Back-to-School Test-Prep Marketing: How to Stand Out in the Crowd

The start of a new school year presents a golden opportunity for test-prep and tutoring businesses to attract new clients. A well-thought-out marketing strategy will help you to make the most of this opportunity. To help you effectively market your tutoring business for back-to-school ACT® and SAT® test prep, here are some of our most valuable tips and best practices.

Optimize Your Online Presence. Your online presence is crucial. 

  • Keep your website up-to-date, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. Regularly weed out dead links, and keep your links internal. 

  • Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve your website's visibility on search engines. 

  • Consider creating informative blog posts about the ACT® and SAT® to showcase your expertise and provide valuable information to students and parents.

Leverage Social Media. Social media platforms are a goldmine for reaching your target audience.

  • Create and maintain active profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

  • Share engaging content related to test prep: important dates, news, success stories, and study tips. Keep it professional but also fun and engaging!

  • Use targeted advertising to reach parents and students in your area.

Network with Schools and Counselors. Building strong relationships within your local market can open many doors through recommendations from local high schools, guidance counselors, and teachers.

Collaborate with Educational Institutions. Partner with local educational institutions, such as libraries, community centers, or colleges, to host workshops or study groups. These collaborations can help you gain exposure and credibility within the community.

Offer Promotions and Discounts. Back-to-school season is a great time to entice new clients with promotions or discounts. 

Encourage Word-of-Mouth Referrals. Satisfied students and parents can be your most effective marketing tool. 

  • Encourage clients to refer friends and family members. 

  • Consider setting up a referral program with incentives for successful referrals.

Collect and Showcase Testimonials. Client testimonials are the Holy Grail of test-prep marketing. Gather positive feedback from your clients and showcase it on your website and marketing materials. Testimonials from satisfied parents and students can build trust and credibility, making it easier to attract new clients.

Monitor and Adapt. Regularly track the performance of your marketing efforts. 

  • Use analytics tools to measure website traffic, social media engagement, and the success of different promotional campaigns. 

  • Adjust your strategy based on what works best for your target audience.

Stay In the Know. It's essential to stay informed about changes in ACT® and SAT® test formats or content. Be prepared to adapt your tutoring methods accordingly and update your marketing materials to reflect these changes.

Effective marketing is essential for the success of your ACT® and SAT® test-prep tutoring business during the back-to-school season. Following our helpful tips and best practices will attract more students and showcase your expertise. Remember that consistency and adaptability are critical to a successful marketing strategy, so stay committed to your efforts and be prepared to adjust as needed. We hope you have a fruitful test-prep season!

We Are Ready for the Digital SAT®! Are you?

As the SAT® and ACT® transition to all-digital testing, we are ready to support your tutoring business with the first and best custom-branded, fully digital test-prep courses. Our white-label, all-digital, adaptive Digital SAT® practice tests include accurate, algorithmic scoring. This gives your tutors and clients access to the actionable data they need for tailored instruction and score optimization.

Ready to take your test prep to the cutting edge? Schedule a free demo and try it for yourself!