Michael Black’s 5 Proven Secrets to Building a 6-Figure Tutoring Business

Building a six-figure tutoring business isn't about working longer hours or being the smartest tutor in the room. It's about determination, strong relationships, proven systems, consistent marketing, and a scalable business model. When these elements come together, tutoring transforms from a side hustle into a sustainable and rewarding business.

In a recent video, Michael Black, founder of Success Tutoring, shares the five key principles that helped him grow from tutoring in a spare room to building an international tutoring network. His insights are drawn from years of experience and the lessons documented in his book, Millionaire Tutor.

Here's a closer look at the five principles behind building a six-figure tutoring business.

1. Determination to Make it Successful

Many people are attracted to the idea of running a tutoring business, but few are prepared for the reality of the early stages. The first few months often involve uncertainty, slow enrolments, and constant problem-solving.

Michael shares that it took eight months to gain his first student. There was no revenue, no stability, and no validation, just persistence and belief in the vision.

"A six-figure tutoring business isn't built by the smartest tutor. It's built by the most determined operator."

Michael Black

Founder, Success Tutoring

Franchising helps shorten this challenging phase. Instead of starting alone, franchise partners follow proven systems, receive coaching, and learn from a network that has already navigated the same journey.

2. Building Strong Relationships

Tutoring is not just about academics. It is about trust, confidence, and connection.

Parents do not stay because of worksheets. Students do not stay because of formulas. They stay because they feel supported, understood, and motivated.

One of the core philosophies behind Success Tutoring is:

"Rapport before results."

Michael Black

Founder, Success Tutoring

Knowing each student's name, their goals, and their challenges create a sense of belonging. This turns short-term students into long-term members and transforms one satisfied family into multiple referrals.

At Success Tutoring, relationship-building is not left to chance. It is embedded into the system—how tutors greet students, how progress is shared, and how achievements are celebrated.

3. Systems that Enable Scale

Many tutors reach an income ceiling because everything depends on them. They teach every lesson, manage every booking, and handle every problem.

At that point, they do not own a business—they own a job.

"If it relies on you, you don't own a business. You own a job."

Michael Black

Founder, Success Tutoring

Six-figure tutoring businesses are built on systems, not individual effort. These systems include:

• Tutor recruitment and training
• Session structures
• Timetabling processes
• Sales and enrolment systems
• Parent communication frameworks

When these processes are documented and repeatable, growth becomes predictable. Instead of being limited by personal teaching hours, the business can scale through a team and structured operations.

4. Investing in Marketing

Even the best tutors earn nothing if no one knows they exist.

Marketing is often the most overlooked part of a tutoring business, yet it is the engine that drives growth. Waiting until everything is "perfect" before marketing usually results in slow or inconsistent enrolments.

In the early days, Michael invested in simple, local marketing efforts—community exposure, social media, and visible branding. These small but consistent actions created awareness and built momentum.

Within the Success Tutoring franchise, partners benefit from:

• Proven marketing campaigns
• Established brand trust
• National credibility
• Systems that convert leads into members

Marketing is not about being pushy. It is about being visible, consistent, and present in the community.

5. The Right Business Model

One of the biggest limitations in tutoring is the hourly model. While it is simple to start, it often leads to income instability, scheduling challenges, and burnout.

The breakthrough for Success Tutoring came with the shift to a membership model.

Instead of paying for individual hours, families pay for ongoing academic support, structure, and accountability—similar to a gym membership. This approach creates:

• More predictable revenue
• Higher student retention
• Easier staff planning
• Greater scalability

With the right model, franchise partners can grow to 70 members quickly, reach 100 members sustainably, and achieve six-figure revenue without burning out.

A Business Built on the Right Foundations

A six-figure tutoring business is not built by chance. It is built through:

• Determination
• Strong relationships
• Proven systems
• Consistent marketing
• A scalable business model

While it is possible to build this alone, it often takes longer, involves more mistakes, and bring greater stress. A franchise model provides the systems, support, and structure to accelerate the journey.

As Michael explains, Success Tutoring was created not only to support students, but also to motivate and empower business owners to build something meaningful.

Start Your Journey with Success Tutoring

Ready to turn tutoring into a real-business, not just a side hustle? Join Success Tutoring and discover a proven system, ongoing support, and a scalable membership model designed to help you grow with confidence.

Enquire today to learn how you can build a tutoring centre that supports students, empowers families, and creates long-term success.