Tips and Tricks!
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. — Winston Churchill
Before starting my online teaching business journey I had a lot of doubt about my ability to sustain this endeavor. Would it work for me? Would I have time to sustain it? Would people like what I have to offer? It took me a long time to get going.
I created a blog (not this one) and some Facebook groups (not for my business). I had a Pinterest site (personal). None of it connected. I had so many issues to overcome being from South Africa. I Googled so many different aspects that it all seemed overwhelming. Especially since I am also a full time high school teacher and Acting Principal at the moment. So I stopped.
Then along came Covid19.
The time at home gave me the opportunity to sit down and plan ahead. I came up with five things to help me focus my attention and build my brand. I will show you how you can use these as well.
1. What are your skills?
As an educator / teacher / administrator in a school environment, consider what you are already doing. Be practical about how you can unleash your full potential. This is not the time to reinvent the wheel. Bring your own personality to the table and make sure you use your time management skills to their full potential.
You will have to upgrade your business and marketing skills a lot. Study experts to find out how you can become one.
2. What does the market need?
Find out more about your customers. Will they be other teachers or do you focus on parents and learners. Not all countries give access to all platforms, so make sure you know who your audience will be and how to reach them.
Find out more about other teachers, educators and education businesses. There are billions of people online and on social media. Find the niche that you can fill and what the people need.
3. What resources do you already have available?
If you are considering starting an online business, chances are you already have digital materials that you can use. Teachers pay Teachers is an online platform where educators can sell their materials. Another platform is Etsy for products to be sold. Use creative sites like Canva to help you create visually striking materials.
4. Planning is important
First plan your branding. Your online presence should be consistent across all the platforms you plan to use.
Next plan on which platforms and social media you are going to use. This can become a full time task if you don’t narrow it down to three essential services.
Plan on how your payment options will work and which accounts are more important.
Plan on how often you are going to provide new materials. This is the most difficult part as we often run out of time in a school year. Sit down and do the work or..
5. Be ready to face failure
Its not easy. Very few businesses will take of like a rocket ship in the first few months, unless you drive an awesome campaign to the right audience at the right time.
You wont fail unless you give up. Your strategies might need to change over time. Find out what works for you as this is not a one size fits all deal (is it ever?).
Be patient. I remember the first three months so clearly. I checked my tracking apps up to five times a day. Obsessed much? This too shall pass.
Did you find the strategies listed in this article helpful? Leave a comment below, I’d love to know what you think.
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