Teacher Business School™: TPT, Homeschool, & Beyond

Lindsay Bowden

The Teacher Business School podcast helps teachers and homeschool moms create and sell their own digital products. Whether you're interested in selling teacher resources on Teachers Pay Teacher (TPT), selling low ticket offers, or selling online courses and memberships, this is the show for you! If you're looking for ways to make passive income, quit your 9-5, start a side hustle, and start earning income that makes an income, give this show a listen!

  1. 5h ago

    128: Is Your TPT Cover Easy to Read? How to Use Color Contrast to Make Your Resources Stand Out

    our TPT cover images may look cute, but are they actually easy to read? In this quick episode, Lindsay shares a simple way to check the color contrast on your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) covers so your resources stand out in search results. She walks through using a free contrast checker, explains why you shouldn't always rely on the score alone, and shares her simple rule for choosing text colors: dark backgrounds usually work best with white text, while light backgrounds work best with black text. Key Discussion Points:[00:00] Why Color Contrast Matters on TPT Covers Common color mistakes that can make your cover images difficult to read. [00:27] Using a Color Contrast Checker How to quickly test your background and text colors to see if they have enough contrast. [01:29] The “Stop the Scroll” Test Why Lindsay creates multiple versions and steps back from her screen to see which design stands out most. [02:31] How to Fix Poor Color Contrast Simple ways to adjust your text or background colors when a combination isn't working. [03:30] Lindsay's Simple Black & White Text Rule Why sticking with black or white text is often the easiest way to create readable TPT covers. [04:08] Get Feedback on Your TPT Covers How Teacher Resource Academy members can get feedback on their covers, fonts, colors, and other elements of their TPT stores. Check out the Coolors Contrast Checker: https://coolors.co/contrast-checker/112a46-acc8e5 Watch My YouTube Video About TPT Covers and Thumbnails: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoCAweeLdhc lindsaybowden.com/training Connect further: Join the 1k TPT Challenge: https://lindsaybowden.com/challengeSell Education Workbooks with Amazon KDP: https://lindsaybowden.com/KDPEarn 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! https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsay.bowden and http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1 Resources 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.

  2. Aug 19

    127: Do You Need an LLC for Your TPT Business? LLCs, Taxes & Business Basics Made Simple

    Do you actually need an LLC for your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) business? And what’s the difference between being a sole proprietor, having an LLC, and becoming an S-Corp? In this episode, Lindsay is joined by her husband Parker, a former corporate accountant and current CFO of their company, to answer common questions about the business side of selling on TPT. They break down LLCs, business bank accounts, EINs, taxes, S-Corps, and more in simple terms. Key Discussion Points: [00:01:15] LLCs vs. Sole Proprietorships What an LLC actually does, what it doesn't do for your taxes, and how it differs from operating as a sole proprietor. [00:05:00] Separating Your Business Finances Why having a separate bank account for your TPT income and expenses can make bookkeeping and tax time much easier, even if you aren't ready for an LLC. [00:09:00] When Should You Form an LLC? What to consider when deciding whether you're ready for an LLC, including state fees, your business income, and where you are in your business journey. [00:14:00] Setting Up Your LLC, EIN & Business Bank Account The basic order for setting up your business, including a business address, LLC, EIN, and business bank account. [00:21:00] Business Addresses & Registered Agents What a registered agent is, why your address matters when forming an LLC, and what information may become public. [00:26:00] When an S-Corp Might Make Sense How an S-Corp differs from an LLC, when it may be worth discussing with a CPA, and what changes when you begin paying yourself through payroll. [00:31:00] Hiring Family & Planning for the Future Lindsay and Parker discuss hiring family members, payroll, retirement accounts, and why these more advanced business decisions are worth discussing with a CPA. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional about your specific situation. lindsaybowden.com/training Connect further: Join the 1k TPT Challenge: https://lindsaybowden.com/challengeSell Education Workbooks with Amazon KDP: https://lindsaybowden.com/KDPEarn 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! https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsay.bowden and http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1 Resources 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.

  3. Aug 12

    126: How to Set Up Your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Store the Right Way

    Thinking about starting a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store but not sure where to begin? In this episode, Lindsay gives you an exclusive look inside Teacher Resource Academy and walks you through the first steps of setting up your TPT store. Whether you haven't opened your store yet or you've been selling for years and want to refresh your setup, you'll learn how to create a strong foundation without getting stuck trying to make everything perfect. Key Discussion Points: [00:01:15] An Inside Look at Teacher Resource Academy Why you don't need to already have a TPT store before joining Teacher Resource Academy and how starting with the right setup can save you from having to go back and make major changes later. [00:03:30] Setting Up Your TPT Seller Account A step-by-step look at getting started on Teachers Pay Teachers, including how to create an account and become a seller. [00:06:15] Basic vs. Premium TPT Seller Accounts Lindsay breaks down the differences between the Basic and Premium seller options, how much of your sales you keep with each, and why she recommends going Premium if you're serious about building your store. [00:09:00] Choosing Your TPT Store Name How to choose a simple, searchable store name without spending too much time trying to create the perfect brand, plus ideas for incorporating your name or niche. [00:12:00] Creating Your TPT Logo or Profile Picture Why Lindsay recommends considering a photo of yourself, how to create a simple profile image in Canva, and why your logo doesn't need to be complicated when you're getting started. [00:16:30] Choosing Your Brand Colors & Fonts Tips for creating a simple brand color palette, using contrast to make your covers and thumbnails easier to read, choosing fonts, and why you shouldn't spend hours agonizing over branding. [00:20:45] Why Lindsay Doesn't Recommend AI-Generated Logos Why an obviously AI-generated logo could affect how buyers perceive your store and some simple alternatives for creating a professional-looking brand. [00:22:30] Setting Up Your TPT Store Banner & Storefront How to create your store banner, what information to include on your storefront, ways to showcase your resources, and the simple finishing touches you need before moving on to creating and listing products. lindsaybowden.com/training Connect further: Join the 1k TPT Challenge: https://lindsaybowden.com/challengeSell Education Workbooks with Amazon KDP: https://lindsaybowden.com/KDPEarn 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! https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsay.bowden and http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1 Resources 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.

  4. Aug 5

    125: What I Learned at the 2026 TPT Forward Conference

    The 2026 TPT Forward Conference was filled with exciting announcements, new platform updates, and practical strategies for growing a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store. In this episode, Lindsay shares her biggest takeaways from attending the 2026 TPT Forward conference, including upcoming features that could change how sellers optimize their stores, what Teachers Pay Teachers is doing with AI and search, and the sessions that made the biggest impact on her business. She also shares what's ahead for the Teacher Business School Podcast this season and why she's excited to help teachers build multiple streams of income beyond TPT. Key Discussion Points: [00:01:00] A New Season for Teacher Business School Lindsay shares her journey from classroom teacher to full-time entrepreneur, explains how her business has evolved over the years, and discusses why this season of the podcast will focus not only on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), but also on helping teachers build multiple streams of income. [00:07:30] What's Coming This Season A preview of upcoming podcast episodes, including teacher success stories from a variety of niches, conversations about Facebook ads, and strategies for expanding beyond a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store into a complete online business. [00:10:30] The Biggest Teachers Pay Teachers Announcements Lindsay breaks down the major platform updates announced at TPT Forward, including the upcoming keyword research tool, guest checkout, improvements to search, and how Teachers Pay Teachers is preparing for AI-powered search with Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). [00:18:00] Favorite Sessions and Business Takeaways The lessons that stood out most from conference speakers, including fresh ideas for using freebies to increase sales, practical ways to improve products, data-driven decision making, AI tools for business owners, and why learning from other sellers is one of the fastest ways to grow. [00:28:30] Looking Ahead Lindsay shares her excitement for the new podcast season, encourages listeners to send future episode ideas, and reflects on why continuing to learn and adapt is one of the most valuable investments you can make as a teacher business owner. lindsaybowden.com/training Connect further: Join the 1k TPT Challenge: https://lindsaybowden.com/challengeSell Education Workbooks with Amazon KDP: https://lindsaybowden.com/KDPEarn 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! https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsay.bowden and http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1 Resources 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.

  5. Jul 29 ·  Bonus

    Teacher Business School Program Success Stories: More Sales, Better Resources, and Bigger Audiences

    What if the encouragement you need to take your next business step came directly from teacher entrepreneurs who have already done it? Throughout the summer, Lindsay shared eight common mistakes Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) sellers make. To wrap up the season on an encouraging note, this episode highlights real wins from members of several Teacher Business School programs. You’ll hear how teacher entrepreneurs have used step-by-step training, practical templates, and ongoing support to create stronger resources, earn consistent sales, build profitable income streams, and grow engaged email lists. Whether you are opening your first Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store, expanding to Amazon KDP, or building your audience through email marketing, these stories offer proof that steady progress is possible. Key Discussion Points: [00:00:41] Celebrating Teacher Entrepreneur Wins Lindsay wraps up the summer series by sharing why she wanted listeners to hear honest experiences and results directly from members of her programs. [00:01:51] Creating and Selling Resources with Confidence Amanda shares how the Resource Academy’s detailed lessons and ready-to-use templates helped her create high-quality products and begin making consistent weekly sales. [00:02:37] Turning Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Resources into Amazon Workbooks Jacqueline explains how the Amazon KDP course guided her through converting existing Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) resources into workbooks and building an additional source of income. [00:03:22] Increasing Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sales and Product Reviews Laura shares how the Teacher Resource Academy supported her through resource creation, uploading, pricing, and improving published products to generate more sales and reviews. [00:04:00] Reaching Four-Figure Months on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Kama describes how clear instructions and ongoing support helped her create profitable resources and grow her Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) income to more than four figures per month. [00:04:27] Growing an Email List of Ideal Customers Michelle shares how the Subscriber to Sales course helped her start an email list and attract more than 1,000 subscribers who connect with her customers and business mission. Resources Mentioned: Connect further: Join the 1k TPT Challenge: https://lindsaybowden.com/challengeSell Education Workbooks with Amazon KDP: https://lindsaybowden.com/KDPEarn 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! https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsay.bowden and http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1 Resources 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.

  6. Jul 22 ·  Bonus

    Summer Series 8: Stop Relying Only on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT): How Teachers Can Expand with Amazon KDP

    Are you relying too heavily on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) for your income? If your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store is your only revenue stream, you could be missing opportunities to build a more stable and scalable teacher business. In this episode, Lindsay continues her Summer Mistakes Series by discussing a common mistake many teacher entrepreneurs make: putting all their eggs in the Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) basket. While Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is an incredible platform, building multiple streams of income can help create more financial security and long-term growth. Lindsay shares why Amazon KDP is her recommended next step after establishing a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store and email list, and how teachers can use it to generate additional passive income while growing their audience. Key Discussion Points: [00:00:41] Continuing the Summer Mistakes Series A recap of the series so far and why understanding common Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) seller mistakes can help teachers grow their businesses more strategically. [00:01:03] The Problem with Relying Only on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Why depending on a single income source can limit growth and create unnecessary risk for your business. [00:01:28] Building Multiple Streams of Income How creating additional revenue streams can strengthen your business and provide more long-term stability. [00:01:48] Why Amazon KDP Is the Next Best Step The benefits of selling educational workbooks through Amazon KDP and why it's an accessible option for teachers looking to expand. [00:02:41] How Amazon KDP Works An overview of the print-on-demand model and how Amazon handles printing, shipping, and customer fulfillment. [00:03:05] Using KDP to Grow Your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Store How strategically linking your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store inside your workbooks can help attract new customers and increase sales. [00:03:44] Support Inside Teachers on KDP A look at the Teachers on KDP program, success stories from members, and the added benefit of the private community. [00:04:19] You Don't Have to Build Alone How the new Facebook community provides opportunities for feedback, support, and collaboration with other teacher entrepreneurs. Connect further: Join the 1k TPT Challenge: https://lindsaybowden.com/challengeSell Education Workbooks with Amazon KDP: https://lindsaybowden.com/KDPEarn 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! https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsay.bowden and http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1 Resources 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.

  7. Jul 15 ·  Bonus

    Summer Series 7: Why Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sellers Should Start an Email List Before Social Media

    Are you ready to grow beyond Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), but not sure what your next step should be? When you feel like you have your product listings, covers, thumbnails, previews, and product line in place, it can be tempting to jump into social media, Etsy, Amazon KDP, or even your own website. But before you spread your energy across more platforms, there is one business-building step that can make a much bigger impact, starting an email list. In this short summer series episode, Lindsay breaks down why an email list should come before most other expansion strategies for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) sellers. She shares why email has been such a key part of her own business growth, how it helps you nurture a warm audience, and why starting sooner can save you a lot of time as your store grows. Key Discussion Points: [00:00:41] Expanding Beyond Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) the Smart Way Before you branch into social media, Etsy, Amazon KDP, or other platforms, Lindsay explains why an email list is the best next step once your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store foundations are in place. [00:01:19] What Not to Prioritize Before Email A look at the outside platforms and strategies that can wait, including social media, selling on your own website, and joining other Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) competitor platforms. [00:01:43] Why Email Lists Matter for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sellers Lindsay shares how building and nurturing a high-quality email list has contributed to her own business growth, both in her coaching business and her Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store. [00:02:01] Building a Targeted Audience for Your Resources How Lindsay uses a specific email list segment for people interested in her Algebra 1 and Geometry resources, and why targeted communication can support consistent sales. [00:02:25] When to Start Your Email List You do not need hundreds of products or a huge income stream before starting. Lindsay explains why even sellers with a few sales and some capacity can begin building their list. [00:02:40] Adding Email Sign-Ups Inside Your Resources Why placing your email sign-up link inside your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) resources early can save you major time later, especially before your store grows to hundreds of products. [00:03:05] Getting Your Email List Set Up Lindsay introduces Subscribers to Sales, her short, actionable program that walks sellers through the tech, setup, email service providers, domains, and strategy behind starting a list. [00:03:47] Turning Subscribers Into Buyers What kind of freebie to offer, what to email your list each week, what to send new subscribers, and how to attract the right people who are likely to buy from your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store. Connect further: Join the 1k TPT Challenge: https://lindsaybowden.com/challengeSell Education Workbooks with Amazon KDP: https://lindsaybowden.com/KDPEarn 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! https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsay.bowden and http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1 Resources 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.

  8. Jul 8 ·  Bonus

    Summer Series 6: The Product Line Strategy Every Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Seller Needs to Increase Sales

    How strategic are your product lines? If you're uploading resources one by one without a long-term plan, you could be leaving significant revenue on the table. In this episode, we're diving into mistake number six in the summer mistake series: not using product lines strategically. Lindsay explains the difference between a product line and a bundle, shares real examples from successful Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) sellers, and walks through how to build product lines that lead to higher-ticket sales. You'll also learn how AI can help you organize your existing products and identify your next best-selling bundle in just minutes. Key Discussion Points: [00:00:41] Mistake #6: Not Building Strategic Product Lines Why creating intentional product lines helps you organize your store, increase average order value, and create scalable offers. [00:01:22] A Real Example of a Strong Product Line A look inside Miss Gamification's store and how her choice board resources create a cohesive, easy-to-shop product line. [00:02:01] Resource-Based vs. Topic-Based Product Lines The differences between organizing products by resource type or by topic, and why resource-based product lines often provide more room for growth. [00:03:02] How a Product Line Becomes a Curriculum How customer requests naturally led from individual resources to activities, assessments, complete units, and eventually a full curriculum. [00:04:13] Creating Higher-Ticket Bundles Why mega bundles generate larger sales and how seasonal and holiday resources can become valuable product lines. [00:05:22] Avoid Overlapping Too Many Bundles Common bundling mistakes to avoid and why keeping a clear product organization strategy creates a better customer experience. [00:06:46] Using AI to Plan Your Next Product Line How to use your product statistics and AI to identify your strongest sellers, generate product line ideas, and strategically grow your store. [00:07:29] Product Line vs. Bundle The simple distinction between a product line as a collection of related resources and a bundle as the Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) product that packages them together. Resources Mentioned: Miss Gamification TPT Store Connect further: Join the 1k TPT Challenge: https://lindsaybowden.com/challengeSell Education Workbooks with Amazon KDP: https://lindsaybowden.com/KDPEarn 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! https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsay.bowden and http://instagram.com/lindsaybowdenWatch full episodes on Youtube + Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Lindsay.Bowden?sub_confirmation=1 Resources 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.

5
out of 5
234 Ratings

About

The Teacher Business School podcast helps teachers and homeschool moms create and sell their own digital products. Whether you're interested in selling teacher resources on Teachers Pay Teacher (TPT), selling low ticket offers, or selling online courses and memberships, this is the show for you! If you're looking for ways to make passive income, quit your 9-5, start a side hustle, and start earning income that makes an income, give this show a listen!

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