Quick takeaway: A successful tutoring business comes down to (1) a clear target audience, (2) a simple offer you can explain in one sentence, and (3) systems for scheduling, attendance, and billing.
Starting a tutoring business can be both a rewarding and profitable opportunity.
Not only can you help students reach their goals, but there will always be a demand for quality tutoring services.
However, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve put together nine easy-to-follow steps to help you get your tutoring business off the ground.
Benefits of Starting a Tutoring Business
🧑🏫 Flexible work schedule
🧑🏫 High margins with low startup costs
🧑🏫 Be your own boss
Flexible work schedule
You can tutor part-time or full-time and schedule lessons around your lifestyle.
Low startup costs, high margins
Your main asset is your expertise. No inventory, no expensive equipment.
Work for yourself
You’ll manage teaching, admin, marketing, and invoicing—but with the right tools, this becomes manageable.
Nine Steps to Start a Tutoring Business
- Define your target audience
- Research competitors
- Identify your USP
- Write a business plan
- Decide how you’ll deliver lessons
- List required supplies
- Create a financial plan
- Apply for required permits
- Build a marketing strategy
1. Identify your target audience
Decide which age group and subjects you want to focus on. Your marketing depends on this.
2. Research competitors
Understand pricing, services, and gaps in the market.
3. Define your unique selling proposition
Your USP is what makes you different—specialized expertise, teaching style, or delivery method.
4. Write a business plan
A solid plan helps you anticipate challenges and validate your business idea.
5. Decide how to deliver lessons
Choose between in-person, online, or learning centers based on your preferences and audience.
6. List supplies and tools
Internet, teaching materials, venue costs, transport, and marketing expenses.
7. Build a financial plan
Set competitive pricing without undervaluing your expertise.
8. Apply for permits if required
Especially important if working with children.
9. Create a marketing plan
Referrals, online ads, and a professional website are key to growth.
We also recommend reading our tutoring marketing guide.
Start Your Tutoring Business with Confidence
Once your tutoring business is running, administration can become time-consuming.
Teach ‘n Go helps tutoring businesses manage scheduling, attendance, billing, and payments—all in one place.
🏆 Schedule and track lessons
🏆 Manage attendance history
🏆 Send invoices and track payments
Start a free 7-day trial of our tutoring management software. No credit card required.
