So, you’ve started your Teachers Pay Teachers store, you’ve got some products up, and now you’re wondering: How do I actually scale this thing?
Great question! Once you’ve gotten past the “I uploaded a few resources” stage, it’s time to start thinking strategically. Scaling doesn’t mean hustling 24/7 – it means putting smart systems in place, doubling down on what’s working, and finding ways to save yourself time and energy.
In this post, I’m sharing 10 advanced tips on how to scale on TPT. Some of these focus on optimizing what’s already inside your store, while others will help you branch out and bring in even more traffic.
Let’s dive in.
P.S. Want my step-by-step roadmap for creating high-quality products and building a profitable store? Watch my Free Teacher Resource Training!
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!
1. Keep Adding Products (With a System That Works for You)
Scaling starts with consistency. You can’t grow if you stop creating. But instead of just saying, “I’ll upload when I have time” (you won’t), set a realistic weekly or monthly goal.
Maybe that’s 2 hours every Saturday morning, or one new product a week during the school year. Even if you’re crazy busy, aim for small, steady progress.
Here’s the key: create a checklist so each product is 100% finished before you move on. That means:
- Covers + thumbnails ✔️
- Preview ✔️
- SEO-friendly title + description ✔️
- Uploaded and live ✔️
Because half-finished products don’t make sales!
2. Focus on Product Lines and Bundles
Instead of creating random resources, start looking for patterns. What’s already selling well? Can you create a series around that?
Example: if your math mazes are taking off, create a whole line of them across different topics and then bundle them together.
This is how you move from $3 sales to $30 (or more) bundles. Bundles = bigger paydays.
3. Take SEO Seriously
If your products aren’t getting found, they aren’t going to sell. Period.
Use an SEO tool to figure out what teachers are actually typing into search. Then:
- Put that keyword right in your title
- Work it naturally into your description
- Mirror the words teachers use (like “no prep,” “print and go,” or “standards-aligned”)
Your goal? Make it easy for both TPT’s search engine and a busy teacher to say, “Oh yes, that’s exactly what I need.”
Here are three of my favorite SEO tools: SellerSpy, Mr. Joel’s Seller Tool, and SEO Mantis.
I also interviewed Colleen Swanzey, the creator of SellerSpy. You can listen to that episode here!
4. Don’t Just Track Data – Use It
Here’s what I see a lot: sellers checking their data every single day… but not doing anything with it.
A better approach: set aside time once a month. Look at what’s working, what’s not, and make one or two tweaks.
Example: lots of views but not many clicks? That’s a cover/thumbnail problem. Lots of clicks but no purchases? Time to fix your description or preview.
5. Hire a VA Before You Think You’re Ready
I know, I know. The thought of paying someone else feels scary. But hear me out: your time is way more valuable than a few dollars an hour.
A VA (virtual assistant) can:
- Make your covers and thumbnails
- Upload products
- Create Pinterest pins
- Even cross-list your products on Etsy or your website
Even hiring someone for 2–3 hours a week can make a massive difference in how fast you grow.I’ve had great luck finding VAs using the TPT Virtual Assistant Facebook Group.
6. Start an Email List (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
This is the one step I wish I’d done sooner. You don’t own your TPT audience – TPT does. You can’t email your past buyers directly, which means you’re missing a huge opportunity.
Build an email list. Give away a small freebie to get sign-ups. Then email your list about new products, sales, and tips. It’s one of the BEST ways to build loyal, repeat buyers.Not sure where to start? Listen to my episode about starting an email list and check out my email course, Subscribers to Sales.
7. Expand Beyond TPT (When You’re Ready)
Once you’re earning consistently, think about branching out. Some options:
- Etsy (though be mindful of listing fees)
- Your own website (I use WordPress + WooCommerce)
- Or even other digital products like eBooks, templates, or mini-courses
You don’t have to do this right away, but keep it on your radar once your store feels steady.I have a Summer Series episode about creating high ticket digital products to expand beyond TPT and you can listen here.
8. Use Pinterest for Evergreen Traffic
Pinterest is hands down the easiest platform for bringing in extra traffic.
Start simple: make 3–5 pins for your bestsellers and pin them weekly. It takes 3–6 months to see results, but once it kicks in, it’s steady and long-term.
9. Pick ONE Social Media Platform
You don’t need to do Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, AND YouTube. Pick one and stick with it for at least 3 months.
- Instagram/TikTok: show your resources in action (not just product covers!)
- Facebook Group: build a little community around your niche
- YouTube: share mini-tutorials or record lesson videos that pair with your resources
10. Think Bigger With Video
Speaking of YouTube… recording short teaching videos to go with your resources can be a game-changer.
During COVID, my “video lessons + notes” resources exploded because teachers needed ready-to-go lessons. Video makes your products stand out and allows you to charge more.
Your Next Step in Scaling Your TPT Store
Remember… Scaling doesn’t mean doing all the things at once. It means picking one area to focus on and going all in.
Here are some quick wins you could tackle this week:
- Upload one finished product, start to finish
- Refresh 5 old covers/thumbnails
- Make a bundle from your bestsellers
- Create your email freebie and start collecting sign-ups
- Design 10 Pinterest pins for your top products
Even one of these will help move you forward.
And if you’re ready to start or grow your own TPT store, join my Free Teacher Resource Training where I’ll show you how to create, market, and sell teacher resources step by step.
For more tips and daily encouragement, make sure you’re following me on Instagram.
