is
- What qualifications and tutoring skills you have
- Whether you'll be tutoring online or in person
- How much you will be charging for lessons
Seven effective ways to advertise your tutoring services
Once you have set a clear goal for your campaign and identified what makes you unique as a tutor, you can get started with advertising.
Choose the methods that best match your audience and the goal you set.
1. Target strategic locations with printed advertising
Printed advertisements (brochures, flyers, posters) are still effective. They’re relatively inexpensive and accessible, and can work well when placed in the right locations.
Always make sure you have permission before distributing materials.
Examples of places to advertise:
- Local schools
- Libraries
- Community boards
- Coffee shops
- Shops/malls
- Churches
2. Use your network to gain referrals
The value of referrals and word-of-mouth advertising cannot be underestimated. Parents want someone they can trust, and adult learners often want credible subject matter experts.
Ways to leverage your network:
- Email schools offering your services to students needing help
- Ask schools if you can advertise in newsletters
- Ask students/parents to recommend you
- Join online community forums where you can share your services
Positive word-of-mouth also depends on professionalism: admin, invoicing, communication, and follow-through.
6. Use SEO to get your website noticed
SEO helps increase organic traffic to your site, which can convert into new students without paying for every click.
Make your website user-friendly
- Streamline content (overview first, details on separate pages)
- Use subheadings to improve scanning
- Add clear calls-to-action (Learn more, Get started, Subscribe)
- Make contact details easy to find
- Include a contact form and follow up quickly
7. Don’t forget about search engine marketing (SEM)
If SEO isn’t driving enough traffic, SEM can help. SEM allows you to run paid ads that appear alongside organic search results, which can help you compete for high-intent searches.
Using SEO + SEM together is often the most effective combination.
Now it’s your turn to start advertising your tutoring business
Advertising a tutoring business can feel overwhelming. But if you take it step-by-step, you’ll be off to a great start.
Key takeaways:
- Set clear goals
- Define what makes you different and communicate it consistently
- Create a cohesive online presence (website + social)
- Don’t dismiss “old school” advertising like flyers
- Referrals matter — your reputation is everything
Once you grow your customer base, you’ll want systems that keep admin under control so you can focus on teaching.
Teach ’n Go helps tutors streamline scheduling, attendance, billing, and communication in one place.
Advertising FAQs
What’s the fastest way to get tutoring students?
Referrals plus a simple online presence is often fastest. Ask current students/parents for recommendations, post clearly in local groups, and make it easy to contact you or book a lesson.
Which marketing channel should tutors start with?
Start with 2–3 channels you can do consistently: referrals, local community groups (Facebook), and a basic website/contact page are a strong foundation.
Do tutors need a website to advertise?
It’s not mandatory, but it builds trust. A one-page site with your subjects, pricing, availability, testimonials, and a contact form can improve conversions from every other channel.
Don’t underestimate the power of social media
Since people spend a lot of time on social platforms, it’s a great place to be discovered by prospective clients and build credibility.
Platforms you can use:
Facebook
Facebook groups can help you target communities with shared interests—especially local parent groups and subject-specific groups. You can also create a business page for reviews and messaging.
Instagram
Instagram can work well for short tutorials via Reels and Stories. A consistent, professional-looking page increases engagement and shares.
TikTok
TikTok is ideal for short, engaging tutorials and quick tips. Include a link to your website/contact page so interested people can reach you.
4. Join tutoring directories
Tutoring directories attract people actively looking for tutors. You usually apply and pay a fee, but it can be a strong channel for ready-to-buy leads.
5. Create an engaging website
A website builds credibility and gives parents/students a “home base” for your offering. You can use tools like Wix or Squarespace to start quickly, and upgrade later.
Use your site to clearly explain your services, qualifications, and what makes you different. Testimonials help build trust.