Many teachers that I talk to share their interest in starting their own shop on TeachersPayTeachers to sell their resources, but many times, they have no idea where to start! My TPT store has honestly changed my life, so I am happy to share my journey! Here are my tips for sellers that are just starting out!
Collect Unique Ideas!
Throughout the school year, I keep a list of ideas for TPT products on my phone. Whenever I think of a resource that I need and just can’t seem to find, I write it down. Then, when I have time and motivation to create for my store, I have a list of ideas that I can go to. If you are spending time looking for a resource that fits your specific needs, other teachers likely need that same thing! In addition, I always felt that if I made something for my own classroom and students that solved a problem that I had, any sales from that product would just be a bonus! It took the pressure off, in a way! Some newer sellers get “inspiration” from other products they have purchased or seen online, but that is a practice I would personally stay away from. You want your products to be completely your own and not look like a copy of someone else’s!
Make Products That Look Professional!
While TeachersPayTeachers is a marketplace for teachers to sell their materials, no one is tempted to spend their hard-earned money on a resource that looks like it was thrown together by the teacher down the hall. Use easy-to-read but uncommon fonts (there are tons that you can purchase on TPT!), proofread your worksheets, and take pride in making your resources!
Always Include an Answer Key!
It may be very clear to YOU what the correct answers to your activity should be, but remember that some buyers are not familiar with the content, are leaving sub plans, or just think differently than you do! Always include an answer key or provide sample answers for any activity or resource you post!
Make Your Listings Crystal Clear!
You could have the most unique and perfect resource, but if your listing isn’t clear, chances are that you just won’t get the sale! This includes creating covers, thumbnails, previews, and descriptions that are clear, uncluttered, and easy to read. Covers should be square and in my opinion, simple! Have a large title in block letters and a mock-up of one or two pages of the resource. Similarly, thumbnails should showcase what is included in the resource with simple phrases that help explain. Your preview should show and describe what is included more in-depth, but shouldn’t just be the entire product file with the word “preview” written over it! Lastly, your description should clearly list everything that is included and describe what the product is, how it is helpful, and why the customer should buy it! I could write an entire blog post just on listings because they are the most important thing!
Upgrade to Premium – ASAP!
If you’re serious about TPT, upgrading to the premium seller account is a step that will pay for itself! With the basic free seller account, TPT takes a lot of your profit – about 65% when all is said and done. With the premium seller account, which costs $65ish a year, TPT only takes about 20%. It doesn’t take a mathematician to figure out that the difference really adds up over time! Plus, the money spent on the premium account is tax deductible as a business expense!
What other questions do you have about getting started on TPT? Let me know in the comments!
