How Promo Can Help Tutoring Centers Market Smarter
Sharpen those pencils: The tutoring market is a bustling industry that’s projected to reach nearly $50 billion by 2028. In the online space alone, the number of tutoring businesses has soared an average of nearly 9% each year from 2018-2023, with almost 4,000 online tutoring businesses in the U.S. currently. By 2026, the global private tutoring market could top $201 billion, thanks to population growth and an increasing number of schools and universities.
Students and their parents turn to tutoring for all kinds of reasons, from test prep to homework help to general academic support. One of the top times for tutoring is during the summer, which can help students avoid summer learning loss. Research shows that learners can lose up to two months of academic gains in reading and math when they get out of their regular school routine. Summertime academic programs can help students stay on track, and most (75%) are effective in improving at least one outcome.
Once kids get back to class in the fall, tutors can help them get a handle on tricky concepts or difficult courses. Stress is higher than ever for students of all ages, with 75% of American high school students and 50% of middle schoolers saying they are often or always stressed by schoolwork. At the college level, 45% of students say they undergo more than average stress, with 13% saying they face tremendous stress.
While tutoring won’t solve all their worries, it can certainly give students the confidence and tools to improve their grades. Many tutoring centers, including Sylvan, one of the top tutoring programs for students of all ages, partner with community centers and libraries, making tutoring more accessible.
Tutoring centers can use branded products in all kinds of ways, from promoting tutoring services to building awareness in the community, as well as recruiting qualified tutors. Logoed products like pens or magnets can remind students that they can stop in for a quick question or ongoing academic assistance. Tutoring businesses can also use promotional items to stand apart from open-source tutoring.
Want to become proficient in promoting a tutoring business? Scroll on for more insights and some smart promo product ideas.
Erasing Learning Losses
Pop quiz: Have today’s students caught up from the historic backslide at the start of the pandemic? If you answered no, you’re correct. Researchers say students aren’t just slightly behind – they’re far, far behind. On average, school-aged children across all grades lost 35% of a year’s worth of learning during the pandemic, and those learning gaps have yet to be recovered. The biggest loss of skills is in math.
Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?
Most parents might say yes, but their confidence soon tapers off. A Mongoose survey of 2,000 American parents of school-aged kids reveals that:
- The average American parent can’t help their kids with science and math beyond a sixth grade level.
- 4 in 10 parents don’t know that STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
- 1 in 5 parents can’t remember the formula for calculating speed (distance divided by time), which is a common sixth grade math question.
- 8 in 10 parents say hands-on learning and experimentation are key in teaching math and science skills.
- 72% of survey respondents plan to study math and science with their kids to help encourage them.
What can tutoring centers do? For parents to enroll their kids in a tutoring center, they first have to know about it. Use promotional products to build relationships by handing out logoed items at school orientations or use them to promote free sessions or introduce new programs at libraries. Branded items like backpacks, notebooks and pencils help get a logo seen at schools, libraries and community centers. Use fun items like scented pencils or erasers to entice younger students to attend tutoring sessions.
Packed with sample questions, practice tests and more, the Official Digital SAT Study Guide (available August 1) is the ultimate tool for students preparing for the SAT. Include a promo page insert or customize with a belly band bearing your client’s logo and contact information.
The Book Company / PPAI 218850, S5
From study sessions to classrooms, students and tutors can use the Bullet Faye Vacuum Tumbler to stay hydrated. This 20-ounce insulated tumbler features a food-grade stainless-steel straw for sipping cold beverages and a spill-proof, press-on lid for enjoying hot drinks.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, S15
Keep track of notes and assignment details in the Siena Journal. Students can use the front pocket to stash a smartphone, sample tests, notes or other items. This textured, hardbound journal includes 80 lined sheets, a pen loop and an expandable accordion pocket in the back.
JournalBooks / PPAI 110769, S10
Most-Studied Tutoring Subjects
Students most often seek tutoring in these subject areas, according to the Educational App Store, a platform for educational apps and websites:
- Math
- English
- Calculus
- Science
- Chemistry
- History
- Coding
- Language
Branded products help tutoring centers get the word out about subject-specific programs or offers, like free sessions or discounts on tutoring packages.
Using Promos To Encourage Log-Ins
According to Brookings, an American research group, on-demand virtual tutoring programs can be incredibly helpful, but students are often slow to log on. One study of 7,000 middle and high school students with free, unlimited access to online tutoring revealed that just 19% logged in and received help from a tutor. Think about using promotional items to inspire kids to log in and reward them for each tutoring session.
Time For Tutoring
According to a Tutor.com report, most tutoring sessions occur from 4 p.m. to midnight, with Wednesday at 7 p.m. the day and time with the greatest tutoring demand.
Demographics Of Today’s Tutors
According to Zippia, more than 54,500 tutors work in the U.S. To encourage them in their work while also gaining continued brand exposure, tutoring centers can give staff members items like custom notebooks, calendars or writing instruments. Here’s a closer look at modern tutors:
- 63% are women.
- The average age is 42.
- 57% are white, 15% are Hispanic or Latino, 11% are Asian, and 10% are Black.
- 11% are LGBTQ.
- Most (84%) work at education companies instead of private companies.
Ideal Tutoring
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the best tutoring programs provide tutoring three 30-minute sessions per week. They also employ teachers and well-trained volunteers. Consider promotional products like laptop bags, travel mugs and journals as gifts for hard-working tutors.
Tapping Into The Next Generation Of Tutors
Want to recruit well-trained tutors? Look to teachers in training. According to Accelerate, a nonprofit that works to expand access to tutoring nationwide, doing so could open the door to a huge pool of talent. Include promotional products in your recruitment strategy to capture attention and promote employment opportunities.
Biggest Barriers To Tutoring
A survey of educators by Education Week found that when it comes to tutoring, the major challenges include:
- Students’ lack of willingness to enroll: 58%
- Too few tutors available: 48%
- Families’ lack of willingness to support enrollment: 43%
- Transportation: 41%
- After-school activities: 39%
- Tutoring cost: 34%
Tutoring centers can build brand awareness at schools, libraries and community events with the No. 2 Standard Pencil with Digital Wrap. It features a gold ferrule and natural-color eraser.
Bankers Pen Co. / PPAI 114199, S4
Get elementary-school students excited for tutoring sessions with the Made to Order Flat Tote All-Over Print. Choose from a rainbow of colors for the 26-inch handles. There’s room for stashing books, pencils, notebooks and more.
IMAGEN Brands / PPAI 114197, S10
The Greeley rPET Laptop Back helps learners safely transport their laptops to tutoring centers for faster note taking. An exterior zippered pocket can store keys and phones, and the top handle and padded backpack straps make the bag easy to grab and go.
Logomark / PPAI 110898, S11