Expand Beyond TPT: Where (and How) to List Your Teacher Resources Next
If you’re a teacher seller who’s been on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) for a while, you’ve probably had this thought: Should I expand beyond TPT?!
Is it worth the time to upload your resources to other platforms? Could it boost your sales – or just add more to your to-do list?
I’m telling you all of the exact things I considered before expanding off TPT – and which of the platforms I have tested so you don’t waste your time or energy. If you’re looking to expand beyond TPT, you want to make sure that you take that next step strategically.
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!
Before You Expand: Please Start an Email List
I know – you came here to talk about selling on new platforms, not email marketing. But I want to stress this: Your email list will make more of a difference in your sales than any other marketplace ever could.
So before you even think about uploading to another platform, take a minute to get your email list up and running. It’s your most valuable asset, and it’ll help drive traffic to whatever platforms you decide to expand into later.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can listen to last week’s podcast episode and check out my step-by-step email marketing course.
Platform #1: WooCommerce on a WordPress Site
This is where I started to expand beyond TPT, and it’s still my main non-TPT platform.
If you’re unfamiliar, WooCommerce is a free plugin that turns your WordPress website into an online store.
Pros:
- No listing or transaction fees
- Full control over your branding
- You can bundle, discount, and market your way
Cons:
- You have to bring in your own traffic (SEO and Pinterest can help you do that)
- WordPress can be a little intimidating
- You’ll likely need help building the site upfront
Even with email marketing and Pinterest, I only make a fraction of what I make on TPT through WooCommerce. So it’s not a total replacement – but it’s a great diversification strategy.
** To use plugins like WooCommerce, you’ll need the self-hosted WordPress.org version, which requires paid hosting (such as Bluehost). While WordPress may seem free, full functionality comes from the hosting plan.
Platform #2: Shopify
If technology is just not your thing, Shopify might be a better fit than WordPress when you want to expand beyond TPT. It’s more beginner-friendly, comes with beautiful templates, and is super easy to update yourself.
Pros:
- Drag-and-drop builder is user-friendly and modern
- Beautiful templates and store designs
- Good app integrations for marketing and growth
Cons:
- Monthly fee (starting around $39/month)
- No free version
- Less flexible than WooCommerce in some advanced areas
It is also important to know that, just like WooCommerce, Shopify stores don’t have built-in traffic like TPT does. So you’ll need to bring your people there – via email, social media, blog posts, Pinterest, etc.
Platform #3: TPT “Lookalikes” (Made by Teachers, Classful & More)
There are a handful of newer marketplaces that mimic the look and feel of TPT – like Made by Teachers and Classful.
Pros:
- Familiar interface for TPT sellers
- Easy to upload products
- Less competition (for now)
Cons:
- Very limited traffic right now
- Products may not convert well
- Less support and fewer features than TPT
If you try any of these platforms. My advice would be to not go all-in, but upload a few resources and test the waters. It can’t hurt – especially if you break even on the fee. Just make sure you keep expectations realistic and track your ROI.
Platform 4: Etsy
Etsy is a massive online marketplace mostly known for handmade and digital goods. It’s not teacher-specific, but I’ve seen printables and classroom decor do really well here, especially for elementary grades.
Pros:
- Huge built-in customer base
- Good SEO potential inside Etsy
- Great for classroom decor, printables, planners
Cons:
- Listing fee for every product
- Can get expensive if you’re not making consistent sales
- Competitive and trend-driven
I’ve seen Etsy work best for visual, general-audience products like classroom decor or printable planners. If you’re a secondary seller like me, it may be a harder market to expand beyond TPT.
Should You Expand Beyond TPT?
The truth is that TPT is still the biggest marketplace for teacher sellers – and it should absolutely be your starting point. But if you’re ready to expand beyond TPT, trying another platform can be a smart move for long-term stability and income.
You want to diversify your income and build a business that’s truly yours because platforms change, algorithms shift, and having all your eggs in one basket isn’t a great idea.
Want to keep learning how to build a sustainable digital product business as a teacher or homeschool mom?
Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes tips, strategy, and encouragement – and don’t forget to grab my email marketing course if you haven’t already – because that is Step #1!
