How Can I Consistently Attract New Tutoring Students?

Every tutor dreams of a full schedule and a business that just flows.

But let’s be honest—some months are full of leads and new students, and others?

Crickets.

If you're a newer tutor, you might be wondering, Where do I even start to find students?

And if you’ve been around a while, you might be nodding along, thinking, Yep, I know the rollercoaster you're talking about.

The core challenge?

Learning how to consistently attract new clients.

And here’s the good news: it’s not about luck. It’s about consistent action over time.

Let’s dig in.

The Coin Pusher Game (and Why It Matters for Your Business)

Have you ever played one of those coin pusher games at a carnival?

You drop in a coin…

Wait.

Drop another…

Still nothing.

Then suddenly—clink! A few coins shift. A big one drops. Jackpot!

That’s exactly how consistent marketing works in your tutoring business.

Each action you take—writing a blog post, updating your website, answering a question in a Facebook group—is like dropping in a coin.

At first, it might feel like nothing’s happening. But those little efforts? They’re stacking up.

And one day, a parent sends a message. You book a discovery call.
And just like that—you’ve got a new student.

That’s your jackpot coin.

Why So Many Tutors Struggle With Consistency

Let’s get real. Consistency is tough.

Here’s where I see tutors get stuck:

• Focusing on the wrong things (like spending hours making lesson plans before getting a student)

• Waiting for motivation to strike

• Posting once, then disappearing for weeks

• Thinking they need a huge ad budget to market themselves

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to go viral or spend thousands on Facebook ads.

You need small, strategic actions done regularly.

Your 3-Step Plan to Attract Students Consistently

Here’s what I recommend—no fluff, no overwhelm.

1. Get an Accountability Partner and Track Your Progress

I know this sounds basic, but it’s powerful.

Research from interaworks shows that when you just tell someone your goal, your odds of following through jump to 65%.

Set up a weekly 10- to 20-minute check-in and talk about what you actually did that week to move your business forward.

Not lesson planning.

Not scrolling Facebook.

I'm talking about actual income-producing activities.

Things like:

• Posting content

• Reaching out to potential referral partners

• Optimizing your website

• Answering questions online where your ideal clients are hanging out

Even if it’s just one action a day—it adds up.

2. Grow Your Online Presence One Platform at a Time

Don't try to be everywhere at once. That’s how burnout happens.

Pick one place to show up consistently. Are you already on Facebook? Great. Start posting once a week with helpful tips.

Already on LinkedIn? Awesome. Add a blog post or carousel once a month.

When you feel ready, add a second platform—YouTube, Instagram, Google Business Profile—whatever makes the most sense for your audience.

You don’t need to go big. You just need to go steady.

3. Show Up on Answer Engines Like Reddit and Quora

This is where the internet is heading—people want quick, real answers to their questions.

And guess what? AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are pulling content from platforms like Reddit and Quora, according to Mindbee's blog.

That means your answers on those platforms can get picked up by the AI tools themselves—which is a smart way to get found.

Go search for questions related to your tutoring subject. Better yet, pay attention to what your actual clients are asking you.

Then go answer those same questions on public platforms.

You’re building visibility and trust before someone even lands on your website.

“But I Don’t Have Time…”

I hear this all the time. And trust me, I get it.

But here’s the thing—if we keep spending our time on small stuff (emails, lesson planning, second-guessing our Instagram bio), we’ll never get to the big stuff that actually brings in students.

Think of your time like a jar.

If you fill it with sand (aka distractions), there’s no room for the big rocks (income-producing actions).

But if you start with the big rocks—content, conversations, and connection—you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done, even in a packed week.

So, start your day by dropping in one “coin.” Just one.

Then tomorrow, do it again.

Real Talk: Millie’s Story

One of my favorite examples is my friend and client, Millie Cosme.

She’s built a thriving tutoring business, with a whole team of tutors working for her. And yet? She still joins my Jumpstart Your Online Tutoring Business Masterclass every time I run it.

Why? Because she knows that consistency works.

Every time she needs a new wave of students, she goes back to the basics. She gets visible. She takes action. And she sees results.

You don’t outgrow consistency. You lean into it.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’re tired of trying to figure it all out on your own—good news: you don’t have to.

Inside the Insider Secrets Club, we give you the roadmap, weekly accountability, and the tools you need to show up consistently (without burning out).

Or if you're looking for a more personal touch, you can always work with me 1:1.

🎯 Click here to schedule a free consultation.

Let’s figure out where you’re stuck and what small, steady actions will get you moving again.

Because in the end?

Every coin and every action counts.

Keep showing up. Your next student is closer than you think.

Want more information on how to get students?  Check out this Ultimate Guide I created just for you.

About Joanne Kaminski

Joanne Kaminski is a Sussex, WI–based former classroom teacher and certified Reading Specialist with over 25 years of on-the-ground experience. She founded Online Tutor Coach, LLC, helping thousands of tutors across Wisconsin—and beyond—turn their passion into thriving online businesses with consistent, income-producing actions.

She’s also the host of The Online Tutor Business Podcast, where she shares clear strategies for getting found, hired, and referred by dream clients. Joanne has published over 80 episodes, and regularly dives into topics like smart visibility, scaling, and AI for tutors.

On YouTube, you’ll find Joanne’s channel—“Joanne Kaminski”—filled with practical videos for online tutors, featuring everything from marketing tips to confidence-building advice.

No matter where you’re located—whether you’re nearby in Waukesha County or halfway around the world—Joanne’s mission is the same: to help you stop riding the income rollercoaster and start stacking consistent, student-winning “coins” across your tutoring journey.