Teaching direct students as an online English teacher is like hitting the jackpot! Not only do you get to set your own schedule and work from the comfort of your own home, but you also have the freedom to create your own curriculum, pick and choose your students, and set your own rates. Plus, you get to avoid all the long meetings, unnecessary paperwork and other office nonsense that sometimes comes with working for a company.
Say hello to freedom and flexibility, and goodbye to the corporate world!
The good news? With the right strategies and techniques, finding your own direct learners can be a total breeze, a walk in the park, a piece of cake! So read through if you want to increase your chances of success and build a steady stream of income.
So where to find direct students as an Online Teacher?
Our first recommendation to help you find direct students is that you establish a strong online presence. This can include setting up social media profiles or creating a professional website and actively engage with your target audience. Your website should include information about your qualifications, teaching experience, and the services you offer.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn can also be used to connect with potential students and promote your services. Facebook groups have proven to many of us teachers to be the best place to advertise our services as you can focus on people with specific needs.
Try to post on groups of expats living in English-speaking countries (for example Brazilians in the UK) and you will be surprised by the results!
Creating high-quality content that showcases your expertise in teaching English can make you stand out from the crowd! You can share blog posts, videos, and audio recordings that provide useful tips and insights on learning English. Additionally, you can participate in online forums and discussion groups related to teaching English, which can help you to build your reputation and connect with potential students.
Another effective way to find direct students is to use websites used by students to find teachers (for example “tusclasesparticulares” in Spain). These pages allow you to list your classes and reach a large audience for free or for a small monthly fee. By listing your classes on these platforms, you can attract the attention of potential students who are specifically searching for online classes related to your subject.
Hosting events and workshops can be an exciting way to attract new students. This can be a great opportunity to showcase your teaching style, build relationships with potential students, and provide valuable information and skills to the community.
Another option is to partner with other businesses and organisations in your area to host events, this can be a great way to get your name out there and reach new audiences.
Collaborations are a great thing!
Another wise strategy is to collaborate with other online English teachers or language schools. This can help you to expand your reach and increase your chances of finding direct students. Your new teacher friend may be contacted by a student who wants a Business English teacher and this happens to be you!
You can also participate in online teacher networks and communities, which can provide valuable resources and support. And in case you find another teacher who is also strong on social media, why not have an Instagram live together? A webinar? Let your audience find your new connection and vice versa!
Advertising in your community
Advertising your online classes at libraries and universities is a fun and smart way to reach new students. You’ll be able to tap into a captive audience of eager learners who are looking for educational opportunities.
Plus, by advertising at these reputable institutions, you’ll instantly boost your own credibility and attract students who are interested in learning. And with libraries and universities providing resources like computers and internet access, your classes will be more accessible to even more students. And best of all, you’ll get to reach a diverse group of students from all backgrounds.
So why not give it a try, and see how many new students you can attract by hanging some flyers around?
You can also reach out to local businesses and organizations to offer your services as an English teacher. Many businesses have employees who need to improve their English skills for their jobs and may be interested in your services. If you live in a touristic city, it may be a good idea to prepare a proposal to restaurant owners talking about your “mini online course on how to deal with angry customers” and make a discount in case more than 3 employees buy your 10-lesson pack.
The best way to get direct students?
For us at TEFL Barcelona, the best way to find new students is by tapping into the power of word of mouth. Encourage your current students to spread the word about your classes to their friends and family. Not only will this help you reach new potential students, but it will also show that your current students are happy with their experience and want to share it with others.
To sweeten the deal, you can offer incentives such as discounts on future classes to students who successfully refer new students to your classes. This can be a fun and effective way to grow your student base and build a community of dedicated learners.
Final considerations
Remember that in addition to these strategies, it is important to have a clear pricing structure for your services, which should be competitive and transparent. You should also have a clear and easy to use booking system, which makes it easy for students to schedule and pay for lessons.
Finally, it is important to provide excellent customer service and support to your students. This can include responding quickly to inquiries, being flexible and accommodating to the student’s needs, and providing feedback and support to help students improve their English language skills.
Keep in mind that building a community of dedicated learners is a long-term process and requires patience and effort. But with the right approach and mindset, you can successfully attract new students and take your business to the next level.
Happy teaching!
Teacher Little Mary
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