How To Become A Successful Tutor On Preply A Complete Guide To Getting Started

Becoming a tutor on Preply offers a flexible, rewarding way to share your knowledge while earning income from anywhere in the world. With over 25 million lessons delivered and tutors from more than 180 countries, Preply has established itself as one of the leading online language and academic tutoring platforms. But standing out in a competitive marketplace requires more than just subject expertise. Success on Preply depends on strategy, professionalism, and consistency. This guide walks you through every essential step—from setting up your profile to retaining students and growing your reputation.

Create a High-Converting Tutor Profile

Your profile is your digital storefront. First impressions matter, and on Preply, your profile determines whether a student clicks “Book Trial” or keeps scrolling. A strong profile combines clarity, credibility, and personality.

• Professional photo: Use a well-lit headshot with a neutral background. Avoid filters or group photos.
• Catchy introduction: Start with who you are, your qualifications, and what makes your teaching style unique.
• Detailed experience: List past teaching roles, certifications, and relevant education. Be specific—mentioning institutions or exam preparation (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) builds trust.
• Clear lesson structure: Explain what students can expect in your trial and follow-up lessons. Include goals, methods, and materials.

Tip: Mention real-world outcomes—like helping students pass exams or gain confidence in conversation—to show tangible value.

Set Competitive Pricing and Offer a Strong Trial Lesson

Pricing is both a psychological and strategic decision. New tutors often underprice themselves to attract students, but this can signal lower quality. Instead, research rates for similar tutors in your subject and region, then position yourself competitively.

Tutor Experience	Avg. Hourly Rate (USD)	Recommended Strategy
New (0–10 students)	$8–$12	Offer high energy, structured trials; collect early reviews
Intermediate (10–50 students)	$12–$18	Highlight success stories and niche skills
Experienced (50+ students)	$18–$30+	Emphasize specialization and results

The trial lesson is your most important session. It’s not just a class—it’s a sales pitch wrapped in value. Prepare a 15–20 minute diagnostic activity to assess the student’s level, followed by a personalized roadmap. End with a clear call-to-action: “Would you like to continue weekly sessions?”

“Students don’t buy lessons—they buy progress. Your trial should make them feel capable and excited about learning.” — Maria Ivanova, Top-Rated Preply ESL Tutor

Master the Art of Student Retention

Acquiring a student is only the beginning. Long-term success on Preply comes from retention. Students who book 10+ lessons are significantly more profitable and require less marketing effort.

To keep students engaged:

• Send personalized follow-up messages after each lesson with summaries and homework.
• Track progress visibly—use shared Google Docs or simple checklists to mark milestones.
• Adjust your pace based on feedback. Ask directly: “Is this speed working for you?”
• Occasionally surprise students with bonus resources—short videos, curated articles, or practice quizzes.

Tip: Celebrate small wins. Acknowledging improvement builds motivation and loyalty.

Real Example: From 3 to 30 Students in 4 Months

Sophie, a French tutor from Lyon, joined Preply with no prior online teaching experience. She priced her trial at $10 and focused on adult professionals wanting conversational fluency. Her trial lesson included a 5-minute self-introduction game, a quick grammar gap analysis, and a customized 4-week plan. She followed up with a PDF summary and a friendly message: “Looking forward to helping you speak confidently!”

Within six weeks, she had 15 regular students. By consistently requesting reviews and refining her materials, she raised her rate to $18/hour and now teaches 25–30 students monthly, earning over $2,000 net per month after Preply’s commission.

Optimize Visibility with SEO and Active Availability

Preply’s algorithm favors tutors who are active, responsive, and highly rated. To increase your chances of appearing in search results:

1. Update availability daily: Set open time slots at least one week in advance. Tutors with visible openings rank higher.
2. Use keywords in your bio: Include phrases like “business English,” “exam preparation,” or “beginner Spanish” depending on your specialty.
3. Respond within 12 hours: Fast replies improve your response rate, which impacts visibility.
4. Encourage reviews: After a few lessons, politely ask: “If you’re enjoying our sessions, I’d appreciate a review to help other learners find me.”

Also, consider offering niche services. While general English tutoring is saturated, specialized areas like “English for healthcare professionals” or “German for relocation” attract motivated students willing to pay premium rates.

Step-by-Step Launch Plan for New Tutors

Follow this 7-day timeline to go from signup to first paid lesson:

1. Day 1: Complete your profile with a professional photo, detailed bio, and video introduction (if possible).
2. Day 2: Research 5 top tutors in your subject. Note their pricing, structure, and strengths.
3. Day 3: Design a 30-minute trial lesson template with warm-up, assessment, and goal-setting.
4. Day 4: Set availability for the next 10 days, focusing on peak times in your target market (e.g., evenings in the US or Europe).
5. Day 5: Publish your profile and share it on social media or language-learning forums (without spamming).
6. Day 6–7: Respond promptly to inquiries. Aim to book at least two trial lessons.

Checklist: Before Your First Trial

• Test your microphone and camera
• Prepare digital materials (PDFs, links, exercises)
• Write a welcome message script
• Ensure stable internet connection
• Have a backup communication method (e.g., WhatsApp or email)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Preply take from my earnings?

Preply charges a commission that decreases as you teach more students. Initially, it's 18% per lesson. After completing 250 lessons, the rate drops to 11%. There are no hidden fees, and payments are processed weekly via PayPal or Payoneer.

Do I need formal teaching credentials to join?

No. While certifications like TEFL, CELTA, or a degree in education help, they’re not required. Native speakers and subject experts without formal training succeed by demonstrating competence, professionalism, and results.

Can I teach subjects other than languages?

Yes. Preply supports tutoring in math, science, coding, music, test prep (SAT, GRE), and more. Demand is growing in STEM and professional skill areas, so consider expanding beyond language if you have expertise.

Build Your Teaching Brand Beyond Preply

While Preply handles student acquisition, relying solely on the platform limits your earning potential. Successful tutors treat Preply as a launchpad, not a destination. Over time, build your own brand:

• Create a simple website or LinkedIn profile showcasing your teaching philosophy.
• Offer group classes or downloadable courses to diversify income.
• Collect emails (with permission) to notify students of new offerings outside Preply.

Many top tutors eventually transition to hybrid models—using Preply for discovery while moving long-term students to private arrangements for better margins.

Final Thoughts: Consistency Beats Perfection

Success on Preply doesn’t come from having the perfect accent or the fanciest resume. It comes from showing up consistently, delivering value, and building trust one lesson at a time. The platform rewards reliability, responsiveness, and results. Focus on creating meaningful progress for your students, and the reviews, repeat bookings, and income will follow.

🚀 Ready to start? Sign up on Preply today, apply these strategies, and teach your first lesson this week. Your journey to becoming a sought-after tutor begins with a single click.