Grow Your Tutoring Business Podcast

Epizody

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  TutorFest 2026 Debrief: What Worked, What Changed and What’s Next 14.07.2026 44min

  A few days after TutorFest 2026, Richard and Vicki sit down—still exhausted and slightly overwhelmed—to reflect on what really happened in Blackpool.This is not simply a rundown of speakers and sessions. It is a conversation about the moments that made TutorFest feel so special: the attendee who discovered the event through AI and travelled from Nottingham the following morning, the podcast listener who shared how Richard’s content had reached him during a particularly difficult time, and the emotional messages written by attendees to their future selves.Richard and Vicki also discuss the things that did not go entirely to plan, including a last-minute speaker cancellation and an air-conditioning failure, as well as the decisions that helped them turn those challenges into positive parts of the experience.They revisit contributions from Dan Meredith, Lisa Johnson, Sophie Kim Hughes, Charlotte Bailey, the TutorFest panel and Lee Parkinson, while exploring what they want to retain, improve and develop for the next event.You’ll hear about:• Why the smaller, shared experience is central to TutorFest• The conversations and connections that happen around the main event• What attendee feedback has taught Richard and Vicki• The possibility of more interaction and movement during future events• Why TutorFest is introducing a virtual ticket• What is planned for TutorFest 2027 in LondonTutorFest returns on 19 February 2027, with both in-person and virtual ticket options available.Listen for an honest look behind the scenes of creating an event—and a reminder that the impact of your work is often happening long before anybody tells you about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Best Marketing Doesn’t Always Need the Biggest Budget 02.07.2026 4min

  What can tutoring business owners learn from Heinz, Gillette and Levi’s?Quite a lot, actually.In this episode, I’m talking about branding, marketing and what happens when big businesses are told they can’t show up in the way they expected. During the World Cup, several well-known brands were restricted from displaying their names because they were not official tournament sponsors. But instead of disappearing quietly, they got creative.Levi’s changed its social media branding to match its covered-up stadium sign. Gillette leaned into the shaving foam idea. Heinz used the familiarity of its bottle shape and branding to make the point that people already knew who they were.And there’s a lesson here for all of us.Running a tutoring business is not always straightforward. Sometimes things feel unfair. Sometimes the rules change. Sometimes you don’t have the budget, platform or opportunity that someone else has.But that does not mean you have no options.This episode is a reminder that creativity often comes from constraint. The businesses that stand out are not always the ones with the biggest budget. Sometimes they are the ones willing to think differently, respond quickly and make the most of the cards they have been dealt.If your tutoring business is going through an ebb and flow moment, this one is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Life After Teaching: Creating Stability Again 24.06.2026 28min

  Leaving teaching can feel like leaving stability behind. A monthly salary, a school timetable, pension contributions, colleagues, policies, procedures and someone else making the big decisions can all create a sense of security.But stability does not only come from a salary.In this final episode of the mini-series on moving from teacher to tutor, I explore what stability can look like outside the classroom. Not the fantasy version. Not the “quit teaching and everything is instantly easy” version. The real version.We look at how tutors and tuition business owners can begin to create stability through income, routines, systems, boundaries, community and support. I also talk about the emotional side of leaving the structure of school behind, why self-employment can feel lonely, and why it is so important to know whether you need business support, emotional support, or both.This episode is for teachers considering tutoring, tutors still trying to find their rhythm, and anyone building a business after leaving the classroom.The big message is this: you are not leaving stability behind forever. You are learning how to build a new version of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Money Fear Behind Leaving Teaching 17.06.2026 31min

  Leaving teaching is not just an emotional decision. For many teachers, one of the biggest questions is much more practical: can I actually afford to leave teaching and build a tutoring business?In episode 3 of this mini-series, I’m looking at the money fear behind leaving the classroom. We talk about why a teaching salary can feel hard to walk away from, why financial worry is not weakness, and why understanding your real numbers is so important before making big decisions.This episode is not about encouraging teachers to quit. It is for those who already have one foot out of the classroom, or those who have already started tutoring and are trying to make the financial side feel more secure.We explore survival numbers, comfortable numbers, ideal numbers, and why replacing your salary is not always the same as replacing your required income. I also share examples of different tutoring business models, including one-to-one tuition, small groups, workshops and mock exams.The big message is this: you do not need to leap blindly. You need to build a bridge.If you are wondering whether tutoring could realistically pay the bills, this episode will help you stop letting money fear swirl around and start looking at the numbers, evidence and next sensible steps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How to Create Content Without Sounding Stuffy 15.06.2026 26min

  In this Make It Happen Monday episode, Richard answers Jessica Sapida’s question about how tutors can create media content without sounding stuffy, and how building a following can impact their business.This episode explores the difference between being professional and being overly polished, why authenticity matters, and how tutors can show up online in a way that feels natural, useful and trustworthy. Richard also looks at why content does not have to mean dancing reels, viral trends or becoming a performer; sometimes, the most effective content simply comes from answering the real questions parents and clients are already asking.You’ll hear practical ideas for creating content from frequently asked questions, building familiarity over time, understanding your audience, and using content to create warmer enquiries, better-fit clients and a calmer business.If you have ever worried that your content sounds too formal, too generic or too far away from the real you, this episode will help you rethink what good content can look like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Leaving Teaching Without Losing Your Impact 10.06.2026 34min

  Leaving teaching is not always the exciting fresh start people make it out to be. Sometimes it feels heavy. Sometimes it feels guilty. Sometimes it feels like you are walking away from your identity, your colleagues, your pupils, your security and the version of yourself you worked so hard to become.In this first episode of my new mini-series on the mindset of leaving teaching, I explore the emotional weight that can come with stepping away from the classroom. We talk about guilt, grief, fear, responsibility, financial pressure, identity, and the difficult question many teachers carry quietly: does leaving teaching mean I’ve failed?This episode is not about telling you to quit teaching. It is about helping you think honestly about what is going on underneath the decision. Are you tired, or are you done? Are you leaving impact behind, or simply changing where your impact happens? Are you staying because you want to, or because guilt is keeping you there?If you are a teacher thinking about tutoring, starting a tuition business, or finding a different way to use your skills outside the classroom, this episode will help you feel seen, supported and less alone.Leaving teaching does not mean leaving education. It may simply mean finding a healthier way to use your experience, values and impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How to Increase Your Tutoring Prices Without Apologising 08.06.2026 21min

  In this Make It Happen Monday episode, Richard answers Emma Salter’s question:“What is the best way of increasing my prices?”At first, this sounds like a simple pricing question. Just tell families the price is going up, right?But for many tutors, the difficult part is not changing the number. It is the emotional reaction that comes with it. Will parents leave? Will they question the increase? Will it feel greedy? Are you really worth the new price?Richard explores why tutors often undercharge, how to understand the value of the whole tuition experience, and why your prices need to support a sustainable business — not just please the client.You’ll hear practical advice on increasing prices for new clients, handling existing families, giving notice without over-explaining, and communicating the change with confidence.Because increasing your prices does not mean you care less.It means you are building a business that allows you to keep doing good work properly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Emotional Weight of Leaving Teaching 03.06.2026 44min

  Leaving teaching is not always the exciting fresh start people make it out to be. Sometimes it feels heavy. Sometimes it feels guilty. Sometimes it feels like you are walking away from your identity, your colleagues, your pupils, your security and the version of yourself you worked so hard to become.In this first episode of my new mini-series on the mindset of leaving teaching, I explore the emotional weight that can come with stepping away from the classroom. We talk about guilt, grief, fear, responsibility, financial pressure, identity, and the difficult question many teachers carry quietly: does leaving teaching mean I’ve failed?This episode is not about telling you to quit teaching. It is about helping you think honestly about what is going on underneath the decision. Are you tired, or are you done? Are you leaving impact behind, or simply changing where your impact happens? Are you staying because you want to, or because guilt is keeping you there?If you are a teacher thinking about tutoring, starting a tuition business, or finding a different way to use your skills outside the classroom, this episode will help you feel seen, supported and less alone.Leaving teaching does not mean leaving education. It may simply mean finding a healthier way to use your experience, values and impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Stop Fitting Clients In — Start Leading Your Business 27.05.2026 19min

  CEO mindset for tutors starts before your business feels “big enough” — it starts with how you lead it now.In this final episode of the mindset mini-series, we bring everything together: identity, confidence, trust and leadership.A lot of tutors wait until their business reaches a certain size before they start seeing themselves as the person leading it. But your tutoring business grows when you begin making decisions like the owner, not when everything already feels perfect.This episode explores what it means to act like the CEO of your tutoring business, even if that word feels a bit too big right now.We look at boundaries, pricing, timetable design, saying no, group tuition, and making decisions based on the business you are building, not just the clients in front of you today.I also share stories from my own business, including moving from one-to-one tuition into groups, saying no to work that no longer fit, and making decisions that felt risky at the time but helped the business grow.Who this helps:Tutors growing a tutoring businessTutors moving from one-to-one to group tuitionTutors struggling with boundaries, pricing or timetable decisionsTeachers transitioning into business ownershipChapters:Why CEO thinking matters for tutorsActing like the leader before you feel readyWhat standards are you setting?Boundaries, cancellations and termsPricing with intentionDesigning your timetableSaying no to protect the businessMoving from one-to-one to group tuitionYour leadership takeaway👉 CTA: If this mini-series helped, send me a message and tell me one leadership decision you are going to make in your business.Thrive Business Circle Informationhttps://www.tutorswhothrive.com/thrive-business-clinic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How to Use Facebook Groups to Build Trust with Parents 21.05.2026 20min

  Facebook groups can feel like a crowded marketplace for tutors. You post about your services and get little engagement. Then, when a parent asks for a tutor, dozens of people reply with almost identical offers.So how do you actually stand out?In this Make It Happen Monday episode, I explore how tutors can use Facebook more strategically to reach parents, build trust and avoid sounding like every other tutor online. Rather than relying only on sales posts or rushing to comment when someone asks for help, I talk about the importance of creating engagement, showing your approach, building authority and thinking carefully about the next logical step for parents.This episode is a reminder that parents rarely book the first time they see you. They need to understand who you are, what you believe, how you work and why you might be the right person to support their child.If you are using Facebook groups to market your tutoring business but feel like your posts are being ignored, this episode will help you rethink your approach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  You Don’t Need More Advice — You Need to Act 20.05.2026 23min

  Tutoring business decisions become much easier when you stop waiting for permission and start learning to trust yourself.In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, we continue the mindset mini-series by looking at self-trust, decision-making and why so many tutors get stuck even when they already know what to do.You might have watched the videos, listened to podcasts, joined groups, bought courses or asked for advice — but still not taken action. That usually means it is not just a knowledge problem. It may be a trust problem.I share some honest examples from my own business, including fear of rejection, fear of success, comparison with bigger tuition companies, and the moments where overthinking feels productive but actually keeps you stuck.We also look at real tutoring business decisions: pricing, moving from one-to-one tuition into group tuition, saying no to the wrong clients, planning ahead, and making decisions as the CEO of your business rather than waiting for someone else to tell you what to do.Who this helps:Tutors who overthink business decisionsTutors moving from one-to-one to group tuitionTutors struggling with pricing, confidence or comparisonTeachers building a tutoring business after leaving the classroomChapters:Why trust matters in businessWhen knowledge is not the problemFear of success and fear of rejectionOutsourcing decisions and asking for permissionPricing, groups and business model decisionsOverthinking vs taking actionComparison with bigger tutoring businessesThe 24–48 hour decision ruleA simple decision filter for tutorsBecoming the CEO of your business👉 CTA: If this resonated, send me a message and tell me one decision you are going to make this week.Thrive Business Circle Informationhttps://www.tutorswhothrive.com/thrive-business-clinic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why Parents Aren’t Booking From Your Social Media Posts 17.05.2026 26min

  Posting in Facebook groups but not getting many students?In this Make It Happen Monday episode, I answer Bianca’s question about attracting students to group lessons and daytime tuition. But this is not just a question about Facebook.It is a customer journey question.We look at why “spaces available” posts rarely work on their own, why group tuition needs more education, why daytime tuition needs a more specific audience, and how tutors can build trust before asking parents to book a call or trial session.If your tuition marketing feels like it is not converting, this episode will help you slow down, look at the journey, and create content that moves people towards taking the next step.Thrive Business Circlehttps://www.tutorswhothrive.com/thrivebusinesscircleMake it Happen Monday Question Form.https://www.tutorswhothrive.com/make-it-happenFacebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/growyourtutoringbusiness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why Action Comes Before Confidence 13.05.2026 28min

  Tutor confidence is built through action, evidence and small wins, not by waiting until you feel ready.In this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, we continue the mindset mini-series by looking at how tutors can build real confidence as business owners.So many tutors wait until they feel confident before they take action. But in business, it usually works the other way around. You take action first, collect evidence, reflect on what is working, and then confidence starts to grow.I talk about why confidence is a byproduct of evidence, why tutors often ignore the proof they already have, and how small repeatable wins can help you start feeling more capable in your tutoring business.We also explore self-belief, self-efficacy, tracking soft and hard evidence, taking action before you feel ready, and why discomfort is often a sign that you are growing.This episode is especially useful if you are building your tutoring business, thinking about pricing, starting groups, improving your marketing, or trying to feel more like a business owner rather than “just a tutor”.Who this helps:Tutors growing a tutoring businessTeachers moving into tutoringTutors struggling with confidence, pricing or visibilityTutors who overthink before taking actionChapters:Why confidence matters in businessConfidence as a byproduct of evidenceSmall repeatable winsAction before confidenceTracking proof in your tutoring businessSelf-esteem vs self-efficacyWhy discomfort is part of growthBorrowing confidence from communityYour action step for this week👉 CTA: If this resonates, send me a message and tell me what small action you’re going to take this week.Thrive Business Circle Informationhttps://www.tutorswhothrive.com/thrive-business-clinic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The First Tutors Lesson: Are You Building Something You Own? 11.05.2026 42min

  First Tutors has recently ceased trading, leaving many tutors without a key source of leads, reviews and visibility.In this special episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, I want to look beyond the immediate frustration and ask a bigger question:What does this teach us about the way we build our tutoring businesses?This episode is not about criticising First Tutors, or the tutors who relied on it. For many years, it helped parents find tutors and gave tutors a valuable source of enquiries. But its closure is a reminder that when too much of your business depends on something you do not own, your business becomes vulnerable.In this episode, I explore:Why access is not the same as ownershipWhy free and cheap platforms have hidden costsWhy serious business results require serious business foundationsWhy tutors need to build assets they controlHow to avoid relying on one source of leadsWhat to build instead: email lists, websites, testimonials, follow-up systems and clear offersFree resources can open the door. Cheap platforms can give you a leg up. But if you want a tutoring business that is secure, profitable and built to last, you need to start laying your own foundations.If this episode makes you realise it is time to take your tutoring business more seriously, have a look at Tutors Who Thrive, the Thrive Business Circle and TutorFest 2026.https://www.tutorswhothrive.com/tutorfest-2026https://www.tutorswhothrive.com/thrivebusinesscircleNeed to retrieve your data from First Tutors?Follow this link to a guide from Tutorperch https://tutorperch.com/first-tutors-closing  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Mindset Blocking Your Tutoring Business Growth 06.05.2026 27min

  If your tutoring business mindset still feels stuck between “teacher” and “business owner”, this episode is for you.A lot of tutors say they’ve started a business… but deep down, they don’t fully feel like one. And until that identity shifts, growth feels harder than it should.In this first episode of the mini-series, I’m breaking down what really holds tutors back, and it’s not strategy, marketing, or even your service. It’s how you see yourself.I share my own experience of leaving teaching, feeling stuck in that “grey area”, comparing myself to bigger companies, and not feeling like I belonged in business rooms. If you’ve ever felt like you’re winging it or “playing business”, you’re not alone.We also look at what this mindset is actually costing you, from underpricing and over-delivering, to reacting instead of planning ahead.Because the shift isn’t about feeling ready. It’s about starting to make decisions like a business owner now.Who this helps:Tutors starting or growing a tutoring businessTeachers transitioning out of the classroomTutors who feel stuck, underconfident, or unclear on next stepsWhat we cover:The “grey area” between teacher and business ownerWhy comparison holds tutors backThe real reason growth feels difficultHow business owners think differentlyThe first mindset shift you need to make Thrive Business Circle Informationhttps://www.tutorswhothrive.com/thrive-business-clinic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  When Should You Leave Your Job to Tutor Full Time? 04.05.2026 22min

  How long does it take to become a full-time tutor?It sounds like a simple question, but there is a much bigger conversation underneath it.In this Make It Happen Monday episode, I explore why every tutor’s journey to full time looks different, and why comparing your timeline to someone else’s can slow you down.Some tutors grow quickly because they have existing contacts, savings, local reputation, previous business experience or fewer financial responsibilities. Others are building around teaching, family life, bills, confidence and limited time.Instead of asking, “How long did it take other people?” the better question is:What would need to be true for me to go full time safely?In this episode, I talk about income clarity, consistent enquiries, sales confidence, financial pressure, local demand, and the different starting points tutors bring into business.If you are wondering whether you are behind, whether tutoring can become your main income, or what your next step should be, this episode will help you think more clearly.Tutor Starter Kit Link - https://www.tutorswhothrive.com/tutor-starter-kitKey TakeawaysThere is no single timeline for becoming a full-time tutor.Some tutors grow quickly because of contacts, reputation, savings, timing or previous business experience.Comparing your journey to someone else’s can be misleading because you rarely see the full picture.The better question is not “How long did it take other people?” but “What would need to be true for me to go full time?”Tutors need to understand their income target, offer, enquiry flow, conversion rate, payment systems and emotional readiness.Going full time safely is about building the right conditions, not chasing someone else’s timeline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Final Money Lesson: Mindset, Identity and Leadership 29.04.2026 28min

  Running a tutoring business is not just about pricing, strategy, or getting more enquiries. Sometimes the real issue is mindset, identity, and the decisions we keep avoiding.In this final episode of the money mini-series, I’m talking about the shift from being “just a tutor” to thinking more like the person leading the business. Because often we already know what is not working — the problem is that we keep tolerating it.We look at why tutors hesitate to make changes, how caring and flexible traits can become blockers in business, and why a stronger tutoring business often begins with one honest decision.I also talk through how to use your audits, numbers, and reflections from the previous episodes to decide what to change first, without trying to overhaul everything at once.If your business feels heavier than it should, if you know something needs to shift, or if you keep circling the same frustrations without acting, this episode will help you think more clearly and lead more confidently.In this episode:why mindset matters just as much as strategythe identity shift from tutor to business ownerwhy we avoid hard business decisionshow to stop trying to fix everything at onceclarity, boundary, and structure changes to considera simple question to help you choose your next moveThis episode is for tutors who want a stronger, more sustainable business without losing the values that matter to them.Listen in and then ask yourself: What is the one thing I need to change over the next 30 days? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  From Resources to Revenue: Claire Riley’s Business Story 28.04.2026 48min

  Growing a tutoring business or education business takes more than good ideas — it takes mindset, strategy and the courage to build something bigger than yourself.In this episode, I’m joined by Claire Riley, founder of Classroom Secrets and host of The Education Business Podcast, for an honest conversation about business growth, teacher identity, mindset and what it really takes to create an education business with long-term value.Claire shares how she went from secondary teaching to primary supply, then spotted a gap in the resources market and created Classroom Secrets. What started as a way to work from home eventually became a seven-figure education business with a growing team, a strong brand and a much bigger mission.We talk about the mindset blocks that often hold teachers and tutors back, especially around money, growth and feeling “allowed” to build something successful. Claire also shares why your business should be more than just a job you love — and why building an asset matters if you want freedom, stability and legacy.This is a brilliant episode for tutors, tuition business owners and education entrepreneurs who are ready to think differently about growth.In this episode, we cover:Claire Riley’s journey from teaching to founding Classroom SecretsWhy spotting a real problem can become a business opportunityThe mindset shift from teacher to business ownerWhy matching your teacher salary should not be the end goalBuilding a business asset, not just another jobFinding the right people, mentors and supportWhy there is no magic blueprint for growthThe reality of growing a team and scaling an education businessHow your definition of success changes over timeWho this helps:This episode is for UK tutors, teachers, tuition business owners and education entrepreneurs who want to grow beyond survival mode and start building something with more freedom, value and long-term potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why Values-Led Tutors Still Need Numbers 22.04.2026 34min

  Why values-led tutors still need numbers — in this episode of Grow Your Tutoring Business, we’re talking about money, values, targets, and the weekly numbers that actually matter in a tutoring business.For many tutors, money can feel uncomfortable. You want to do meaningful work, support families, and run your business ethically. But if you avoid the numbers completely, it becomes much harder to make calm decisions, plan ahead, and create a business that is financially sustainable.In this episode, I explore why wanting stronger finances does not make you greedy, why healthy profit can actually support better service, and why burnout is not proof that you care more.I also share some of the simple things tutors can track in their business, including enquiries, calls, conversions, revenue, cancellations, and filled seats. The goal here is not to become obsessed with spreadsheets. It’s to understand your business well enough to make better decisions.I also dig into the natural rhythm of a tutoring business — the spikes, dips, seasonal patterns, and quieter periods — so you can start planning ahead rather than reacting late.If you want to build a tutoring business that is ethical, values-led, and financially stronger, this episode will help you think more clearly about the numbers behind the work you do.Who this helps: UK tutors, tuition business owners, and educators who want to grow their business in a way that feels sustainable and aligned with their values. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How Tutors Can Find Clients in Facebook Groups 20.04.2026 19min

  Are you posting in Facebook groups, sticking to the rules, and still getting no enquiries?This is something a lot of tutors run into. You do what you think you are meant to do. You write a polite post, explain what you teach, mention your experience, maybe include your availability… and then nothing happens.In this episode, I answer a question from Hannah about how to find clients in Facebook groups when your posts are getting no interest.But the real conversation goes deeper than that.This is not just about whether Facebook groups work. It is about why visibility on its own is not enough. Parents do not usually see one post from a tutor they have never heard of and immediately buy. They need trust. They need relevance. They need to feel like you understand the problem they are trying to solve.Inside this episode, I talk about:why many tuition posts fall flatthe difference between being visible and being valuablehow to build trust inside other people’s groupswhy the “next logical step” matterswhat tutors should post instead of just advertisinghow to use comments, pain points and positioning more effectivelyhow to think more strategically about Facebook groups as part of your marketingIf you want to use Facebook groups in a way that actually supports your business growth, this episode will help you think about it differently.If you want ongoing support with the growth of your tutoring business, have a look at The Thrive Business Circle using the link in the description.https://www.tutorswhothrive.com/thrivebusinesscircle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.