6 Essential Tips for Becoming a Full-time Yoga Teacher

Many people don’t believe it is possible to turn teaching yoga into a full-time career. Learn about the six essentials (next to teaching high-quality classes of course), that will help you become a full-time yoga teacher and earn enough to live comfortably:

1. Location, location, location… it doesn’t have to be expensive
It is important to think carefully about the location where you want to start your yoga studio.
When you are just starting, you don’t necessarily have to teach in one place. You don’t even have to rent a location. You can give corporate yoga classes on location and you can even teach in your own home if you have the space for it. When you teach in your home, it is important that the private and professional part of the house are clearly separated.

2. Offer versus demand… do your research
An important element to consider is the population of the area where you wish to teach. There should be at least 50,000 inhabitants so you can reach enough people for your classes. Make sure you do some research before deciding where you will teach. Many people think you should teach where the offer of yoga is very low because then you have less competition. But you should also consider why the offer is low. Maybe because the demand for yoga is low?

3. Pricing… check your competition
Go to other successful yoga schools and check how much they charge for their classes. In the beginning, just copy what they are doing. Don’t try to be the cheapest, because people won’t trust you. Likewise, don’t be the most expensive, as people won’t pay for it.

4. Develop marketing skills… success doesn’t come without it
Spend enough time and money on marketing. People must find out about your classes, and they should be attracted to try them out. Invest in a good website, engage meaningfully on social media, and make sure your website ranks on Google.

5. Be persistent, don’t give up…
Be patient. It can easily take up to a year before a yoga business becomes profitable. In the beginning it is important to build up a name and a good reputation. The students that come to your classes should be overwhelmed by the high quality of your classes. Their positive feedback will attract more and more people to come.

6. Don’t be too picky… at least in the beginning
In the beginning you can accept every teaching opportunity. Another good way to reach more potential students is to give workshops.