Why Tutors Are Leaving Preply
If you're reading this, you've probably done the math. At 33% commission on your first lessons with each student (dropping to 25% after), Preply takes a significant chunk of your hard-earned income.
Let's put this in perspective: If you teach 20 hours a week at $30/hour, that's $2,400/month gross. Preply's cut? Up to $800/month going straight to the platform.
That's $9,600 a year you're not keeping.
The Challenge: Platform Lock-In
Preply knows their business model depends on keeping tutors dependent. That's why:
- You can't share contact information before a student books a paid lesson
- You can't suggest meeting outside the platform without risking account suspension
- Students "belong" to Preply, not you
But here's what they don't tell you: once a student has paid for a lesson, the relationship is yours. You've provided value. They know you. And there's nothing stopping them from finding you elsewhere.
Step 1: Build Your External Presence First
Before you even think about leaving, you need somewhere for students to find you.
Create your independent presence:
- A simple profile page (we offer this free at TutorBoost)
- A professional email address (yourname@gmail.com works fine)
- A Calendly or Cal.com booking link
- Optional: A simple website or LinkedIn profile
Why this matters: When students search for you by name (and they will), you want them to find YOU, not just your Preply profile.
Step 2: Provide Exceptional Value
This sounds obvious, but it's crucial. Students who love working with you will follow you anywhere. Students who see you as "just another Preply tutor" won't.
Stand out by:
- Remembering personal details about their lives
- Sending helpful resources between lessons
- Celebrating their progress
- Being genuinely invested in their success
Step 3: The Transition Conversation
After you've built rapport and delivered results, you can have the transition conversation. Here's a template that works:
"I wanted to let you know I'm transitioning to independent tutoring. I've really enjoyed working with you, and I'd love to continue our lessons. I'll be offering the same quality instruction at [same/lower] rates, with more flexibility on scheduling. Would you be interested in continuing with me directly?"
Key points:
- Be honest and professional
- Emphasize continuity and value
- Don't badmouth Preply (unprofessional)
- Make it easy for them to say yes
Step 4: Set Up Your New System
Once students agree to continue, you need:
1. A booking system - Calendly (free) or Cal.com (free)
2. Payment processing - PayPal, Stripe, or Wise
3. Video platform - Zoom (free for 40 min) or Google Meet (free)
4. A way to get new students - This is where marketing comes in
Step 5: Fill the Gap with New Marketing
Here's the reality: not every Preply student will follow you. Some are loyal to the platform, not you. That's okay.
The key is replacing Preply's student acquisition with your own marketing:
- Facebook/Instagram ads targeting language learners in your area
- Content marketing on YouTube or TikTok
- Referrals from satisfied students
- Local networking with schools and businesses
This is exactly what TutorBoost automates for you—we run the ads, you get the students, and you pay no commission on lessons.
The Numbers: Is It Worth It?
Let's compare:
| Scenario | Monthly Income | Platform Fees | You Keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preply (20 hrs/week @ $30) | $2,400 | $600-800 | $1,600-1,800 |
| Independent (same hours) | $2,400 | $0 | $2,400 |
That's an extra $600-800/month in your pocket. Over a year: $7,200-9,600.
Even accounting for marketing costs (say $100-200/month on ads), you're still coming out way ahead.
Common Fears (And Why They're Overblown)
"What if Preply bans me?"
Once you've decided to leave, a ban doesn't matter. Complete your current commitments professionally, then move on.
"What if students don't follow me?"
Some won't. That's fine. Focus on the ones who do, and use marketing to find new ones. You'll build a more loyal base over time.
"I don't know how to do marketing."
You don't have to. Services like TutorBoost handle the ads for you. You focus on teaching.
Ready to Take Control?
The best time to start building your independent tutoring business was a year ago. The second best time is now.
Start by creating your profile, setting up your booking system, and having honest conversations with your best students. The transition is smoother than you think.
*TutorBoost helps independent tutors run professional Facebook and Instagram ads without touching ads manager. We handle the marketing, you pay no commission on lessons. [Get started free →](/onboarding)*