How to Pivot & Create a Successful Online Teaching Business (for Voice Teachers)
If you’re a voice teacher braving the wilderness that is (currently) 2020, you’re amazing. And you’re not alone!
You may be feeling extra stressed trying to figure out your next career moves. Not to mention the confusion around the future of singing, and how to navigate this pandemic safely. Our industry is one of the un-luckier ones that is drastically affected by COVID-19.
But here’s the good news: creating your own business online has never been easier.
Yes, I said business. If you independently offer a service and receive $$ in return (not affiliated with a company), you — my friend — are a business owner. Yayyyy! 🎉
Truth be told, running a business requires a lot of planning. And it can feel intimidating when starting out. I remember when I first started learning about marketing in 2015 and I was as inspired as I was overwhelmed. I knew how the pieces worked — brand visuals, website design, marketing tactics — but I didn’t have any idea how they fit together, let alone what to do first. What I needed at that time was a roadmap — something to keep me on track and accountable. And that’s exactly what I’ve got for you!
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with pivoting & learning how to run an online business, you’re in the right place.
Before we dive into the roadmap, I want to make sure you understand how amazing it is to have an online business.
5 REASONS TO PIVOT TO AN ONLINE BUSINESS:
1. A WIDER REACH
How amazing is it that we can connect with people all over the world? Remember, in-person lessons/classes are limited to your geographic area. Most social platforms can reach over 1 billion people.
2. HAVING MULTIPLE INCOME STREAMS
Having multiple ways to make money is essential to creating financial stability, especially in financially challenging times. Having an online business means that money can be exchanged online for something in return (& delivered) online. With the help of website platforms, ecommerce, and email & social marketing, it’s never been easier to create multiple revenue streams online!
3. HELLO, PASSIVE INCOME!
As in, you can make money while you sleep. Being confined to teaching in person 1:1 lessons often means you show up & work for your (hourly) pay. Having an online business gives you ample opportunities to create passive income — so you can do what you want when you want!
4. STAY CONNECTED
There’s something energizing and refreshing about staying connected with student clients on video camera — especially during socially challenging times (*cough* coronavirus). It’s extremely helpful for the growth and well being of both of you. Thank goodness for technology!
5. MAKING A GREATER IMPACT!
Purpose driven businesses are the best businesses. And what could be more purposeful than being a voice teacher? You have a special heart for doing the kind of work you do. That means staying connected and grounded to why you teach voice lessons. The higher the impact, the higher the income. Always.
Now that you’re ready to be a badass online business owner…
HERE’S THE 5 ELEMENTS TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE BUSINESS:
1. YOUR ONLINE OFFERINGS ($$)
You don’t have a business if you’re not making money — you have a hobby. Point blank: how do you make money?? And more importantly, does your audience/ideal client know what to pay you for??
Thankfully, online business makes this fun and easy! Decide on which of online offerings you want for your business model.
Profit clarity = Momentum.
2. YOUR AUTOMATED SYSTEM
Wouldn’t be it awesome if you didn’t have to do all of the work? Good news: you don’t! Online automation (a system that operates automatically) means you get to enjoy your days while the technology gods do the rest.
Generally for a voice teacher, the most important aspects to your automated system are your website, your scheduling system, and your payment system. Focus on finding & creating the best systems that work for you! (See below for more resources.)
3. YOUR CONTENT PLATFORM
You know your favorite podcasts & channels? That’s gonna be you, baby!
Podcasts, youtube videos, emails, blog articles — these are all forms of “platform” content. All online businesses need to create free valuable content in order to build trust with their audience. Having a library of your teachings/work is what sets you apart from the rest. (And with everyone coming into the online space, standing out is essential!)
Pick a platform to create consistent valuable content for your audience. Look to your favorite “shows” for inspiration! This is your chance to be known as the ‘go-to’ in your field/niche.
4. YOUR ONLINE AUDIENCE
Not the audience we think when performing — this is about your fans/followers/subscribers! Without an engaged audience, you’ll struggle with getting more paying clients/customers. Yes, word of mouth marketing is wonderful as an in-person private teacher. But in the digital space, growing your audience helps grow your online business. The two go hand in hand!
This is the point where most people start worrying that their audience is “too small.” Quantity doesn’t matter nearly as much as quality! And don’t forget — we all start at zero. All of us. Start with your current private students, any students you’ve taught in the past, and interested potentials/people who know those interested. Engage on social media. Reach out and offer your services to others. And remember, the more you put in, the more you get out!
5. YOUR EMAIL MARKETING
With an engaged online audience comes an opportunity to connect with them even more. This goes beyond replying to comments and responding to DMs. This is about getting in their email inbox — a sacred place for all of us! When you further the relationship beyond social media/your content platform, you’re that much more likely to “sell” your offerings. Email marketing is all about nurturing relationships with your online audience. Share your stories. Lead them to your content platform. Offer your services. And get to know your audience so you can serve them even better!
Phew! Feeling overwhelmed? I know it’s a lot. But I also know that you can do this!! Trust me when I say — it’s 100000% worth it. I believe in you and everything you have to offer. Now, let’s get to work. 👊
