How I Grew My Teachers Pay Teachers Store from $2,800 to $40,000 in Three Years
If you're thinking about growing your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store or just getting started, you're in the right place. When I first started selling on TPT, I made about $2,800 in my first year. Fast forward three years, and my store is now bringing in almost $40,000 in sales. So, how did I do it? Let’s talk about my three biggest tips for success on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Tip #1: Solve a Problem in the Industry
One of the most common questions I get is, “What are your best-selling products?” The truth is, my best sellers are always the ones that solve a problem for teachers. If you have a lot of different product ideas, my advice is to start with something that fills a gap in the market.
For example, one of my biggest successes has been my morning meeting slides. I absolutely love morning meetings and community-building activities, and I noticed that there weren’t many high-quality morning meeting resources available for upper elementary teachers. I decided to create morning meeting slides specifically for third through fifth grade, and they took off! Teachers needed them, and I was able to fill that need.
So, before you start creating, ask yourself: What is missing in the TPT marketplace? What do teachers need but can't find? If you can answer those questions, you're on the right track.
Tip #2: Be Consistent with Posting Products
Once you’ve identified a strong product idea, the next step is consistency. The more products you have in your store, the more opportunities you have to make sales. When I first started my TPT store, I had about 10 products. Now, I have almost 150 products, and that number continues to grow.
Consistency doesn’t mean you have to post a new product every day. But you should set a goal for yourself. Maybe that means uploading one new product per month, or maybe you challenge yourself to create a small bundle of resources every quarter. Whatever your goal is, stick to it!
Another key to consistency is market research. Your first few products might not be bestsellers right away, and that’s okay. Pay attention to what teachers are searching for, what’s trending in education, and what kind of resources perform well. Over time, you'll start to notice patterns, and you can adjust your strategy accordingly.
Tip #3: Use Social Media to Promote Your Store
If you’re not using social media to promote your TPT store, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest have been game-changers for my business.
Why TikTok Works for TPT Sellers
TikTok has been one of the biggest catalysts in growing my TPT store. Short-form video content is incredibly engaging, and teachers love getting quick, actionable ideas. By posting TikTok videos that highlight my products, I’ve been able to reach thousands of potential customers.
Here are a few ideas for TikTok content that can help boost your TPT sales:
A behind-the-scenes look at how you create your resources
A quick walkthrough of how to use one of your products in the classroom
A before-and-after transformation showing how your resource solves a problem for teachers
A list of must-have classroom resources, featuring some of your own bestsellers
Instagram and Pinterest for TPT Growth
While TikTok is great for quick engagement, Instagram and Pinterest are also powerful tools for TPT sellers.
Instagram Stories & Reels – Share sneak peeks of your products, engage with followers through polls and Q&A sessions, and use Instagram Reels to showcase your resources in action.
Pinterest – Teachers use Pinterest all the time to find classroom ideas. By creating eye-catching pins that link to your TPT store, you can drive consistent traffic to your products.
If you’re not sure where to start with social media, just pick one platform and start posting. Even if you only post once a week, that’s one more opportunity to get your products in front of teachers who need them.
Bonus Tip: Engage with Your Customers
Building a successful TPT store isn’t just about creating great resources—it’s also about connecting with teachers who use your products. Here are a few ways you can engage with your audience:
Respond to reviews and feedback – If a teacher leaves a comment or review on your product, take the time to respond. Show appreciation for positive feedback and address any concerns professionally.
Offer freebies – Giving away a free sample of your work is a great way to introduce new customers to your store. You can offer a freebie in exchange for an email signup, which helps you grow your audience for future sales.
Create a newsletter – If you’re not already emailing your customers, now is the time to start! A monthly newsletter featuring new products, tips, and exclusive discounts can keep teachers coming back to your store.
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This!
Growing your TPT store takes time, but with the right strategy, you can absolutely turn it into a profitable business. To recap:
Solve a problem – Create resources that teachers actually need.
Be consistent – The more quality products you upload, the more sales you’ll make.
Use social media – TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest can drive huge traffic to your store.
Engage with your audience – Build relationships with teachers and offer value beyond just selling products.
I hope these tips help you on your TPT journey! If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more TPT tips, student engagement ideas, and classroom resources, make sure to follow me on TikTok and Instagram!
Happy selling!
