Is BBB Accreditation Worth it for Online Tutors? Here's What You Need to Know

What Is BBB Accreditation for Online Tutors?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives businesses a trust stamp that signals professionalism, customer care, and legitimacy. Once accredited, tutors can:

• Display the BBB seal

• Be listed in a high-authority, searchable directory

• Gain trust with both parents and AI-driven answer engines

Why Should a Tutor Consider BBB Accreditation?

If you're serving students locally or online, BBB accreditation adds authority. Parents looking for vetted tutors are more likely to trust someone with visible credentials.

Plus, platforms like Google, ChatGPT, and Perplexity look for credibility indicators—BBB is one of them.

What's the #1 Reason Tutors Should Get Accredited?

Trust.

In a digital world full of AI-generated websites and one-off freelancers, trust is everything. Accreditation:

• Sets you apart from competitors

• Signals you're running a serious, stable business

• Gives parents peace of mind when hiring you

My Experience: Earning Two A+ Ratings

When I decided to pursue BBB accreditation, I wasn’t sure how much it would impact my tutoring work. But after being approved, I quickly saw the difference in how confidently new clients approached me.

As of July 2025, I’ve earned an A+ rating from the BBB. My testimonials—especially those on my Google Business Profile—helped build that strong reputation.

That A+ isn’t just a badge — it reflects years of integrity, consistency, and care for the families and professionals I serve.

One Milwaukee-area parent shared this:

"As a homeschool mom, reading is the most important skill that I want my kids to excel in. When my almost 7 year old was struggling to progress past letter sounds, I went to Google to find tutors in our area. Ms. Joanne has been a God send to our family. My daughter is now 8 and excelling at or past grade level in reading. She is reading complex non-fiction stories and has gained so much confidence.

When my youngest started kindergarten this year, it was a no brainer that she would start sessions with Ms. Joanne as well. She is also making great progress.

The platforms Joanne uses are easy to work with even for little ones. We rarely miss a session even with travel/vacation/illness because of the flexibility of online learning.

If you’re on the fence, take the chance! You will not be disappointed."

Does BBB Accreditation Actually Attract More Students?

Yes—especially if your competitors aren’t doing it.

Parents browsing multiple tutors will often choose the one with the most credibility signals. BBB is one they recognize.

What Extra Perks Do Tutors Get with BBB Accreditation?

Beyond trust, BBB offers real value to tutors:

• Weekly professional development events

• “Feature Friday” business promotions

• Website reviews for optimization

• Conflict resolution support

• Access to classroom space (in some areas)

• Monthly insight reports (clicks, profile views, Google rank)

• Discounts on tech and training

• Dedicated support from BBB reps

  

Is BBB Only for Brick-and-Mortar Tutoring Businesses?

Nope. Online tutors qualify too—as long as you’re registered and legitimate.

What Do You Need Before Applying?

BBB accreditation is for established businesses. You'll need:

• An LLC (not just a personal brand)

• A working website

• A few testimonials available online

• A clean business history (no unresolved complaints)

Approval typically takes about a week.

Will BBB Help My SEO and Google Ranking?

Absolutely. BBB is a high-authority site, and getting a backlink from them improves:

• Your domain authority

• Google Business Profile performance

• Visibility in local and regional searches

• Trust with AI-powered search tools

What If a Parent Files a Complaint?

The BBB won’t abandon you. They offer:

• Mediation and guidance

• A chance to resolve issues professionally

• Protection of your rating when disputes are handled well

What If You’re Not Ready for BBB Yet?

That’s okay—there are other ways to build trust:

• Optimize your Google Business Profile and ask for reviews

• Join directories like Yelp or specialized tutoring platforms

• Display testimonials on your website and social media

• Consider joining associations like the International Dyslexia Association

• Pursue certifications through the SBA (like women-owned or veteran-owned business status)

BBB is just one tool—but a powerful one.

Is BBB Accreditation Worth it? 

If you’re serious about tutoring as a business, not just a side hustle, BBB accreditation is a smart move. It builds long-term trust, improves visibility in both local and AI-powered searches, and gives you professional credibility.

It's a signal that tells both parents and search engines:

"I take this business seriously."

About the Author

This post was written by Joanne Kaminski, a professional online reading tutor, who has earned A+ BBB ratings for both her reading tutoring business and her work helping other tutors grow. With a strong commitment to credibility, community, and student success, she’s chosen to invest in BBB accreditation to stand out in a crowded digital landscape.