Teacher Business School: TPT, Homeschool, & Beyond

If your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) resources are getting views but not sales, there’s a good chance your preview file is the missing piece. What if one simple update could dramatically increase your conversion rate without creating a single new product?In this episode, Lindsay breaks down why your preview file is one of the most important parts of any Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) listing and how to use it strategically to help buyers confidently say yes. From common mistakes sellers make to what high converting previews actually include, this episode walks you through exactly how to turn your preview into a true sales asset, not just a formality.Key Discussion Points:[00:00:41] Why Preview Files Matter More Than You ThinkThe surprising difference in conversion rates between listings with previews and those without, and why previews act as a test drive for digital resources.[00:01:45] How Buyers Actually Move Through a TPT ListingUnderstanding the full customer journey from search results to purchase, and where the preview fits into that decision making process.[00:03:03] The Role of Covers, Thumbnails, and PreviewsHow keywords get buyers found, covers earn the click, and previews close the sale.[00:04:21] Why You Should Never Upload Your Actual ResourceThe risks of using watermarked resources as previews and why this outdated practice hurts sales.[00:06:05] Selling the Value, Not Just Showing the ProductHow to use your preview to explain what’s included, why it matters, and how it makes a teacher’s life easier.[00:06:46] The Best Size and Format for Preview FilesWhy 16 by 9 previews work better than standard paper sizes and how they improve the browsing experience.[00:07:24] What to Include Inside a High Converting PreviewKey sections to add, including what’s included, why teachers will love it, topics covered, and selling points.[00:08:53] Using Testimonials and Social Proof in PreviewsWhen and how to add reviews to your preview files, and when they are not necessary.[00:09:17] Linking to Bundles and Bigger OffersHow to ethically upsell bundles inside preview files and track clicks using TPT links.[00:10:21] Should You Add Terms of Use to Your Preview?A legal perspective on whether terms of use belong in previews and what Lindsay currently recommends.[00:11:23] Preview Strategy for High Ticket ProductsHow previews change when you’re selling a full curriculum versus a low cost resource.[00:11:41] PDF Previews vs Video PreviewsWhy PDF previews often outperform video previews and where video still makes sense.[00:14:35] Creating a Reusable Preview Template in CanvaHow to build one master preview template in Canva to save time and keep branding consistent.[00:15:46] Protecting Answer Keys Inside PreviewsWhy you should blur answer keys and how to prevent students from misusing your previews.[00:16:48] Final Best Practice for Every Paid ResourceThe non negotiable rule every TPT seller should follow when uploading paid products.Resources Mentioned:TPT Preview Template: https://learn.lindsaybowden.com/previewConnect 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.

Teacher Side Hustles That Actually Last: A Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Success StoryHave you ever wished your teacher business could simply cover one meaningful expense, without pressure to quit your job or chase unrealistic income goals?In this episode of the Teacher Business School podcast, Lindsay sits down with long-time Teacher Resource Academy member Robin Cornecki to talk about steady growth, skill building, and what’s possible when you focus on progress instead of perfection. Robin shares how she went from slowly creating her first Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) freebie to building hundreds of resources, paying for her daughters’ competitive dance lessons, and eventually expanding into tutoring and Praxis prep. This conversation is a powerful reminder that sustainable teacher businesses are built one skill, one resource, and one decision at a time.Key Discussion Points:[00:00:41] Meet Robin Cornecki and her teaching backgroundRobin shares her 23-year journey as a secondary math teacher in a small rural district and explains how teaching multiple preps shaped her need for efficient, differentiated resources.[00:01:49] Starting a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store without a business planRobin talks about opening her Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store in December 2019, uploading her first freebie, and learning everything through trial and error.[00:04:47] Making resources before Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) and why it matteredHow creating materials by hand, on index cards and in Word, laid the foundation for turning classroom resources into sellable products later.[00:08:44] The struggle with slow, perfection-driven creationRobin explains how it once took weeks to finish a single resource and how perfectionism and lack of digital skills slowed her progress.[00:12:44] Discovering Math Resource AcademyA Pinterest search led Robin to Lindsay’s blog, email list, and eventually enrolling in Math Resource Academy as a birthday gift to herself.[00:17:23] Learning digital skills that changed everythingHow step-by-step tutorials, templates, and community support helped Robin confidently use PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Forms to create resources faster.[00:21:39] Going from 10 resources to over 200Robin shares how improving her systems allowed her to consistently publish new resources and dramatically grow her Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store.[00:24:49] Creating and selling a full math curriculumWhy Robin focused on building an eighth-grade curriculum, how she priced it strategically, and why it continues to sell years later.[00:28:04] Using Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) income to pay for real lifeRobin reflects on the moment her Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) income fully covered her daughters’ competitive dance expenses and what that financial relief meant for her family.[00:32:53] Expanding beyond Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) into tutoringHow tutoring during the pandemic opened Robin’s eyes to new income opportunities and led her toward Praxis exam support.[00:35:48] Building Praxis prep courses and study guidesRobin explains how she turned her teaching expertise into Praxis Core and Middle School Math study materials, including books published through Amazon KDP.[00:39:00] Balancing multiple income streams as a teacherWhy having Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), tutoring, and digital products together creates more stability and flexibility than relying on a single platform.[00:41:59] Leading with generosity in the classroomRobin shares how she supports students in her small rural school through supplies, food, and simply being a trusted adult.Resources Mentioned:robincornecki.com/studylindsaybowden.com/starthttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/robin-cornecki-round-robin-math https://www.instagram.com/robin.cornecki/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.

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.