Summer Series 2: Why TPT Is the Best Place to Start (With the Math to Prove It)

Why TPT is the Best First Step for Your Teacher Business

In this episode of the Teacher Business School Summer Series, Lindsay shares exactly why Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is the smartest and simplest first step for starting your teacher business. She walks you through the top reasons she still recommends TPT after years of success, tackles misconceptions about fees, and even compares TPT to platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and your own website. Whether you’re just getting started or need a reminder of why TPT works, this episode is packed with truth and motivation!

[0:00] Welcome to the Summer Series
Lindsay kicks off the episode with a reminder to listen to last week’s mindset episode and shares why this summer series is your step-by-step guide to building a teacher business from scratch.

[0:52] Why TPT Is the Best First Step
She outlines three powerful reasons Teachers Pay Teachers should be your starting platform: built-in traffic, customer service support, and automated sales tax handling.

[2:30] Be Generous with Your Freebies
Lindsay explains why your first resource should be high-quality, even if it’s free, and how generosity leads to long-term success.

[4:35] Can You Really Make Money Selling $5 Products?
Using real math examples, Lindsay shows how consistent TPT income adds up—and shares how she makes $5K/month passively.

[5:09] TPT vs. Etsy: Let’s Bust the Myths
She breaks down the real differences in fees, audiences, and support between TPT and Etsy, including her personal revenue comparison.

[7:27] What About Selling on Your Website or Shopify?
Lindsay compares TPT to selling on your own site or Shopify, revealing why she still recommends TPT first – even with 30K+ monthly visitors to her site!

[9:16] Free 3-Day Challenge to Get Started
Get all the info on Lindsay’s upcoming free challenge where you’ll learn how to list and sell your first product the right way.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Lindsay:

This summer, don’t just dream about starting your teacher business – do it. TPT makes it possible even if you have no audience, no website, and no idea where to start. Join Lindsay’s free 3-day challenge and take that first confident step. Follow her on Instagram for even more behind-the-scenes tips. Let’s build your teacher business together!

Former teacher Lindsay Bowden, standing and holding a teacher resource, helping educators learn how to sell on TPT

About Lindsay

Former teacher Lindsay Bowden, standing and holding a teacher resource, helping educators learn how to sell on TPT
Lindsay is a former high school math teacher turned full time online biz owner. She has earned over $320K in revenue from Teachers Pay Teachers.

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Recent Episodes

Navigating AI in Teaching Resources: What You Need to Know text overlay on a neutral desktop workspace featuring white flowers, coffee, a notebook, and office supplies. The image represents guidance for teachers and TPT sellers on using artificial intelligence effectively while maintaining quality, expertise, and classroom-focused resource creation.
TPT Mistakes Costing You Money text overlay on a neutral workspace with a notebook and coffee mug, representing common Teachers Pay Teachers pricing mistakes, seller account errors, bundle strategies, and ways TPT sellers can increase profits and avoid losing money.
The TPT Mindset Shift That Separates Successful Sellers From Everyone Else text overlay on a bright home office workspace with a computer monitor, desk accessories, and plants, representing business growth, resilience, and long-term success for Teachers Pay Teachers sellers.
Best Time to Grow Your TPT Store text overlay on a cozy workspace with a coffee cup and soft lighting, representing summer business growth, Teachers Pay Teachers strategy, and preparing a TPT store for back-to-school season

About Lindsay

Meet your go-to math resource gal

Lindsay has been creating math resources for over 10 years and now helps other teachers and moms create and sell their own digital products. Shop my resources or learn how to monetize your skills!
100 ways to make money on TPT as a teacher

100+ Profitable Teacher Resource Ideas

Find your perfect, profitable, TPT product idea, and start building an online business that runs on autopilot! 🎉