Preply

What is Preply?

Preply is an online tutoring marketplace connecting students with tutors for one-on-one lessons in languages, academics, and professional skills. Students browse tutor profiles, book lessons, and learn via video call. Tutors set their own rates, schedules, and teaching approaches.

For digital nomads with language skills or academic expertise, Preply offers flexible income from anywhere with reliable internet.

How Preply Works

For Tutors

Your Preply workflow:

1. Create detailed profile with video introduction
2. Set your hourly rates and availability
3. Students find and book lessons with you
4. Teach via Preply's video platform
5. Get paid through Preply's payment system

Commission Structure

Preply takes a percentage of your earnings:

Building loyal students dramatically improves your effective hourly rate.

Earnings Example

How commission affects income:

Focus on student retention for better returns.

Subjects You Can Teach

Languages

Most popular category:

Academic Subjects

Growing categories:

• Mathematics (all levels)
• Science (physics, chemistry, biology)
• Test prep (SAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL)
• Programming and computer science
• Business subjects

Professional Skills

Specialized tutoring:

• Business English
• Public speaking
• Interview preparation
• Writing and editing

Getting Started on Preply

Step 1: Create Your Profile

Profile elements that matter:

Photo: Professional, friendly, high quality.

Video introduction: Critical for conversions. Show your personality and teaching style.

Description: Highlight experience, teaching approach, and what makes you effective.

Qualifications: List relevant education and certifications.

Languages: Specify fluency levels accurately.

Step 2: Set Your Rates

Pricing strategy:

Starting out: Price competitively to attract first students and build reviews. Consider 10-20% below established tutors.

After reviews: Gradually increase rates as positive reviews accumulate.

Premium positioning: High rates possible with strong profile, reviews, and specialization.

Step 3: Optimize for Discovery

Get found by students:

• Complete every profile section
• Record compelling video introduction
• Use keywords students search for
• Set trial lesson price strategically
• Respond quickly to inquiries

Step 4: Build Your Student Base

Grow your tutoring business:

• Deliver excellent first lessons
• Follow up after lessons
• Encourage students to book packages
• Request reviews from satisfied students
• Adjust availability for peak demand times

Maximizing Preply Earnings

Student Retention

Long-term students are more profitable:

• First lesson pays 67% of your rate
• Every subsequent lesson pays 82%
• Regular students provide stable income
• Less time spent finding new students

Invest in relationships for better returns.

Pricing Strategy

Balance bookings and earnings:

Most successful tutors start lower and raise rates with reviews.

Trial Lessons

Convert trials to regulars:

• Price trials to attract students (many offer discounts)
• Deliver exceptional value in first lesson
• Assess student needs and show your approach
• Suggest ongoing lesson plan
• Book next lesson before trial ends

Trial conversion rate is crucial for growth.

Schedule Optimization

Maximize your available hours:

• Identify peak demand times for your subjects
• Offer availability during high-traffic periods
• Group lessons efficiently to minimize gaps
• Consider multiple timezone markets

Preply for Digital Nomads

Location Independence

Teach from anywhere:

• Only need laptop and internet
• No physical location requirements
• Students come from global marketplace
• Payments work internationally

Timezone Flexibility

Global student base means global schedules:

Multiple timezone availability increases booking potential.

Technical Requirements

What you need:

• Reliable internet (minimum 10 Mbps, 25+ recommended)
• Quality webcam (1080p preferred)
• Good microphone or headset
• Quiet, well-lit teaching space
• Backup internet option recommended

Challenges on the Road

Solutions for nomad tutors:

Preply vs. Alternatives

Tips for Preply Success

Invest in your video. Most students watch introductions before booking. Quality matters.

Respond quickly. Fast response to inquiries improves booking rates and profile visibility.

Specialize strategically. Niche expertise (business English, exam prep) commands higher rates.

Focus on retention. Long-term students are more profitable than constant new student acquisition.

Collect reviews. Ask satisfied students to leave reviews. They drive future bookings.

Be reliable. Cancellations hurt your profile and student relationships.

Common Mistakes

Pricing too low permanently. Start low to build reviews, but raise rates as you establish yourself.

Neglecting the video introduction. This is often the deciding factor for students choosing tutors.

Inconsistent availability. Students prefer tutors with predictable, reliable schedules.

Ignoring retention. Constantly chasing new students is exhausting and less profitable.

Poor technical setup. Audio and video quality affect student experience and reviews.

The Bottom Line

Preply offers tutors a established marketplace with substantial student demand. The commission structure rewards building long-term student relationships, making retention as important as acquisition.

Success requires patience to build reviews and a student base. New tutors should expect lower earnings initially while establishing themselves. Those who deliver quality instruction and focus on student relationships can build substantial, location-independent income.

For digital nomads with teaching skills, Preply provides reliable income from anywhere. Manage technical requirements carefully, maintain schedule consistency despite travel, and invest in student relationships. The platform handles everything else, letting you focus on teaching.