Teacher Business School: TPT, Homeschool, & Beyond

Teachers Pay Teachers Ads (TPT) Explained What Really Happens When You Promote a ProductHave you ever wondered if paying for ads on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is actually worth it, or if it just eats into your hard-earned profits?In this episode, Lindsay walks you through her real-life experience using the Promote Products feature on Teachers Pay Teachers. She breaks down exactly how it works, how to set it up, what she spent, what she earned, and whether she would do it again. If you have ever been tempted to try TPT ads or felt unsure about where to invest your marketing dollars, this episode gives you honest insight so you can make informed decisions for your business.Key Discussion Points:[00:00:41] What Promote Products on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Actually IsA clear explanation of what the Promote Products feature is, where to find it in your dashboard, and how it functions like an internal ad system on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT).[00:01:41] How to Set Up a Promoted ProductThe step-by-step process of choosing a category, selecting a product, and picking available dates, plus why slots can sell out months in advance.[00:02:41] Why Timing and Dates Matter So MuchHow choosing less competitive dates like holidays and weekends affected results, and why ideal dates often sell out quickly.[00:03:41] Real Results, Costs, and ROI BreakdownAn honest look at how much was spent, how many sales came in, and what the actual return on investment looked like.[00:04:41] Where Promoted Products Appear in SearchA walkthrough of how sponsored resources show up in Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) search results and category pages, and why visibility alone does not always lead to conversions.[00:06:41] When Promote Products Might Not Be Worth ItWhy promoted listings can feel disconnected from buyer intent and how mismatched sponsored results can impact effectiveness.[00:07:41] Better Advertising Options for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) SellersWhy Meta ads on Facebook and Instagram have delivered stronger results, and how Lindsay uses both low-ticket product ads and lead magnets to grow her business.Connect further:Download my TPT Income Report: https://www.lindsaybowden.com/incomeEarn 3-4 figures per month on TPT | https://lindsaybowden.com/startStart or grow your TPT email list | https://lindsaybowden.com/emailAnd make sure to follow me! http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1Resources mentioned may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and resources I truly love and use myself.

What New Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sellers Need to Know, Lessons From a First-Year Store OwnerWhat does it really look like to start a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store from scratch when you didn’t even know TPT existed a month earlier?In this episode of the Teacher Business School podcast, Lindsay sits down with Cherene Chan, a Teacher Resource Academy student from the UK, to talk about her journey from online ESL teaching and major health challenges to opening a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store, making consistent sales, and earning her first five-star reviews.Cherene shares what surprised her most about selling on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), how long it took to make her first sale, what finally helped her gain traction, and the mindset shifts that made the biggest difference. This conversation is especially encouraging for newer sellers, international teachers, and anyone feeling overwhelmed at the beginning.Key Discussion Points:[00:00:41] Meet Cherene and Her Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) JourneyHow Cherene went from never hearing about Teachers Pay Teachers to opening her own store after finding a free Instagram workshop.[00:02:21] Teaching Online and Navigating Health ChallengesCherene shares her background teaching ESL online, earning TEFL certifications, and rebuilding momentum after major jaw surgery.[00:04:22] Discovering the Three-Day Board Game ChallengeWhat caught Cherene’s attention about the free workshop, why she almost didn’t sign up, and how creating her first resource sparked everything.[00:06:01] Opening Her Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Store and Making the First SaleHow long it took Cherene to open her store, when her first sale came in, and why earning $1.60 felt so meaningful.[00:08:41] What the Early Days of Selling Really Felt LikeThe overwhelm, self-doubt, and steep learning curve that came with learning PowerPoint, Canva, and the business side of Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT).[00:11:01] Choosing a Niche and Creating ESL Grammar ResourcesWhy Cherene focuses on ESL grammar, lesson slides, and editable worksheets, and how product lines help her work faster.[00:13:21] Selling on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) as a UK-Based SellerHow Cherene adapts her resources for American English, creates US holiday products, and turns being international into an advantage.[00:15:21] Hitting 50+ Sales as a New SellerWhat it felt like to pass the 50-sale milestone and why tracking progress kept her motivated.[00:16:41] Receiving Her First Five-Star ReviewThe emotional moment Cherene realized she had earned a five-star review and why that validation meant so much.[00:19:21] Why Training and Support MatterCherene explains why she believes trying to figure out Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) alone would have led to quitting early.[00:21:41] How Resource Creation Gets Faster Over TimeFrom seven hours to three minutes, how repetition, templates, and experience changed everything.[00:24:01] The Importance of Covers, Thumbnails, and PreviewsWhat finally helped Cherene improve page views and sales after reworking her covers and previews months later.[00:26:41] Advice for New and Overwhelmed SellersCherene’s most important advice for beginners who want to succeed on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) without burning out.Cherene's Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Link:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/learn-with-cheziConnect further:Download my TPT Income Report: https://www.lindsaybowden.com/incomeEarn 3-4 figures per month on TPT | https://lindsaybowden.com/startStart or grow your TPT email list | https://lindsaybowden.com/emailAnd make sure to follow me! http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1Resources mentioned may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and resources I truly love and use myself.

Terms of Use and Credits Pages for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sellers ExplainedHave you ever wondered whether your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) resources are actually protected, or if you are missing something important behind the scenes?In this episode, Lindsay walks through exactly what should be included in your Terms of Use page and your Credits page for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) resources. This is a practical, step by step, and very visual breakdown of how Lindsay sets up her own files, why these pages matter for protecting your work, and how to keep things simple while still staying legally safe. If you sell on TPT, this is one of those foundational episodes that can save you headaches later.Key Discussion Points:[00:00:41] Why every Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) resource needs a Terms of Use pageAn overview of what a Terms of Use page is, why it matters for protecting your resources, and how it applies to every product you upload to TPT.[00:01:41] What to include in your Terms of Use pageLicensing terms, copyright language, and clear “you may” and “you may not” sections that spell out how buyers can use your resource.[00:03:41] Making your Terms of Use visible before purchaseWhy buyers need access to your terms before purchasing and how to do this using previews, descriptions, and linked documents on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT).[00:04:41] What a Credits page actually isHow a Credits page differs from a Terms of Use page and when you are required to include one based on fonts and clip art usage.[00:05:41] Turning your Credits page into a Thank You pageWhy Lindsay combines credits, a short bio, contact information, and social links to improve buyer experience and reduce negative reviews.[00:06:41] Using your resource files to grow your email listHow to include a lead magnet inside your Terms of Use or front pages to turn TPT buyers into email subscribers.[00:07:41] Different ways to package your filesPros and cons of uploading a zipped folder versus merging your Terms of Use directly into your resource PDF.[00:08:41] Common issues with zip files on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT)What happens when TPT renames zip files, why buyers may get error messages, and how to handle these questions efficiently.[00:09:41] When and how to include artist logosWhat to do if clip art or font creators require logos instead of text links and how to add and hyperlink them correctly in Canva.Resources mentioned:Creative Contracts: Legal contract templates made for digital product sellers and course creators. You NEED these if you want to make a website (privacy policy and terms) (Use code LINDSAYB for 30% off!) https://lddy.no/13pcn Episode 51: Get Your Digital Product Business Legally Legit https://lindsaybowden.com/podcast/051/Subscribers to Sales Email List CourseConnect further:Download my TPT Income Report: https://www.lindsaybowden.com/incomeEarn 3-4 figures per month on TPT | https://lindsaybowden.com/startStart or grow your TPT email list | https://lindsaybowden.com/emailAnd make sure to follow me! http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1Resources mentioned may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and resources I truly love and use myself.

Top Education Trends That Will Shape Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sales in 2026Have you started mapping out the resources you want to create in 2026? Before you jump in, it helps to understand what teachers will actually be searching for and purchasing in the year ahead. This episode breaks down the biggest education trends influencing buying decisions on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) so you can create strategically, stay ahead of shifts in the market, and position your store for continued growth.From accessibility laws and science of reading mandates to AI, financial literacy requirements, and the rapid rise of homeschool and hybrid schooling, these trends offer powerful insight into what teachers need most. Use them as inspiration for new product ideas, resource updates, and stronger SEO in your listings.Key Discussion Points:[00:00:41] Why 2026 Buying Behavior Is ChangingA quick overview of why understanding education trends helps you plan the resources you want to create or update for the coming year.[00:01:13] New Accessibility Laws You Need to KnowHow upcoming accessibility requirements affect both digital and printable PDFs and what changes you may need to make for screen reader friendly resources.[00:02:01] Accessibility Design Tips for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) CreatorsKey elements like clear heading structure, readable fonts, high contrast, dyslexia friendly options, and avoiding text saved as images.[00:02:30] Alt Text, Tagged PDFs, and Additional Compliance StepsExtra accessibility practices to incorporate as new Title II expectations take effect across schools and districts.[00:02:74] The Growing Demand for Science of Reading ResourcesWhy reading score concerns are pushing states toward science of reading aligned materials and how creators can use the term for SEO.[00:03:37] Budget Constraints and the $3 Pricing Sweet SpotWhat shrinking classroom budgets mean for pricing strategy, plus how bundles and product lines can support sales.[00:04:13] Why Breaking Large Units Into Smaller Products MattersThe case for listing smaller standalone resources instead of only publishing full units at higher price points.[00:04:73] Phone Bans and the Decline of QR Code Dependent ResourcesHow schoolwide phone restrictions are affecting QR based activities and why offering non device options matters.[00:05:00] Updating Older QR Heavy Products for Modern ClassroomsTips for creating alternatives or duplicate versions that function without phones.[00:05:20] How AI Is Changing the TPT MarketplaceWhy the rise of AI generated content means teachers will expect higher quality and will be more skeptical of low effort resources.[00:06:21] Teaching AI Literacy in ELA and Social StudiesOpportunities to create lessons about ethical and effective AI use for upper elementary through high school classrooms.[00:06:93] The Continued Growth of Interactive Digital ResourcesWhy digital interactivity still matters even as phone use decreases and which formats tend to engage students most.[00:07:57] The Importance of Real World and STEM Based TasksHow project based learning and real world application activities are becoming more valuable to schools.[00:08:73] Financial Literacy as a Fast Growing Curriculum NeedStates requiring financial literacy instruction and why budgeting, investing, and similar topics present strong product opportunities.[00:09:82] Mental Health and SEL Requirements in New StandardsHow new legislation, including in California, increases demand for mental health and SEL aligned content across grade levels.[00:10:36] State Standard Updates Teachers Will Be Shopping ForA look at upcoming changes in ELA and math standards across several states and how creators can align resources.[00:11:21] The Massive Rise of Homeschool and Hybrid School BuyersWhy this customer base is expanding and how to speak directly to their needs in titles, descriptions, and resource design.[00:12:00] What Homeschool Buyers Look For in Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) ResourcesSmall but important differences that can make your existing resources more relevant to homeschooling families.[00:12:46] Understanding the Impact of Open Educational Resources (OER)What free, editable materials offer teachers and how TPT creators can compete with them.[00:13:29] Why Highly Editable and Differentiated Resources WinHow editability and built in differentiation help your products stay competitive with free OER options.[00:14:13] Offering Freebies That Lead to Paid SalesA strategic approach to high quality free resources that attract buyers without relying on samples alone.[00:14:50] Converting Freebie Seekers Into Loyal CustomersHow excellent freebies showcase your quality and encourage teachers to purchase full product lines.[00:15:50] Final Thoughts and Inspiration for Your 2026 Resource PlanningA reminder not to feel overwhelmed and to use these trends as helpful direction as you prepare for the year ahead.Resources mentioned:Chat GPT (Open AI): https://chatgpt.com/Science of Reading: https://www.improvingliteracy.org/resource/the-science-of-reading-an-overviewOpen Educational Resources (OER): https://oercommons.org/Connect further:Download my TPT Income Report: https://www.lindsaybowden.com/incomeEarn 3-4 figures per month on TPT | https://lindsaybowden.com/startStart or grow your TPT email list | https://lindsaybowden.com/emailAnd make sure to follow me! http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1Resources mentioned may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and resources I truly love and use myself.

How to Upload Google Activities to Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) the Right WayAre you creating Google Classroom activities but unsure how to upload them to Teachers Pay Teachers in a way that actually works for buyers? Many teacher authors run into tech issues, confusing upload options, or links that break after purchase. In this episode, Lindsay walks you through the simplified, reliable method she uses to upload every Google resource in her store, plus what has changed with Google Forms since summer 2025.You’ll learn how to prep your files, how to correctly create forced copy links, and how to protect your originals so nothing gets overwritten. Whether you are brand new to digital resources or ready to streamline your process, this episode gives you a clear step-by-step system you can trust.Key Discussion Points:[00:00:41] What Counts as a Digital Resource on TPTLindsay clarifies the difference between digital downloads and true digital activities that integrate with Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams.[00:01:07] Why She Avoids Uploading Directly From Google DriveUploading through Google Drive inside TPT can trigger confusing access prompts for buyers, so Lindsay uses a different method to avoid tech issues.[00:01:48] What Buyers Receive Inside a Digital and Printable Zip FileAn overview of the printable version, answer key, terms of use, and the digital instructions template with the forced copy link.[00:02:23] How to Package and Upload a Digital-Only ResourceWhy a single PDF containing instructions and the forced copy link is the simplest and most reliable upload method.[00:03:14] Understanding Forced Copy Links for Google ActivitiesHow forced copy links work and why they ensure each buyer gets their own editable version without accessing your originals.[00:04:14] Creating Forced Copy Links in Older Google FormsA walkthrough of the pre-2025 method using Add Collaborators and replacing edit with copy in the URL.[00:05:13] What Changed in Google Forms After the 2025 UpdateGoogle’s new granular controls and how sharing settings now work when publishing brand-new forms.[00:06:30] Protecting Your Original Files in Google DriveWhy you should always keep untouched originals and create forced copy links only from duplicates to prevent accidental edits by buyers.[00:07:02] Building Digital Activities With Google SlidesHow Lindsay designs drag-and-drop activities using background images and movable pieces before generating the forced copy link.[00:07:56] Setting Up Google Sheets for Self-Checking ActivitiesHow to protect sheets and ranges so students can interact without altering your formulas or templates.[00:08:33] Where to Place Forced Copy Links in Your DownloadHow to embed links inside your instructions PDF and what to double-check before uploading to TPT.[00:09:11] Final Takeaway for Digital Resource SafetyWhy having a protected master copy of every digital activity prevents major headaches if a link is altered or misused.Google Upload Template Freebie: https://learn.lindsaybowden.com/googleConnect further:Download my TPT Income Report: https://www.lindsaybowden.com/incomeEarn 3-4 figures per month on TPT | https://lindsaybowden.com/startStart or grow your TPT email list | https://lindsaybowden.com/emailAnd make sure to follow me! http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1Resources mentioned may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and resources I truly love and use myself.