Strategic Planning - July 2017
2017 Test Prep, Admissions, and Private Tutoring Conference Boston, MA. Please join us !
July 2017 Strategic Brief & TPAPT Community Update
Group:
I hope everyone is well. Below is our July is About Strategic Planning Guide. Here are some TPAPT updates as well:
- We've released New SAT and ACT Student Workbooks & Instructor Guides. This is a white-label product which can be branded with your company information. Here is a sample:
- TPAPT members can now create a social profile, friend others, promote a brand through image uploads etc. If you haven't gone in to add a bio and perhaps your company logo, it is well worth the time.
Strategic Planning for Tutors & IECs - Jule 2017
Because there is an SAT test date in August, we expect there to be an increase in demand for summer test prep classes and test prep tutoring. For that reason, July will be an important month to engage prospective and former clients to that end.Test prep companies are likely to offer discounts and other incentives to claim the new market share. This "new" market share will be artificially inflated by students who would normally target the Fall for the test administration. Collecting revenue earlier in the year-particularly during slow summer months-is helpful to small firms seeking cash-flow.
In terms of college admissions, The College Search Process has begun and basic advice and guidance should increase in the blog-o--sphere. For that reason, we're sticking to the same advice as last month: hold free informational events and monetize through Essay Workshops and Short College Admissions Camps.
Independent tutors should be busier this summer. Between the August SAT Test, Helping Students Avoid the Summer Slide, and Essay Development, there will be plenty of business.
Based on the reasons above we suggest adding or amending the product mix to include:
• College Essay Workshops
• SAT / ACT - Regular Length for Fall Tests (average length programs of 18 - 24 hours
• SAT Math or Reading & Writing Only (don't go overboard with these)
• SAT Bootcamps at the beginning of August
• SAT / ACT Hybrid Offerings ( Combined SAT/ACT prep based on the relative similarities between the New SAT and the ACT). Although hybrid-classes require an exceptional instructor, they should become more prominent in the next year.
• August Weekend-Only SAT Bootcamps
• Summer Personal Statement, Essay, and Rising Senior College Counseling Programs.
Beyond the Product Positioning mentioned above, one should take note that industry giants will focus heavily on lead generation through free offers. For example, Kaplan is offering Free SAT, ACT, and AP "Days of Tutoring." These are held remotely.
Regional firms are likely to follow the example and there are few barriers for localized firms to do the same. These free remote tutoring events should begin to disrupt the traditional Free Practice Test Events we've come to know. For now, though, things should remain the same and new student lead generation should revolve around the following Free Events:
• Free ACT or SAT Practice Testing (schedule multiple dates and promote) - July & August
• SAT or ACT Scores Back Seminar (From your July Practice Test). Schedule for the week after July 4 for SAT, ACT Scores Back
• SAT vs. ACT - Which Test is Best? Once per month, July & August
• Free Personal Statement Development Workshops
If you need additional information about any of the above, feel free to set up a time to speak.
Kind regards,
Kevin
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