Teacher Business School: TPT, Homeschool, & Beyond

Lindsay Bowden
  • 5.0 (228)
  • BUSINESS

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. 2D AGO

    109: How to Go from 3 Figures to 4 Figures on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Finding Gaps in the Market

    If you feel like Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is too crowded to break into, or you’re tired of creating resources that don’t sell, this episode will completely change how you think about product ideas. In this episode, Lindsay walks you through one of the most effective strategies for increasing sales on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), finding gaps in the market. Whether you’re brand new and don’t even have a store yet, or you’re an established seller in a high-competition niche, this approach helps you create resources teachers are actively searching for with far less competition. Lindsay also gives a behind-the-scenes look at how she uses keyword data to guide what she creates, instead of guessing. Key Discussion Points: [00:00:41] Why finding gaps in the market leads to faster sales How identifying high-demand, low-competition resources can help both new and established sellers make sales more consistently. [00:01:14] Why competition looks different across grade levels How seller saturation varies between lower elementary and secondary subjects, and why this matters when choosing what to create. [00:01:37] Finding product ideas from real classroom needs How gaps in the market often come from resources you need but cannot find, and why those ideas tend to perform well. [00:02:38] Using keyword data instead of guessing How Lindsay uses keyword research to validate ideas before creating resources, saving time and energy. [00:02:56] How the Seller Spy Keyword Generator works A walkthrough of how the keyword generator shows popularity and competition so you can spot real opportunities. [00:03:23] Understanding green, yellow, and red keyword indicators What each color means and how to decide which keywords are worth targeting. [00:04:18] Why keywords alone are not enough How strong covers, previews, and product quality work together with keywords to improve search ranking. [00:04:35] Using seasonal and holiday keywords strategically Why holiday-related keywords often create powerful opportunities, even outside the peak season. [00:05:35] Using long-tail keywords to reduce competition How getting more specific with your keywords helps you avoid overly crowded search results. [00:07:06] Creating a personal keyword idea bank Why keeping a running list of low-competition keywords makes content creation easier and more strategic. [00:07:42] Avoiding overly broad keywords Why trying to rank for extremely broad terms makes it harder to get visibility and sales. [00:08:01] A realistic plan for using Seller Spy effectively How to use free searches or a single paid month to build a strong list of product ideas. Resources: Seller Spy: Research what’s trending and spy on top TPT sellers to stay ahead. https://sellerspy.co/?via=lindsay 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=1 Resources mentioned may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may

    10 min

  2. FEB 4

    108: How to Turn Your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Preview Into a Sales Tool

    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 Think The 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 Listing Understanding 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 Previews How keywords get buyers found, covers earn the click, and previews close the sale. [00:04:21] Why You Should Never Upload Your Actual Resource The risks of using watermarked resources as previews and why this outdated practice hurts sales. [00:06:05] Selling the Value, Not Just Showing the Product How 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 Files Why 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 Preview Key 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 Previews When and how to add reviews to your preview files, and when they are not necessary. [00:09:17] Linking to Bundles and Bigger Offers How 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 Products How previews change when you’re selling a full curriculum versus a low cost resource. [00:11:41] PDF Previews vs Video Previews Why PDF previews often outperform video previews and where video still makes sense. [00:14:35] Creating a Reusable Preview Template in Canva How to build one master preview template in Canva to save time and keep branding consistent. [00:15:46] Protecting Answer Keys Inside Previews Why you should blur answer keys and how to prevent students from misusing your previews. [00:16:48] Final Best Practice for Every Paid Resource The non negotiable rule every TPT seller should follow when uploading paid products. Resources Mentioned: TPT Preview Template: https://learn.lindsaybowden.com/preview 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/emailspan class="ql-ui"...

    19 min

  3. JAN 28

    107: Teacher Side Hustles That Actually Last: A Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Success Story

    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 background Robin 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 plan Robin 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 mattered How 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 creation Robin 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 Academy A 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 everything How 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 200 Robin 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 curriculum Why 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 life Robin 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 tutoring How 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 guides Robin 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 teacher Why 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 classroom Robin shares how she supports students in her small rural school through supplies, food, and simply being a trusted adult. Resources Mentioned: robincornecki.com/study a...

    47 min

  4. JAN 21

    106: Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Ads Explained What Really Happens When You Promote a Product

    Teachers Pay Teachers Ads (TPT) Explained What Really Happens When You Promote a Product Have 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 Is A 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 Product The 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 Much How 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 Breakdown An 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 Search A 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 It Why 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) Sellers Why 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=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.

    9 min

  5. JAN 14

    105: What New Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sellers Need to Know, Lessons From a First-Year Store Owner

    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) Journey How 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 Challenges Cherene 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 Challenge What 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 Sale How 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 Like The 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 Resources Why 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 Seller How 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 Seller What it felt like to pass the 50-sale milestone and why tracking progress kept her motivated. [00:16:41] Receiving Her First Five-Star Review The 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 Matter Cherene 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 Time From seven hours to three minutes, how repetition, templates, and experience changed everything. [00:24:01] The Importance of Covers, Thumbnails, and Previews What finally helped Cherene improve page views and sales after reworking her covers and previews months later. [00:26:41] Advice for New and Overwhelmed Sellers Cherene’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-chezi Connect further: Download my TPT Income Report: https://www.lindsaybowden.com/incomespan class="ql-ui"...

    32 min

  6. JAN 7

    104: Terms of Use and Credits Pages for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sellers Explained

    Terms of Use and Credits Pages for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sellers Explained Have 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 page An 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 page Licensing 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 purchase Why 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 is How 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 page Why 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 list How 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 files Pros 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 logos What 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 Course 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/lindsaybowdenspan class="ql-ui"...

    12 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    103: Top Education Trends That Will Shape Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Sales in 2026

    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 Changing A 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 Know How 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) Creators Key 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 Steps Extra 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 Resources Why 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 Spot What 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 Matters The 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 Resources How 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 Classrooms Tips for creating alternatives or duplicate versions that function without phones. [00:05:20] How AI Is Changing the TPT Marketplace Why 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 Studies Opportunities 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 Resources Why 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 Tasks How project based learning and real world application activities are becoming more valuable to schools. [00:08:73] Financial Literacy as a Fast Growing Curriculum Need States 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 Standards How 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 For A look at upcoming changes in ELA and math standards across...

    16 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    102: How to Upload Google Activities to TPT the Right Way

    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 TPT Lindsay 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 Drive Uploading 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 File An 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 Resource Why 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 Activities How 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 Forms A 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 Update Google’s new granular controls and how sharing settings now work when publishing brand-new forms. [00:06:30] Protecting Your Original Files in Google Drive Why 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 Slides How 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 Activities How 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 Download How to embed links inside your instructions PDF and what to double-check before uploading to TPT. [00:09:11] Final Takeaway for Digital Resource Safety Why 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/google 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...

    14 min
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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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