Introduction
Teaching on platforms like VIPKid, Cambly, or iTalki can be a great starting point, but relying solely on them limits your earning potential and flexibility. If you’re ready to take control of your income, set your own rates, and build a long-term teaching business, transitioning to your own independent setup is the way forward.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to move from teaching on platforms to running your own profitable online teaching business.
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1. Why Transition Away from Teaching Platforms?
While platforms offer convenience, they come with drawbacks:
- Low pay – Platforms take a cut of your earnings.
- Lack of control – You can’t set your own rates or policies.
- Limited growth – There’s no way to scale beyond 1:1 lessons.
- Uncertainty – Platforms can change policies, reduce pay, or shut down.
By running your own business, you gain full control over pricing, branding, and student relationships—allowing you to build a stable and profitable career.
2. What You Need Before You Make the Switch
Before leaving a platform, prepare these essentials:
✔ A Place to Have Lessons–Use a service like Zoom, KoalaGo, Classin, Google Meet, or FunClass (I prefer FunClass)
✔ A Clear Niche – Define who you want to teach and what makes your lessons unique.
✔ A Website or Landing Page – A simple website builds credibility and serves as a hub for potential students.
✔ A Payment System – Set up PayPal, Stripe, or another payment processor.
✔ Lesson Packages & Pricing – Decide on your pricing structure and offer value-packed lesson bundles.
✔ A Scheduling System – Use tools like Calendly or Acuity for easy booking. If you aren’t focused on the Chinese market, TidyCal works, too, and offers a lifetime plan (at the time of this posting) for a low price through AppSumo.
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t quit platforms immediately! Start attracting private students while still teaching on platforms to create a smooth transition.
3. Finding and Attracting Your Own Students
One of the biggest concerns when leaving a platform is how to get students. Here’s where to start:
Leverage Your Existing Platform Students (Ethically!)
- Build relationships with regular students.
- If the platform allows, encourage students to follow your content (e.g., Instagram, YouTube, email list).
Use Social Media to Showcase Your Teaching Style
- Post teaching tips, success stories, and student testimonials.
- Engage in Facebook groups where parents and learners hang out.
- Offer free mini-lessons or challenges to attract new students.
Tap into Word-of-Mouth & Referrals
- Ask happy students to refer others.
- Offer incentives (e.g., a free lesson for every referral).
4. Setting Up Your Business: Pricing, Payments & Scheduling
Setting Your Prices
Your own pricing should be higher than platform rates since you’re handling marketing and admin work.
💡 Formula to Calculate Your Ideal Rate:
(Annual Income Goal + Expenses) ÷ Billable Hours = Hourly Rate
📌 Related Resource: How to Charge What You’re Worth and Set Your Prices
Accepting Payments
Use Stripe, PayPal, or Wise for secure international payments.
If you’re teaching students in China, you will want to set up WeChat pay to your Stripe account.
📌 Related Resource: How to Get Paid by Chinese Clients
Managing Your Schedule
- Use Acuity, Calendly, TidyCal, or Google Calendar for bookings.
- If you’re using FunClass or Classin, your calendar will already show your bookings and availability (this makes it easier for you!)
- Set clear cancellation and rescheduling policies to protect your time.
5. Marketing Yourself as an Independent Teacher
Now that you’re running your own business, consistent marketing is key.
Build a Simple Website or Landing Page
Include:
- A short bio about you and your teaching style.
- What makes your lessons different.
- A clear call-to-action (CTA) (e.g., “Book a Free Trial Lesson”).
Start an Email List
Email marketing helps nurture relationships and keeps students coming back. Offer a free resource (e.g., a mini-course or printable) in exchange for email sign-ups.
Utilize Content Marketing
- Post short video tips on TikTok, Instagram, Xiaohongshu, or YouTube.
- Write blog posts or social media posts with teaching tips.
- Share student success stories to build credibility.
6. Scaling Your Business for Long-Term Success
Once you have private students, consider expanding beyond 1:1 lessons to increase income without working more hours:
Group Classes
- Teach multiple students at once for higher earnings per hour.
Pre-Recorded Courses
- Sell self-paced courses for passive income.
Digital Products
- Create lesson plans, worksheets, or eBooks for teachers and students.
Conclusion
Moving from teaching on platforms to running your own business is a game-changer for your income and career freedom. By setting up the right systems, attracting your own students, and marketing yourself effectively, you can create a profitable and sustainable online teaching business.
💡 Next Steps:
✔ Grab my Getting Started Toolkit (it’s free!)
✔ Set up your landing page and payment system today!
✔ Try my free pricing calculator to help determine your rates!
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