Is Freelancing on Preply or italki Worth It in 2025?

Is Freelancing on Preply or italki Worth It in 2025?

Short answer: Yes—if you know how to play the game.

Freelancing on Online Teaching Marketplaces (OTMs) like Preply or italki can be incredibly rewarding in 2025—but only if you approach them strategically. With more teachers joining these platforms every day, competition is fierce.

So, how do some teachers earn a consistent income while others barely get bookings?

Here’s the truth: success on these platforms isn’t random. It’s algorithm-driven, strategy-based, and totally doable—if you treat your profile like a storefront and your students like clients.

🧩 Here’s How to Make OTMs Work for You

If you want to rise to the top (literally, in search rankings), here are the proven tactics that separate successful freelancers from frustrated beginners:

1. Optimize Your Profile Title and Tags
Use searchable keywords that describe your teaching niche. For example, instead of “Friendly English Tutor,” try “Business English Coach | Interview Prep & Fluency Expert.” Add relevant tags like “IELTS,” “Conversational English,” or “English for Travel” to increase your discoverability.

2. Collect and Display Student Reviews

After each lesson, kindly request a review. Social proof is everything. Reviews build trust and boost your position in search results. Even one or two great testimonials can trigger a ripple effect.

3. Offer Trial Lessons That Convert
Don’t just “show up” for your trial. Use it to guide the student, identify their needs, and demonstrate value. Give a mini-assessment, provide actionable feedback, and show how you can help over time. This sets the stage for long-term bookings.

4. Stay Active and Online
OTM algorithms reward tutors who consistently log in, respond quickly, and maintain availability. Even being online during peak hours (especially weekends and evenings) can boost your visibility.

🎯 Bonus Tip: Sell Long-Term Value

Use your trial classes to guide students into booking 5, 10, or 20-lesson packages. When you create a clear roadmap for their learning journey, they’ll see the benefit of committing to regular sessions with you.

Final Thoughts

Platforms like Preply and italki are still a great way to launch or grow your freelance teaching career in 2025—but only if you use them wisely. They're not set-it-and-forget-it platforms.

You need to be visible, intentional, and service-oriented.

If you're ready to stop guessing and start freelancing smarter, I’ve got you covered.

📘 Want to Unlock the Full OTM Strategy?

My complete OTM guide reveals:
✅ Pricing strategies that attract and retain students
✅ Profile optimization tips that boost your search ranking
✅ Scheduling hacks that protect your time and increase income

👉 Start freelancing smarter today by buying my eBook "The Freelance Online Teaching Roadmap: Build Your Independent Career on Online Teaching Marketplaces (OTMs) - A Step-by-Step Guide to Thriving as a Self-Employed ESL/EFL Teacher on Platforms like Preply and Italki"