written by

Khawar Malik

first published

October 8, 2024

last updated

October 21, 2024

weekly newsletter

💌 subscribe here!

how to build a language teaching business beyond 1-on-1 classes 💰

are you finding yourself working endless hours but not seeing the pay reflect your hard work? tired of the constant race to offer the lowest price in a saturated market? are rigid platform rules and high commissions making it impossible to build a teaching business on your own terms?

you're not alone. many online language teachers are facing the same challenges—low pay, burnout, and a lack of control over their businesses. but it doesn’t have to be this way.

let's explore why a focus on 1-on-1 classes could be holding you back, and how you can build a thriving, more balanced teaching business away from traditional language learning marketplaces.

tl;dr - fast facts 🤯

• online language teaching platforms have prioritized 1-on-1 classes, pushing teachers into a low-pay, high-competition race that leads to burnout. 🙀
• exclusively learning through 1-on-1 classes isn’t ideal for students either, as they often miss out on more diverse and interactive ways of learning languages—like community-based practice or digital resources. we should be thinking in terms of outcomes, not hours! 🎯
• in today’s post, we’re exploring how to diversify your product suite and reframe 1-on-1 time as premium coaching to elevate your business. ✅

why 1-on-1 classes alone aren't sustainable 🕰️

race to the bottom: pricing and burnout ⚡

when you rely solely on 1-on-1 classes, you’re often forced to compete on price, which pushes everyone into a race to the bottom. with so many teachers offering the same services, the easiest way to stand out is by lowering prices. over time, this means working more for less and, inevitably, burnout.

it’s not just about low pay either—many platforms take high commissions and have hidden fees like processing charges or payout fees, which chip away at what’s left.

teachers often end up working long hours but still struggle to cover basic expenses. this, in turn, leads to burnout, making it harder to keep up with a demanding schedule and provide quality teaching.

limited creativity and control 🎨

teaching 1-on-1 classes over and over can feel repetitive and uninspiring for many teachers. it also limits students from experiencing diverse learning methods, like group discussions or peer interactions, that can enhance their progress.

sticking to one format might not serve your students as well as it could.

on top of that, relying on large platforms means you don’t have full control over important business decisions. for example, many platforms dictate refund and cancellation policies, meaning you could lose income through no fault of your own.

this lack of flexibility can make it difficult to run a business in a way that reflects your needs and values.

what are the trade-offs of leaving marketplaces? 🤔

leaving large online marketplaces does come with some trade-offs, the biggest one being that you’ll need to find your own students.

this can seem daunting at first, especially if you’ve relied on platforms to market your services.

however, with the right balance of well-priced products—from 1-on-1 premium coaching to digital products and group clubs—you won’t need to rely on having as many students.

creating a diverse suite of offerings allows you to attract different types of learners and bring in more income per student, reducing the pressure to fill your schedule.

the trade-off is that while you might need to do more to attract students initially, the payoff is that you have full control over your business, and with fewer students, you can earn more and enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle. 💡

a new approach: diversify your offerings 🌱

to build a successful teaching business, start by creating a balanced product suite that includes everything from lead magnets to premium 1-on-1 coaching.

here’s a sequential approach you can use as a loose blueprint:

1) freebies + lead magnets 🎁

freebies are a great way to attract potential students and build your audience. they offer value upfront without a commitment, helping students get to know your teaching style.

free digital downloads like ebooks, vocabulary lists, or practice exercises can act as lead magnets, drawing people into your community.

these free resources don’t need to be overly complex—just something that solves a quick problem for your potential students while introducing them to your teaching.

at somos, you can also invite students to join your private community space for free where you can engage and keep everyone updated on your latest paid products.

2) passive income: external/affiliate links + paid digital downloads 💸

once you’ve built a following, you can start introducing passive income streams. this could include sharing affiliate links to language apps or tools you recommend, or even links to paid courses you might host elsewhere. [psst… don’t tell anyone but the somos affiliate program pays 20% commission for the entire life of each referral subscription]

another option is to create paid digital downloads—like lesson plans, templates, or mini-courses—that students can purchase and use independently.

this allows you to generate income without trading time for money, making your business more scalable.

3) group & asynchronous options 👥

group language clubs or asynchronous programmes are perfect for reducing your teaching hours while still providing valuable learning experiences.

students can join at a lower price than 1-on-1 sessions, but you earn more per hour by working with multiple students at once.

you can structure clubs around themes like conversation practice, book discussions, or even exam prep. asynchronous programmes offer even more flexibility for both you and your students, allowing them to work through content at their own pace.

4) 1-on-1 teaching 🎖️

finally, position your 1-on-1 time as premium coaching. these sessions should be reserved for students who need personalized attention and are willing to pay for it.

by making 1-on-1 classes a more exclusive offering, you can increase your rates and offer them selectively to students who need specific 1-on-1 support, avoiding burnout and creating more value from each session.

solutions for diversifying your business 🔧

there are several ways to diversify your offerings and create a more sustainable income. below, we'll explore some potential approaches.

in future posts, we'll take a closer look at how to set up each option step by step, so stay tuned!

1) go solo as freelancer 💻

going solo as a freelancer allows you full control over your teaching business.

here’s a breakdown of tools you might need to manage everything yourself:

• build a website or link in bio store: platforms like wix, squarespace or wordpress with custom domains range from around $12-30/month.
• calendar (with payment processing): booking management software like calendly starts at $12/month.
• email marketing: tools like mailchimp or convertkit start at $10-15/month, depending on your list size.
• community platform: platforms like circle cost around $49/month to create a space for your students, but free options like telegram or whatsapp are perfect for teachers just starting out or wanting to minimize costs.

while going solo gives you complete control, managing various subscriptions and tools can quickly become costly and complex.

2) use an all-in-one platform 🌐

all-in-one platforms streamline the process by providing tools for everything in one place. here’s a look at popular options:

• kajabi: starts at $55/month for course creation, marketing, and community building.
• thinkific: starts at $49/month for course creation and student management.
• somos: somos offers all these tools—group clubs, digital products, 1:1 classes (with booking system) and community spaces—without charging commission. somos is also the most affordable option at just $9.99/month + 1% donation to our impact fund, helping you keep more of what you earn.

each platform has its benefits, so consider what fits your needs and budget best.

build a teaching business that works for you 🌟

moving beyond 1-on-1 classes opens up new possibilities for your business and your well-being.

by diversifying your offerings, you can reduce your hours, increase your income, and give your students more varied learning opportunities.

whether you go solo or use an all-in-one platform, you’ll be able to take full control of your teaching journey and set yourself up for long-term success.

you might also like…