The Major Mistake I Made as a New TPT Seller

When I first ventured into the world of Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), I was filled with excitement and optimism. As an educator, I knew I had valuable resources to share, and the idea of making passive income while helping other teachers excited me. I spent hours creating and refining my materials, hoping to hit it big.

However, there was one major mistake I made early on that set me back in ways I never expected. And while it may sound obvious in hindsight, I wish someone had told me this from the beginning: I didn’t focus enough on marketing my resources.

Like many new sellers, I believed that if I created high-quality materials, teachers would just find them. After all, I thought, TPT is a platform filled with educators looking for new, engaging resources. It made sense that my products would naturally get attention.

But that’s not how it works. Simply listing your products on TPT doesn’t guarantee they’ll sell.

The Importance of Marketing Your Resources

What I soon realized is that creating resources is just half of the equation. Marketing is equally important, if not more so. There are thousands of sellers on TPT, and without effective marketing, your resources can easily get lost in the shuffle. I had to learn how to promote my products effectively, and here’s what I wish I had known:

1. Build an Online Presence: It’s not enough to rely on TPT’s search function. I needed to build a presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. By sharing behind-the-scenes looks at my process, showcasing my products in use, and engaging with other educators, I was able to connect with my target audience and drive traffic to my TPT store.
2. Create a Blog or Website: A blog or website can be a powerful tool for marketing. It allows you to build credibility, provide value to your audience, and showcase your products in a way that feels personal. I didn’t realize how much having a dedicated space outside of TPT could help me grow my brand.
3. Email List Building: One of the best ways to connect with teachers and ensure repeat sales is through an email list. By offering freebies, exclusive content, and promotions, I could build a loyal customer base that would return for more of my resources.
4. Collaborations and Networking: Working with other sellers or collaborating on joint resources can expand your reach and introduce your products to new audiences. Early on, I was so focused on working solo that I missed opportunities to network and collaborate with others in the TPT community.
5. Paid Ads: While organic growth is essential, sometimes investing in paid ads on TPT, Instagram, or Facebook can give you the extra push you need to get your products seen. This was something I didn’t consider at first, but it can be a worthwhile investment when done strategically.

What I Learned

Looking back, I realize that the mistake I made wasn’t about the quality of my resources; it was about not dedicating enough time to marketing them effectively. The TPT marketplace is incredibly competitive, and without the right strategies in place, even the best resources can get buried under thousands of others.

Now, I make it a priority to spend as much time on promoting my store as I do creating products. And while it can still feel overwhelming at times, I’ve seen firsthand how a focused marketing strategy can drastically increase your sales and visibility.

If you’re a new TPT seller, learn from my mistake: Don’t just focus on creating great products—put just as much energy into getting the word out. Build a community, connect with other educators, and find creative ways to showcase your work. The more you market, the more opportunities you’ll have to grow your TPT store into a successful, sustainable business.

So, don’t make the same mistake I did—start marketing your products from day one. Your future self will thank you.