How I earn $200 a month with my teaching side hustle (NO DEGREE NEEDED)
- 02 Feb, 2025

I’ve always been on the lookout for a smart side hustle – something flexible, rewarding and that lets me share what I love. Teaching English online at Preply turned out to be exactly that. Whether you’re keen to side hustle as a tutor or just curious about how much you can earn, read on for my friendly, down-to-earth account of my experience with the Preply platform. I should have also added: NO DEGREE IS NEEDED, if you are dedicated, and committed to doing your best, you can 100% succeed.
My Journey in a Nutshell
Getting Started: The Preply Application Process
Before I became a Preply tutor, I did my homework. I scoured Preply reviews and even checked out discussions on tutor side hustle reddit to see what others had to say. The Preply application was straightforward, and with a little bit of effort, I set up a profile that truly reflected my passion for teaching English. I even took the opportunity to download the Preply app so I could easily keep in touch with my students on the go. You don’t need to be a qualified teacher, but out of honesty I would say work on your classes, look online for ressources to teach (on top of those provided by Preply), this is a fantastic and rewarding side hustle, if this matches your personality.
The Early Days (Weeks 1–2)
- First Lessons: My first lessons came in quicker than expected. As an English tutor side hustle, I kept my introductory rates a tad lower than average – a strategy recommended by many Preply tutors I had read about.
- Building Credibility: I paid close attention to Preply reviews and made sure my profile on the Preply website was spot on. A well-crafted bio, a friendly headshot, and a short introductory video helped me stand out as a genuine, approachable teacher.
Settling Into a Routine (Weeks 3–4)
- Regular Students: It wasn’t long before I started receiving consistent bookings from Preply students. Managing a mix of lesson times – often determined by a quick Preply log in to check my schedule – became part of my new routine.
- Promotions & Perks: Occasionally, I’d keep an eye out for any Preply promo codes or special offers, which can make the whole experience even sweeter. It’s all part of maximising what Preply Inc (as many call it) offers to its tutors.
Hitting the Milestone (Month 2 & Onwards)
- Consistent Earnings: Within a couple of months, I was comfortably earning an extra £200 a month – a neat sum that really makes a difference. This isn’t just for English tutors; whether you’re considering a math tutor side hustle or a private tutor side hustle, the potential is there.
- Rate Adjustments: As I received more positive feedback (a must for any side hustle as a tutor), I gradually increased my rates. New students were more than happy to pay a bit extra for a teacher with proven results.
Overcoming the Hurdles
Managing Time Zones and Scheduling
Dealing with students from various parts of the world means juggling different time zones. A reliable online calendar – along with a quick side hustle Preply login to confirm lesson timings – helped me keep everything on track without the stress.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
The competition can be fierce. There are plenty of opportunities for those searching for side hustle jobs or wondering how to become a tutor on the platform. I found that tailoring my profile to highlight my unique teaching style – positioning myself as an approachable English tutor – made a real difference.
Staying Motivated
Balancing tutoring with everyday life isn’t always easy. I set myself realistic goals (three to five lessons a week) and celebrated each milestone. Whether you’re eyeing a role as a Preply teacher or exploring other avenues like Preply careers, keeping motivation high is key.
Practical Tips for Success
Crafting an Engaging Tutor Profile
- Profile Photo: Use a clear, friendly headshot – a smile goes a long way.
- Headline: Create a catchy title, for instance: “Friendly English Tutor – Your Go-To for Language Lessons.”
- Bio: Keep it concise, mention your qualifications, and add a dash of personality. If you’ve dabbled in other fields – maybe even a math tutor side hustle – feel free to mention it.
- Intro Video: A brief video introduction can boost your appeal. Show your potential as a dedicated Preply tutor.
Setting Your Pricing
- Do Your Research: Browse the platform to see what other tutors are charging.
- Competitive Start: Consider starting with a slightly lower rate to attract your first few bookings, then adjust as you gain experience and positive Preply reviews.
- Be Transparent: When you update your rates, communicate clearly with your Preply students to maintain trust.
Attracting and Retaining Students
- Niche Specialisation: If you’re solely an English tutor side hustle, consider specialising further – perhaps business English or conversational practice.
- Availability: Make sure your schedule suits the peak hours of your target students.
- Encourage Feedback: Ask for reviews to boost your profile. The more Preply tutors share their success stories, the more credible you’ll appear to potential learners.
Exploring Other Opportunities
Teaching online isn’t the only way to earn a bit on the side. If you’re curious about exploring different avenues:
- Diverse Subjects: Beyond English, you might consider offering sessions in subjects like maths or even a private tutor side hustle in other areas.
- Other Platforms: Besides Preply, there are plenty of Preply jobs out there waiting for a talented tutor.
- Community Insights: Platforms like tutor side hustle reddit are brimming with tips from fellow educators, helping you navigate everything from Preply download options to using the Preply app effectively.
Wrapping Up
So, how much can you earn teaching English online at Preply? For me, it’s been a rewarding journey that’s not only boosted my income by an extra £200 a month but also allowed me to connect with amazing students from all over the world. If you’re contemplating a move into online tutoring – be it an english tutor side hustle or even exploring roles like Preply become a tutor – I hope my story inspires you to take the plunge.
Feel free to share your own experiences or ask questions in the comments below. After all, every bit of advice, whether it comes from Preply customer experiences or from a friendly chat on tutor reddit, helps us all learn a little more.
Happy tutoring and best of luck with your side hustle journey!