Find out latest news, insights and tips from Aster Academy

Blog

Illustration of a magnet representing attraction and messaging

What Premium Clients Are Actually Looking For (That No One Tells You)

July 24, 20254 min read

Most tutors think the secret to attracting premium clients is working harder, offering more, or building up years of experience.

Spoiler alert: it’s not.

The truth is, premium clients don’t necessarily choose the most qualified tutor.
They choose the one who feels like the right fit.
And they figure that out long before you ever speak to them, just by looking at your messaging.

Let’s be honest: your posts, your website, your bio... they’re doing the heavy lifting.

So if you're brilliant at what you do but still attracting the wrong enquiries (or not getting any at all), it might be time to rethink what your words are really saying.

What do we mean by “premium clients”?

Premium clients are not just those who can afford to pay more.
They’re the ones who expect to pay more and value quality, expertise and experience.
They aren’t looking for a bargain. They’re looking for belief. And your messaging is what builds that belief.

Here’s what they’re actually paying attention to (and what might be quietly putting them off):

1. Clarity over credentials

You can have a first-class degree, years of experience and a glowing track record, but if your messaging is vague, none of that matters.

“I offer English tuition for students of all ages” is a sure way to fade into the background.
But “I help bright but anxious teens turn confusion into clarity and hit the grades that open doors,” now we’re talking.

Clear, specific messaging doesn’t just sound more professional. It helps clients immediately understand the value of what you do.

Tip: Swap generalist phrases (“I offer support in…”) for specific outcomes (“I help students achieve…”).

2. Confidence (not availability)

A common mistake tutors make is leading with availability:
“Two spaces left this week!”
“DM me to grab a slot!”
“Flexible, affordable, friendly.”

It’s well-meaning, but it doesn’t signal value; it signals that you’re trying to fill a diary.
Premium clients don’t want to “grab a slot.” They want to make a considered choice.

Your messaging should say:
“I know what I’m doing. I know the value of this work. And I’m the right person to help.”

Because confidence, not scarcity, is what builds trust.

3. Distinctiveness over general warmth

Yes, being kind and supportive matters.
But premium clients are already assuming you’re kind and supportive. It’s the minimum expectation.

What they’re really looking for is distinctiveness:
What do you stand for as a tutor? What do you believe about learning, growth and success? What makes you you?

Your values, your voice and your perspective are what help you stand out, especially in a sea of “reliable,” “friendly,” “professional” tutors.

If your messaging sounds like it could be copy-pasted to someone else’s page, you’ll struggle to build connection.

4. Authority, not apology

Let’s talk tone for a moment.

If your captions are full of “just,” “maybe,” “affordable” and “if that’s OK?” energy, your dream clients are scrolling past.

Not because you’re not good at what you do, but because you don’t sound like someone who knows it.

Authority isn’t about arrogance. It’s about clarity. It’s about showing people, through your words, that they’re in safe, capable hands.

Use strong, specific language. Ditch the disclaimers. And write like someone who gets results.

5. Content that creates curiosity, not just visibility

Posting more won’t get you more clients if your content isn’t doing its job.

Every single post, page or profile should do one of three things:

  • Spark curiosity

  • Build trust

  • Prompt action

If your posts are just “educational,” “informative,” or “behind the scenes” updates, that’s great for engagement, but it may not be moving your business forward.

Premium messaging creates intrigue. It invites people to see themselves in your content. It shifts perception and makes you feel like the obvious choice.

The takeaway?

Messaging isn’t a nice-to-have.
It’s one of the most powerful tools you have to attract higher-quality clients, raise your rates and stand out for all the right reasons.

If you’re ready to refine the way you show up and sound like the premium tutor you already are, I’ve created a guide to help you do exactly that.

Get your copy of the Magnetic Messaging Guide here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGfu23_YjU/mjffyM3nv_wzDLob3qEpKg/view?utm_content=DAGfu23_YjU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hb40c576bfe

tutoring; premium clients
blog author image

Sarah Capewell

Sarah Academy is the Founder of Aster Academy, a mentorship programme expertly designed to support teachers to take the leap and start, run and grow a lucrative tutoring business.

Back to Blog

© 2023 Aster Academy - All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.