{"id":16966,"date":"2025-08-05T00:53:02","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T06:53:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=16966"},"modified":"2026-02-25T19:10:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T02:10:53","slug":"avoid-common-pitfalls-freelance-online-english-teacher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/avoid-common-pitfalls-freelance-online-english-teacher\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Common Pitfalls as an Independent Online English Teacher"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teacherpreneur-academy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Starting your own online English teaching business<\/a> is a huge step that is exciting and, at times, daunting. From promoting your classes to troubleshooting tech issues, you\u2019ll handle every detail to ensure your venture takes off well. The good news is that by anticipating and avoiding common problems, you can succeed as a teacherpreneur. Here are some tips on how to avoid common pitfalls as a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-freelance-english-teacher\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">freelance online English teacher<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online TEFL courses<\/a>&nbsp;to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-be28298f-0bd7-48a7-b144-a0af4a125158\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/avoid-common-pitfalls-freelance-online-english-teacher\/#0-1-make-sure-you-have-a-savings-cushion-before-you-get-started\" style=\"\">1. Make sure you have a savings cushion before you get started.<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/avoid-common-pitfalls-freelance-online-english-teacher\/#1-2-consider-keeping-another-flexible-job-until-your-business-takes-off\" style=\"\">2. Consider keeping another flexible job until your business takes off.<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/avoid-common-pitfalls-freelance-online-english-teacher\/#2-3-research-market-needs-before-you-choose-a-niche\" style=\"\">3. Research market needs before you choose a niche.<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/avoid-common-pitfalls-freelance-online-english-teacher\/#3-4-carefully-price-your-courses\" style=\"\">4. Carefully price your courses.<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/avoid-common-pitfalls-freelance-online-english-teacher\/#4-5-get-proper-business-training\" style=\"\">5. Get proper business training.<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/avoid-common-pitfalls-freelance-online-english-teacher\/#5-6-get-a-backup-device-in-case-your-computer-fails\" style=\"\">6. Get a backup device in case your computer fails.<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/avoid-common-pitfalls-freelance-online-english-teacher\/#6-7-log-in-at-least-15-minutes-before-each-class\" style=\"\">7. Log in at least 15 minutes before each class.<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-1-make-sure-you-have-a-savings-cushion-before-you-get-started\">1. Make sure you have a savings cushion before you get started.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest freelance online English teaching pitfalls comes from not having an influx of students right away, which means your cash flow could be unstable at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you wait for your online ESL teaching business to drum up, it\u2019s best to have some savings stashed away as a fallback option. This will not only help you get through some tough months but also provide some funds for unexpected startup costs, like investing in new devices or purchasing materials.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-b9184b70-e2be-4ef4-9939-549dc3049d40\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-14699f31-ef8f-4cf0-9ff1-775e868faf42\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><em><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> <\/em>It\u2019s recommended to save enough for at least six to twelve months\u2019 worth of expenses when you\u2019re getting started as a freelance online English teacher.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/manage-cash-flow-freelance-english-teacher\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Manage your online ESL business\u2019s cash flow like a pro with these tips.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-2-consider-keeping-another-flexible-job-until-your-business-takes-off\">2. Consider keeping another flexible job until your business takes off.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s great that you\u2019re ready to take the plunge into teacherpreneurship, it\u2019s also important to have income constantly flowing in. For this, having a job that allows you to set your own hours helps you cover your daily living expenses and monthly bills until you have a steady stream of students.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-2ae33e80-f825-4430-a2a5-71a577a20ea6\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-534a1876-1890-4ed3-b01a-3e42fc093628\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><em><strong>Pro Tip: <\/strong><\/em>A lot of online ESL schools or companies let teachers choose their schedule, so you can easily organize your classes with companies and your private learners.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/monetize-your-freelance-teaching-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get tips on how you can monetize your freelance English teaching business<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/165565016_437779867519835_5453131863437047347_n.jpg\" alt=\"An image of Jos\u00e9, a private ESL teacher in Brazil\" class=\"wp-image-13504\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/165565016_437779867519835_5453131863437047347_n.jpg 960w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/165565016_437779867519835_5453131863437047347_n-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 960px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/jose-from-brazil-teaching-english-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jos\u00e9<\/a> is a private ESL tutor in Brazil.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-3-research-market-needs-before-you-choose-a-niche\">3. Research market needs before you choose a niche.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Wondering how you can attract as many potential learners as possible? It all starts by finding out what types of learners abound in the place you\u2019d like to teach and what they really want to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, if you would like to teach English online to kids in your community, but there are more adult professionals eager to learn ESL for work, then perhaps it\u2019s time to reassess the type of classes you want to offer and <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/finding-your-english-language-teaching-niche\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tap into a new niche market<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Part of doing market research is also finding out the kinds of virtual teachers that exist in your area and the classes they give. If there are too many teachers who focus on the same niche as yours, you may find it hard to get more learners \u2013 especially if you fail to stand out among your competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-f122fad6-3758-4736-9144-2fc345516cc9\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-4bd08363-a723-4b15-8bb5-edd83f27a5bb\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong><em>Pro Tip<\/em><\/strong><em><strong>:<\/strong> <\/em>Many potential online English students look for teachers on social media, like through Facebook groups. By reading their posts or asking questions, you can get an idea of the niche you can thrive in.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-4-carefully-price-your-courses\">4. Carefully price your courses.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you notice that prospective learners don\u2019t call you back after inquiring about your class fees (or after seeing them in your ad), you may want to check the price you\u2019ve set. Maybe your classes cost the same as your competitors, but they have much more to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from offering course deals like special prices for groups of learners, you can also add services, but stick to the same price. <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/setting-your-rates-freelance-english-tutor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pricing your courses<\/a> may seem like a trial-and-error process at first, but this will eventually help you figure out what works for you.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-493b6710-780e-4857-a82c-fe38a915c1b6\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-b0cd90e5-87ce-474b-a67f-61dbcacce911\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><em><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> <\/em>Got family or friends who teach English, too? Don\u2019t be afraid to ask about their class fees to get an idea of how much others charge.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Vera-Blog-Image.jpg\" alt=\"An image of Vera, an English teacherpreneur from Russia\" class=\"wp-image-16922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Vera-Blog-Image.jpg 560w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Vera-Blog-Image-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 560px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/bridge-grad-vera-from-russia-taking-english-teaching-to-social-media\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vera, from Russia<\/a>, began her own online English school, Idioma Zone.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-5-get-proper-business-training\">5. Get proper business training.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not necessary to have an extensive background in business to start your own online English teaching venture. However, it\u2019s vital to learn the essentials of managing your business successfully, and you can do this by taking courses specific to freelance English teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-b863db1a-5958-4316-a32a-2987060f002c\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-54b90ae3-4897-4a1c-b9dc-1d8ba41d31e7\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><em><strong>Pro Tip<\/strong><\/em><strong><em>:<\/em> <\/strong>Bridge offers a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teacherpreneur-academy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Specialized Teacherpreneur Academy course<\/a>, which aims to help aspiring independent English teachers build the essential skills needed to launch and run an ESL tutoring business. Among other concepts covered in this course, you&#8217;ll learn how to market yourself, find your niche, manage cash flow, and handle operational logistics.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-6-get-a-backup-device-in-case-your-computer-fails\">6. Get a backup device in case your computer fails.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not a secret that tech is not perfect all the time; your computer may stop working, apps may not load, and your internet connection might fail. Therefore, it helps if you have a plan B for conducting your lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-d39c6938-2aae-45e3-948c-fec768ffb8da\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-fdc5a604-e1b4-4edc-ae1b-a72853149afd\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><em><strong>Pro Tips:<\/strong> <\/em>Here are some ways to troubleshoot the most common tech issues:<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have a spare computer, tablet, or mobile phone ready in case your computer fails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be ready with a mobile data connection if your Wi-Fi signal cuts out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a USB-connected camera in case the one in your computer doesn\u2019t work. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep printed emergency materials handy for if your online lesson materials don\u2019t load.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tackling-operational-challenges-freelance-teacher\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about handling operational challenges as a freelance online English teacher.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Chris-in-person-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"An image of an independent English teacher teaching an English class\" class=\"wp-image-14124\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Chris-in-person-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Chris-in-person-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/chris-from-the-us-running-his-own-efl-company-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teacher Chris<\/a> started Smith English to offer virtual and in-person classes to private students and universities.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-7-log-in-at-least-15-minutes-before-each-class\">7. Log in at least 15 minutes before each class.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before every lesson, you may want to give yourself some extra minutes to test the technology you\u2019ll use in your class (especially if you\u2019re using a new device or connection). This way, you can save yourself the trouble of fixing unanticipated issues in the middle of your lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23fcb900&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-f6ef5f99-b9ad-48c8-88e9-e372d3744b52\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-63442b1d-46a6-4b81-85f4-7f4b1f94071c\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><em><strong>Pro Tips:<\/strong> <\/em>Here are crucial things to check before you start an online English class:<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Computer or app updates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internet connectivity and speed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headphones, webcams, and other computer accessories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Computer battery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Video conferencing platform features you\u2019ll use in class, such as screen sharing and virtual whiteboards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/get-started-freelance-english-teaching-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">starting a freelance online ESL business<\/a>, you can achieve more success if you know how to avoid common mistakes freelance English teachers make. By following the tips above, you can make sure that you will <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-find-online-esl-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">find more students<\/a>, correctly manage cash flow, and confidently tackle issues that come your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-learn-the-business-skills-you-need-to-start-your-own-esl-venture-with-the-bridge-teacherpreneur-academy-specialized-certification-course-\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teacherpreneur-academy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn the business skills you need to start your own ESL venture with the Bridge Teacherpreneur Academy Specialized Certification course.<\/a><\/em><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Starting your own online English teaching business is a huge step that is exciting and, at times, daunting. From promoting your classes to troubleshooting tech issues, you\u2019ll handle every detail [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":39972,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,659,14],"tags":[886,481,725,872,935,873,933,618,898],"post-language":[],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-16966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-job-resources","category-teaching-english-independently","category-teaching-english-online","tag-building-a-teaching-business","tag-career-planning","tag-creating-a-niche-for-teaching","tag-finding-english-students-online","tag-marketing-for-english-teachers","tag-setting-rates-for-teaching","tag-teacherpreneurship","tag-teaching-groups-online","tag-transitioning-to-independent-teaching"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/How-to-Avoid-Common-Pitfalls-as-an-Independent-Online-English-Teacher-featured-image.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Krzl Light Nu\u00f1es","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/krzlnunesgmail-com\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16966"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16966\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41739,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16966\/revisions\/41739"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39972"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16966"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16966"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=16966"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=16966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}