How to choose your core subject area or skill

To build a successful teaching business, you must choose a core subject that you are both an expert in and genuinely passionate about. The best way to start is by making two simple lists: one of all the subjects and skills you are qualified or highly skilled in, and another of the topics you truly enjoy discussing and explaining. The perfect subject for your business lies where those two lists overlap.

Find your niche

Once you have a broad subject, try to narrow it down. Instead of just ‘Maths’, could you specialise in ‘GCSE Maths resit preparation’ or ‘11+ exam techniques’? Rather than ‘Music’, could you focus on ‘Beginner guitar for adults’? A specific niche makes it much easier to market your services and stand out from the competition because you are solving a very specific problem for a particular type of learner.

Check the demand

Finally, do a quick reality check. Spend 30 minutes searching online for tutors or courses in your chosen specialism. Are other people already offering this service? If so, that’s a great sign that there are customers looking for it. This quick look will give you confidence that you’re on the right track and that people will be willing to pay for your expertise.

Choosing a subject you love will keep you motivated, and choosing one you're skilled in will ensure you deliver real value to your students.