If I lost my entire Teachers Pay Teachers store tomorrow and had to start from scratch, here’s exactly what I would do. So whether you’re just starting out and have no idea where to begin – or you’ve uploaded a few resources but feel stuck – this is what I would do to successfully start a TPT store from scratch.
5 Tips on Starting a TPT Store (If I Had to Do It All Over Again)
I know how overwhelming it can feel to look at a blank TPT store and wonder where to even begin. I’ve been there too, and the truth is – you don’t need to have it all figured out from day one to start a TPT store. Every successful seller you see today started with that very first product and learned along the way.
The good news?!
You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to waste time guessing what works. I’m going to walk you through some tips and tricks that I would use if I had to start over… Let’s get started!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you choose to purchase through them. I only share products I truly love and recommend!
Tip #1: Skip the Logo… For Now!
I know it’s tempting to design a pretty storefront with a custom logo and banner, but here’s the truth: TPT is a search engine. When you’re just starting out, most people won’t even see your storefront. They’ll find you because of your individual resources.
So instead of spending hours on branding, focus your energy on this:
- Choose 2–3 brand colors. I love using Coolors to help pick colors that work together.
- Pick 2 clean, easy-to-read fonts
- Use those consistently across your covers, thumbnails, and previews
That’s your brand for now. It will change as your store grows, but consistency builds trust – and repeat buyers.
Tip #2: Focus on High-Quality Products
Your top priority should be creating valuable, classroom-tested resources.
If you’re teaching right now, start with what you’re already using. If you’re a homeschool parent, tutor, or former teacher – think about what lessons made you excited or solved big problems. Canva, PowerPoint, and Google Slides are all great tools to use. But no matter the platform, quality always matters.
If you’re not sure how to get started with product creation, I’ve got a free training that I would love for you to check out.
Tip #3: Use the Right Keywords
This tip is huge. Keywords are how people find your product in search. Not just any words – high-quality, low-competition keywords.
Tools like SellerSpy can help you discover search terms with lots of demand and not a ton of competition. That’s how you find gaps in the market and get found fast.
And let’s address the elephant in the room – TPT is not too saturated. I see new sellers hit the first page of search all the time when they’re strategic.
Want to learn more about how SellerSpy works behind the scenes?! I recently sat down with Colleen Swanzey, the creator of SellerSpy, to talk about all things TPT data, keyword trends, and smart selling strategies. It’s a must-hear if you want to stand out in a saturated market. Click here to listen to my episode with Colleen Swanzey!
Tip #4: Stop the Scroll with Visuals
Once you’ve nailed your keywords, it’s time to make your product visually irresistible. Your cover photo, thumbnails, and preview images need to:
- Be easy to read
- Use high contrast colors
- Feature a clear image or screenshot of the actual resource
- Highlight one main selling point on the cover
Great visuals are what make someone stop scrolling and click, which is what you want.
Tip #5: Stop DIYing and Get the Right Training
I give away a lot of free advice (hello, this blog post!). But the truth? The sellers who actually invest in their training are the ones who finish building their store and start making real money. When you pay, you pay attention.
Inside my paid program, The Resource Academy, we go beyond videos. You get 8 weeks of direct feedback from me and my team. We look at your covers, your titles, your previews – everything. And that outside perspective? It’s a game changer.
If you love a deal like me… you need to check out my free training! There may just be a discount for The Resource Aademy!
Ready to Start a TPT Store That Actually Sells?
If you’re serious about learning how to start a TPT store the right way – and skip the overwhelm – I’d love to help you. Start by watching my free training. It’ll show you how to create high-quality products and set your store up for long-term success.
Let’s build a generous, sustainable business together.
If this has helped you even a little bit, let me know! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know what you’re working on.
