As educators, we’re accustomed to nurturing growth and progress in our students. But what happens when we apply that same mindset to our Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) stores?
For me, it’s been a journey filled with ups and downs, lessons learned, and small victories celebrated along the way. Let me take you behind the scenes of my TPT store’s slow growth and share the strategies that made a big difference in my sales.
The Early Days
I opened my TPT store at the beginning of 2018.
Like many educators-turned-entrepreneurs, I was eager to share my passion and expertise through TPT. I uploaded my first few resources with high hopes, only to be met with… crickets. It was disheartening, to say the least.
But instead of giving up, I kept adding resources, one by one, and eventually a few sales rolled in. Very slowly.
Setting Goals
Knowing that I was a very busy teacher, I set small goals for growth over the next couple of years. I simply wanted to continue to bring in a little bit of money here and there.
And that’s all I did. I brought in a very small amount of money each year.
By the end of 2022, my store had made $32 IN TOTAL. In 5 years. I could do better than that.
Changing My TPT Store Strategy
I decided that if I wanted this store to ever be anything at all, I needed to actually dedicate some time and effort to it. I know I’m capable of creating great resources.
What I was missing was the dedication to my store front. It was a mess. My products all looked different, the descriptions were short and pretty basic, and the graphic design on some was, frankly, terrible. So I set out to change all that.
Branding: Cohesive Product Covers
One of the first things I noticed was the lack of cohesion in my store’s branding. My product covers were all over the place, with different fonts, colors, and styles. So, I made the decision to give my store a makeover.
I used Canva to create a cohesive “branded” look for my covers, using consistent colors, fonts, and design elements.
And you know what? It made a world of difference. Suddenly, my store looked more professional and inviting, and sales started to trickle in.
Clarity is Key
Another game-changer for me was refining my product titles and descriptions. I realized that clear and straightforward titles were essential for attracting potential buyers.
My titles now clearly state
- The piece of literature or skill the product relates to
- The type of resource (graphic organizer, discussion questions, task cards)
- The grade level(s)
Instead of using vague or generic descriptions, I focused on highlighting the specific content and benefits of each resource. And let me tell you, it paid off. Not only did my products become more searchable, but they also stood out among the competition.
Attention to Detail
But the work didn’t stop there. I quickly learned that the devil is in the details when it comes to TPT success. I went back and updated my older listings, clarifying descriptions, adding keywords, and fine-tuning my product pages to ensure they were as enticing and informative as possible.
And you know what they say – the proof is in the pudding. Sales started to pick up, and I could see the impact of my efforts paying off.
Look at the graph below and you can probably guess when I really started putting in the effort. The growth in the number of people who are clicking on my store and my products is unbelievable!
In just two months of 2024, I had over half the views I had in all of 2023.
The Journey Continues
Today, my TPT store is still a work in progress. But it’s a journey that I’m proud to be on. I continue to refine and update my resources, staying ahead of the curve and responding to the ever-changing needs of teachers and students. And while the growth may be slow and steady, it’s progress nonetheless.
Final Thoughts
So, to all my fellow TPT sellers out there who may be feeling discouraged by slow growth, I say this: don’t give up. Success on TPT is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Take the time to invest in your store, refine your products, and listen to the feedback of your customers. And above all, believe in yourself and your ability to make a difference in the world of education.
Here’s to the journey, the lessons learned, and the small victories celebrated along the way. Together, we can continue to grow, learn, and inspire.
KatieMacTeach 