If you’ve been posting “I’m taking students” on social media and hearing crickets, you’re not alone.
It turns out that just announcing your availability doesn’t bring in students.
In fact, it could be turning them away!
So, what’s the secret to getting students online?
It’s all about engaging with your audience, building trust, and delivering value—not just shouting that you’re open for business.
Let’s dive into what actually works!
Create Content That Answers Real Questions
To attract students, you need to provide content that adds value.
Focus on answering the questions your ideal clients are asking.
Parents might wonder if their child has dyslexia or how they can help their child with math at home.
By creating content around these questions, you’re positioning yourself as an expert, and when they need help, they’ll know who to reach out to.
Remember, your content can take many forms—blog posts, short social media videos, reels, or even polls. Just make sure it’s answering real concerns and offering practical tips.
Follow the 20/80 Rule: Add Value First, Promote Later
One common mistake tutors make is promoting themselves too much.
The 20/80 rule, popularized by Gary Vaynerchuk in Jab, Jab, Right Hook, advises giving value 80% of the time and promoting yourself only 20%.
If most of your posts are salesy, people will scroll past them without engaging.
Instead, when you focus on helping your audience, you’re building trust, and when they need tutoring, you’ll be the expert they remember.
Why Posting an Unsolicited ad in Facebook Groups Isn’t the Solution
Many tutors join Facebook groups, hoping that posting about their services will bring in students.
In fact, here is a real example of what some of these look like.
But it doesn’t work.
I even asked my own Facebook group of 24,000 members if anyone had gotten a student this way.
The response? Not a single tutor had.
Instead, use groups to engage with others, answer questions, and build relationships. This will get you noticed for your expertise, not just for a sales pitch.
It’s About Engaging, Not Just Using Social Media
Here’s where we need to change the conversation about social media.
It’s not about using social media, which sounds like you’re taking advantage of others.
It’s about engaging—asking the right questions, listening to your ideal clients, and networking with other professionals.
Are you engaging with your audience and showing up consistently?
Are you learning from those who have already been successful?
These are the questions you should be asking to build long-term success on social platforms.
Build the Know, Like, and Trust Factor
Instead of posting that you’re taking students, build the “know, like, and trust” factor.
Ask your current clients to write about their success with you on their social media profiles.
When someone recommends you, it carries much more weight than you promoting yourself.
And once in a while, it’s okay to ask your audience to DM you if they want to learn more—but don’t overdo it.
Final Thoughts
Getting students isn’t about posting “I’m taking students” every week—it’s about building relationships, providing value, and positioning yourself as an expert.
By focusing on engaging, answering questions, and offering genuine help, you’ll naturally attract students who trust and respect your expertise.
So, the next time you think about making a post, remember—it’s about engagement, not just announcements!
Want to learn how to get students for your tutoring business?
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