GMAT tutoring is a business idea that has been successful for many work-at-home moms. If you are considering this type of business for yourself, you need to think about how you will promote it. Without a solid business plan that includes marketing ideas, your business will not grow at the rate you want it to. There are many creative and practical ideas you can utilize to promote your business.
Develop Your Brand
The first thing you need to do is to develop your brand. You can't promote your business if people don't know what it is. This means you need to decide on a business name and have business cards and other printed material made up for you to distribute. This includes flyers or brochures, letterhead, etc.
Use Local Resources First
When becoming a GMAT tutor, speak to all of the local colleges and business programs in your area. Let them know what your business is by sending them an introduction letter with your contact information. Include business cards for them to hand out. Ask to post flyers in the hallways of their institutions.
Ask to attend their college introduction meetings where new grad students come to learn about their programs. Offer to hold GMAT group tutoring classes for them at a discount rate. Be creative and find a way to stand out so they remember to refer their students to you.
Use the Internet
Create a website for yourself. There are many cost effective programs out there that will guide you through the process of developing a website. Be sure to list your services, including private tutoring, group classes, etc. Update your site frequently, check email daily and respond promptly.
Use Social Networking Sites
Websites such as LinkedIn, Face Book, MySpace and others are effective in promoting your business. Just register on the site, list your contact and business information, availability, credentials and any specials you are offering.
LinkedIn even has groups that cater specifically to different types of careers. You can use this to your advantage to glean ideas, get referrals and update your own skills.
Develop a Blog, a Newsletter or Both
Updating a daily blog is a great way to talk about local test dates, your availability to tutor and to offer helpful studying tips. A newsletter is effective, as well, and is a great venue for recognizing students' progress and test scores, with their permission of course.
Other Promotional Ideas
Use Twitter to send out tutoring times, specific areas you are tutoring in, when local MBA programs start, etc.
Ask to advertise your services on other business' websites or trade advertising with them. Bookstores, small businesses and credit unions are all great places to ask.
Visit local libraries; not just public libraries, but academic ones as well. Find the community board to leave your contact information.
There are many ways to promote your business, and eventually word of mouth will assist you in gaining new students. Research tutoring rates in your area so that you can offer a competitive and fair price for your services.
