Why should Chinese Schools and Tutors have a Website?

Because people who are willing to pay you for Learning Chinese, are online. When they are talking to you over the phone, they may also be looking at your website.

What will a web presence do for you?

1. Increase credibility on your abilities
2. Give customers assurance, you are a real business
3. Give you the opportunity to show customer testimonials.
4. Allow you to have a video, with a simple Chinese lesson. Upload it to Youtube, create your own channel if you like, and link your page to it.
5. Showcase your Value Proposition? More on this in a later post. Basically it's why should people buy from you?

But, I am not a Technical Person? How do I...

Use WordPress, which is free, select a hosting plan which has a minimal cost, and add some content. There are over 60 million websites using WordPress. Do not do custom coding on each page, it's not a good use your time.

Why Not Just Facebook?

 A web presence gives a more professional , reputable impression. Facebook for business is a bit trickier.

Why Not Just LinkedIn?

 LinkedIn is basically an online resume. It is good, but it's not a focused, dedicated website. For your professional development, I do recommend LinkedIn. Here is my profile that is a hobby of mine:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rayritchey

You can create a company page on LinkedIn, but a dedicated website is superior. The company webpage on linkedin is limited.

How Do I Create Content?

Audio tape yourself, talking about what you do, get it transcribed and put on your site, and instant content! Sometimes it's easier to talk about your business, than it is to write about it.

Labels: Business of Teaching Chinese, childbook Web Site

So what does Yelp have to do with Teaching Chinese?

Parents want to find the right help in Learning Chinese, so they are going to Google your Teaching Chinese business probably looking for reviews. And the major player for Reviews for businesses with a physical location, is Yelp!

Why Get Reviews!

Getting reviews adds credibility to your business, which will increase your revenue. If a Learning Chinese Student's parents are choosing a tutor, school, or Teacher, if you have Positive Reviews that will set you apart from your competition. What clients want is to know they will get the best value for their child for Learning Chinese. Employers Google potential employers,  people use Yelp to find out if the new Restaurant is any good, and businesses are checked out online all the time. Your online reputation is hugely important, and reviews are part of that.

Claim Your Profile!

So the first thing you need to do is claim your profile. Create a Yelp Account, and then create a Business Listing. You will need to have a physical address for this. Yelp, for some reason, does not cater to Internet businesses (I disagree 100% with this). But, Yelp is based on location. And for most Chinese Tutors, Teachers, and Schools you are location based! Adding a picture to your profile is also a good idea.

Get Reviewed!

 Ask your clients to post reviews. Find Happy Clients, and ask them as a favor. Most review sites get upset if you offer something in return. For example, don't offer money or a gift card for doing reviews, this gets you in trouble. You can offer discounts in exchange for Likes. If you get a negative review, post a respectful response. If possible, take care of the customer issue.

Get Check-ins!

 Everyone it seems has a mobile phone, so check-ins are easy.

Labels: Business of Teaching Chinese, Chinese Schools, Chinese teachers, reviews, Yelp