So, you’ve decided to go independent and become an amazing online teacher. But how do you get bookings? How do people find you? Let’s dive into the top ten social media platforms you can use to market your online classes and increase your bookings.
The Importance of Social Media for Independent Teachers
Welcome to my space! I’m Jillian from julianshanahan.com, where we focus on helping online teachers like you increase bookings and grow income. With years of experience working with online teachers, both independent and those within companies, I can tell you that marketing your classes on social media is crucial. Without marketing, you risk becoming the world’s best-kept secret, and your bookings will never reach their full potential.
Marketing in China: WeChat and Little Red Book
If you’re marketing in China, WeChat and Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu) are essential platforms. WeChat is a bit tricky; you need to be verified by someone already on it, and you need initial connections to grow. It’s not a platform where you can just become famous overnight. However, once you’re in, it’s perfect for growing organic referrals, especially with WeChat groups.
Photo by Bekky Bekks on Unsplash
Little Red Book is more like China’s Instagram. It’s an open platform where you can use hashtags to find students and build relationships. The perk? You don’t need any contacts to start. You can begin from zero, unlike WeChat. Students from the Independent Teacher Academy (ITA) have seen immediate results by posting their private lessons on Little Red Book.
Beyond China: Global Social Media Platforms
Not everyone markets in China. Many teachers are finding students worldwide, not just in the ESL sector. So, let’s explore platforms outside the Chinese marketplace.
Meta Marketing: Facebook and Instagram
Meta platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, are powerful tools for marketing. While Facebook like pages have lost their shine, using reels can still be effective. However, I advise against paid ads in the early stages of your business. Focus on organic marketing first. Know what works, then consider ads.
Instagram is fantastic for marketing through reels, posts, stories, videos, pictures, and lives. If you enjoy short video content, TikTok is another option. It’s well-known, and if you’re marketing in China, consider its Chinese version.
Exploring Other Markets: Kakao Story and Clubhouse
If you’re targeting South Korea, Kakao Story is a must. It’s similar to Instagram, allowing you to use videos, pictures, and text posts with hashtags to reach your audience. Clubhouse is another interesting platform, especially for adult English learners. It’s like a live podcast, where you can host rooms and engage with learners directly.
Photo by Dmitry Mashkin on Unsplash
Networking for Business Professionals: LinkedIn
For teachers focusing on business professionals, LinkedIn is invaluable. It’s a great place to make connections and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Especially for those teaching business English, LinkedIn offers a unique opportunity to connect with professionals and network within your niche.
Photo by Souvik Banerjee on Unsplash
Why YouTube is a Game-Changer
YouTube, the second largest search engine after Google, offers immense potential. With over 5 billion videos watched daily, it’s a great platform to showcase your teaching style, share valuable content, and attract students. Ranking your videos on YouTube can also help you rank on Google, expanding your reach even further.
Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash
Creating a Strategy for Success
Simply having a presence on social media won’t get you students. You need a strategy. This is something we teach at the Independent Teacher Academy, where students receive personalized attention to create a social media strategy that works for them.
Avoiding the Trap of Vanity Metrics
Don’t get caught up in vanity metrics like follower count. Someone with 100 followers can have a fully booked schedule, while another with a million might have none. It’s all about strategy and turning leads into paying students.
Focusing Your Efforts: Quality Over Quantity
Don’t try to be on all ten platforms. You’ll spread yourself too thin. Focus on one or two platforms where you can excel. Master them, and then consider expanding.
If you learned something from this, find me on Instagram for more tips and strategies. Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you and consistently applying it to grow your student list. Happy teaching!
Leave a Reply