The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Exam Prep

Starting a side hustle in exam preparation is a fantastic way for Kiwi educators to share their expertise and earn extra income. Whether you’re helping students ace NCEA in Auckland or prepping for university entrance exams in Wellington, this guide offers practical, local advice to attract clients while managing your full-time commitments.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Know Your Local Exam Requirements

Each region and school in NZ might focus on different exam boards or subjects, so understanding local specifics is essential.

Weirdly enough, some schools in smaller towns favour personalized study plans over generic tutoring, opening unique side hustle opportunities.

Customizing your prep to align with local curricula and exam expectations makes your service more relevant and effective.

2. List Services on Yada

Yada connects exam tutors with students and families without lead or success fees, making it ideal for side hustlers.

The platform’s rating and messaging features help build a trustworthy reputation and streamline bookings.

Its mobile-friendly design lets you handle inquiries flexibly around your day job.

3. Offer Flexible Tutoring Packages

Package options like one-off sessions, regular weekly classes, or exam boot camps appeal to diverse student needs and schedules.

An Auckland tutor boosted clients by offering crash courses before major exam dates alongside ongoing coaching.

Being adaptable helps you fit tutoring into your own time while serving more students.

4. Register on Regional Education Platforms

Besides Yada, use local school board websites, community centres, and Facebook groups where parents search for tutors.

Detail your subjects, teaching style, and pricing clearly to gain trust and inquiries.

Visibility on trusted local platforms increases your reach effectively.

5. Gather and Share Student Testimonials

Request feedback from students and parents to showcase improvement and satisfaction.

A Christchurch tutor expanded side hustle bookings by actively sharing client successes and testimonials online.

Positive social proof greatly influences new clients’ decisions.

6. Network with Schools and Communities

Building relationships with local schools, libraries, and cultural groups can lead to regular referrals and group sessions.

Weirdly enough, community word-of-mouth remains powerful in NZ, often more so than digital ads.

Personal networking nurtures sustained and loyal client relationships.

7. Create a Simple Website or Profile

Build a mobile-friendly site on Wix or Google Sites highlighting your expertise, testimonials, and contact details.

Ensure it’s easy to navigate so busy parents can quickly find and book your services.

Regular updates with success stories keep your presence fresh and engaging.

8. Share Study Tips and Resources

Post helpful exam strategies, revision tips, or motivational content on social media to build trust and rapport.

For example, sharing sample NCEA questions with answers engages local students effectively.

Valuable content nurtures prospective students without overt selling.

9. Use Efficient Scheduling and Communication

Use Yada’s scheduling and messaging tools or apps like Calendly to manage student bookings seamlessly.

Clear communication of your availability and session plans prevents misunderstandings.

Time management is key when balancing tutoring with other work.

10. Stay Updated on Exam Changes

Keep up with NZ Qualifications Authority (NZQA) updates, curriculum changes, and new teaching techniques.

Attending professional workshops and joining tutor support groups keeps your skills sharp.

Continuous improvement makes you a more effective and sought-after tutor.