How to Start an Online Teaching Business: A Guide for Aspiring Teacher Sellers

March 27, 2024

If you’ve clicked on this post, chances are you’ve googled how to start an online teaching business. Maybe you’ve been teaching in a traditional classroom for years, or perhaps you’re a newbie looking to dive into the world of online education. Either way, you’re in the right place! In this post, I’m going to walk you through the steps on how to start an online teaching business.

So, grab a cup of tea (or coffee!), and let’s get started.

How to Start an Online Teaching Business in 7 Steps

Step 1 | Discover Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Your USP is the backbone of your online business. It’s what sets you apart in a sea of similar sellers.

Expertise: Maybe you have a decade of experience teaching a particular grade or subject. Highlight that.
Special Techniques: Do you incorporate unique teaching methods or strategies that have proven effective? Share those.
Diverse Resources: Perhaps you offer lesson plans in multiple languages or cater to different learning styles.

Step 2 | Platform Selection: Where to Sell?

Choosing the right platform can make or break your online venture.

User Base: Platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers & Etsy have a vast user base, which can mean more visibility.
Fees: Some platforms might charge a listing fee, a transaction fee, or both. Factor these into your pricing.
Customization: Platforms that allow you to customize your store can help in branding such as TPT.

Step 3 | Quality Over Quantity

Your reputation hinges on the quality of your resources.

Proofreading: Ensure your resources are free from grammatical or factual errors.
Feedback Loop: Before listing, share your resources with a few fellow educators for feedback.
Diverse Offerings: Offer a mix of free and paid resources. Free resources can attract users to your store, and if they find value, they’re likely to explore paid options.

Step 4 | Pricing: Finding the Sweet Spot

Pricing is a delicate balance.

Competitive Analysis: Check out what similar resources are priced at. Don’t undervalue or overprice.
Bundling: Offer bundles of complementary resources at a discounted rate.
Sales and Discounts: Occasional sales can attract more buyers and boost your visibility on the platform.

Step 5 | Promotion: Get the Word Out

Visibility is key in the online world.

Social Media: Platforms like Pinterest are goldmines for promoting teaching resources. Create engaging pins that lead back to your store.
Blogging: Share teaching tips, strategies, and snippets of your resources through blogs. This not only positions you as an expert but also drives traffic.
Collaborations: Partner with fellow educators for joint promotions or resource swaps.

Step 6 | Engage and Build a Community

A loyal community can be your biggest asset.

Feedback: Encourage buyers to leave reviews. Positive reviews can boost sales, while constructive feedback can help you improve.
Engagement: Host Q&A sessions, webinars, or workshops. Engage with your audience and understand their needs.
Exclusive Offers: Offer exclusive discounts or early access to new resources for your community members.

Step 7 | Stay Updated with Curriculum Changes

Staying relevant is crucial.

Regular Updates: Education boards often update curriculums. Ensure your resources align with the latest guidelines.
Continued Learning: Attend workshops, webinars, or conferences. The more you learn, the better resources you can create.
Feedback Mechanism: Encourage teachers who use your resources to share updates or changes they’d like to see.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Starting your Teacher Business

Avoiding pitfalls can save you time, money, and reputation. The first is overcommitting: It’s easy to get excited and promise regular updates or new resources. Only commit to what you can deliver. The next is ignoring trends. The education sector, like any other, has trends. Stay updated and incorporate trending topics or methods. Lastly is not having a backup. Digital mishaps happen. Always have backups of your resources, customer data, and other crucial information. I can attest that is can be devastating to lose work you spent so much time on!

Selling lesson plans and teaching resources online is not just a business; it’s a way to impact classrooms worldwide. Your unique approach can inspire educators and benefit students far beyond the confines of your own classroom.

Remember, every successful online seller started with a single resource. With passion, persistence, and a touch of business savvy, you can turn your teaching expertise into a thriving online venture.

I love sharing helpful content with y’all and would love to connect on IG or Facebook. I’m on TikTok too! Follow me and send me a DM with what you need more of because I’m here to help! If you are looking for even more inspiration, find me on Pinterest!