Is Teaching on Zoom Still Worth It? Our Honest Thoughts After Years of Teaching Online
When many people think about teaching on Zoom, they immediately think back to 2020.
For a lot of us, that’s when online teaching became part of our lives.
But here’s the thing…
Teaching online didn’t begin in 2020.
And it definitely didn’t end there.
In this episode of Mugs & Marketing, Ashley and Alisha share their experiences teaching online, what surprised them, and why Zoom is still one of the best tools for creative entrepreneurs who want more flexibility and reach.
How We Got Started
Ashley had already experimented with teaching online before the pandemic through YouTube and even one-on-one sessions using Skype.
When her yoga studio closed in 2020, she transitioned classes online almost immediately.
Alisha’s experience looked different.
As an elementary art teacher, she suddenly found herself teaching students over Zoom every day. It wasn’t something she planned—but it gave her valuable experience that she’s excited to build on again in the future.
Teaching Online Is Different – Not Worse
One of the biggest misconceptions about Zoom teaching is that it’s simply trying to replace an in-person class.
We don’t think that’s true.
Teaching online creates an entirely different experience.
Instead of focusing on local students, you can connect with people across your country, or around the world.
Instead of asking people to drive across town, you’re inviting them to show up from the comfort of home.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what they need.
Who Benefits Most From Online Teaching?
Teaching online can be a great fit for:
- Parents with young children
- Caregivers
- People living in rural areas
- Frequent travelers
- Busy professionals
- People managing chronic illness
- Introverts
- Teachers looking to build additional income
Online teaching creates flexibility for both the instructor and the student.
“Why Not Just Watch YouTube?”
It’s a fair question.
If videos already exist online, why would someone attend a live Zoom class?
Because live classes offer something recordings can’t:
- Accountability
- Community
- Real-time interaction
- Encouragement
- Conversation
- Shared energy
Sometimes simply knowing someone expects you to show up makes all the difference.
One Class Is Enough
If you’re thinking about teaching online, don’t feel like you need to launch an entire schedule.
Start with one class.
One workshop.
One weekly gathering.
As Ashley shared in the episode, narrowing her focus to a single 30-minute morning movement class helped her build consistency, and eventually welcome more than 3,000 students into her online community.
Online Teaching Is More Affordable Than You Think
Starting an online teaching business doesn’t require renting a studio or investing thousands of dollars.
For many teachers, your primary expenses are simply:
- Zoom
- Scheduling software
- Internet
- A camera (even your phone works!)
That’s one of the reasons online teaching continues to be such an accessible business model.
Ready to Fill Your Zoom Grid?
Teaching is only part of the equation.
The bigger challenge is getting students to actually show up.
That’s exactly why Ashley created Fill the Grid, a program designed to help teachers confidently invite students, market their classes, and build a thriving online community.
Resources Mentioned
📌 Fill the Grid Waitlist https://ashleyrosehagen.com/ftgwaitlist
📌 Zoom Setup Video https://youtu.be/i6R5ObCm594
📌 Zoom Security Settings https://youtu.be/J8OosFe7foQ
📌 Ashley’s Morning Yoga Schedule https://ashleyrosehagen.com/schedule
📌 Ashes Academy http://ashleyrosehagen.com/work-with-me
📌 Join the Mugs & Marketing Coffee Club https://ashleyrosehagen.com/podcast
📌 Alisha Hagen Art https://alishahagenart.com
In This Episode
- Our first experiences teaching online
- Zoom before and after 2020
- Why online teaching is still growing
- Who online teaching is perfect for
- Live classes vs. YouTube videos
- Why you don’t need to replace your in-person classes
- Starting with one simple offering
- Building an online community
- Why Ashley still teaches on Zoom today
Teaching online isn’t about replacing what already exists.
It’s about creating something that fits your life, and helps your students do the same.