The Rebranded Teacher

Remember when TPT felt like the promised land of passive income? When a feature in their newsletter could skyrocket your downloads overnight? Those days are behind us, but that doesn't mean you can't thrive as a teacher-seller in today's marketplace.The teaching resources landscape has fundamentally transformed. What worked brilliantly in 2018 might be holding you back in 2023. As someone who's navigated these changes while maintaining a successful business, I'm pulling back the curtain on four pieces of outdated TPT advice you can confidently leave behind.First, let's address the passive income myth. While you can build systems that reduce your workload, true "set it and forget it" success simply doesn't exist anymore. Even established stores require maintenance as search trends evolve and algorithms update. The Pinterest strategies that once drove direct sales have similarly become ineffective in isolation – today, Pinterest serves as one component in a broader marketing funnel rather than a standalone solution. TPT's newsletter features and the famous "50 product rule" have also transformed in significance, requiring us to adapt our approaches accordingly.But don't worry – this isn't all doom and gloom! Some principles remain timeless: creating high-quality, comprehensive resources that solve real teacher problems will always outperform quick-made materials. The "slow cooker" approach to business building still yields the most sustainable results. I'll show you how to focus your energy on what actually moves the needle in today's marketplace.Ready to stop wasting time on outdated strategies and start building a TPT business that aligns with current realities? Hit subscribe and join thousands of teacher-entrepreneurs who are adapting and thriving in this new landscape!Check Out My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show

The educational technology landscape is shifting dramatically, and two alarming trends are reshaping how teachers can use TPT resources in their classrooms. If you've invested time creating digital materials or incorporating QR codes into your teaching resources, these changes could significantly impact your product's usability and your TPT sales.The first major shift involves statewide cell phone bans, with Texas leading this movement and other states following suit. While many teachers welcome this change for classroom management, it creates a challenge for resource creators who've built convenience features requiring personal devices. When teachers see QR codes in product previews, they might immediately dismiss resources as unusable in their technology-restricted environments, even when these features are merely optional enhancements. As a seller, it's crucial to clearly label these elements as supplementary and provide alternative access methods to maintain your market reach.Perhaps more concerning is the growing divide between "Google schools" and "Microsoft schools." This isn't simply about platform preference – it's increasingly a compliance requirement tied to student data protection and district insurance policies. Teachers at Microsoft schools may be explicitly prohibited from allowing students to access Google-based resources, regardless of educational value. Similarly, Google Chromebook users often encounter compatibility issues with Microsoft files. This technological segregation means that creating resources exclusively for one ecosystem could inadvertently alienate half your potential market.The TPT marketplace has never truly offered "set it and forget it" passive income, but these technological shifts make regular updates more essential than ever. By creating dual versions of digital resources and clearly labeling technological components as optional, you can protect your market position and demonstrate your commitment to serving all teachers. While adapting requires additional effort, it also creates opportunities as older, inflexible resources become obsolete. How are you experiencing these changes in your classroom or TPT business? I'd love to hear your thoughts and strategies for navigating this evolving landscape.Check Out My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show

If you've been pouring endless hours into your Teachers Pay Teachers business without seeing meaningful growth, you might be falling victim to one of the three biggest time-wasters plaguing TPT sellers. As someone who's navigated the TPT marketplace for nine years (five of them full-time), I've witnessed countless talented educators spinning their wheels on activities that simply don't drive results.The first culprit? Obsessive product revision. While quality matters, constantly updating your first dozen products means you'll never reach that critical 50-100 product threshold where momentum builds. Instead of revising every time you learn something new, apply that knowledge to your upcoming products. Consider implementing a revision ratio—perhaps updating one older product for every five new ones you create. This keeps your catalog growing while gradually improving older listings without getting stuck in revision limbo.Over-researching is another silent killer of TPT success. The research phase feels deceptively productive while protecting you from the vulnerability of action. But you don't need perfect knowledge to begin—you just need to know the first step. Complete that step, then research the next one. This step-by-step approach prevents the analysis paralysis that keeps so many promising sellers permanently stuck in preparation mode rather than production.Perhaps most heartbreaking are the passion projects that don't sell. We all have resources we'd love to create, but without market demand, they become expensive hobbies rather than business assets. Before investing significant time in any resource, ask yourself: Is there an existing audience actively searching for this solution? If not, are you willing to build awareness through marketing? Your time is valuable, and ultimately, you deserve financial compensation for your expertise and effort.Ready to focus on strategies that actually work? Check out my YouTube channel for nearly 200 videos packed with practical TPT growth tactics. Search "Lauren Fulton" to discover more ways to build a purposeful, sustainable teacher business that respects your time and rewards your effort.Check Out My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonThe #1 TpT Growth Strategy That No One Talks Abouthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLd35H2pfvw3 Seasonal Product Strategies to Maximize Earningshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXkXQVqV1zw My Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show

Ready to transform your seasonal TPT resources from potential time-wasters into profitable assets? This episode reveals the strategic difference between seasonal products that generate substantial income and those that simply drain your valuable time.As teacher-entrepreneurs, we face a unique challenge with seasonal resources - a short window to capitalize on seasonal traffic and limited time to optimize underperforming products. I'm sharing three data-driven strategies that eliminate guesswork and maximize your earnings during these critical selling periods.You'll discover how to leverage the same keywords across different product types to identify what buyers truly want, how testing different keyword sets can reveal hidden traffic opportunities, and how using template variations across topics can dramatically increase your efficiency while pinpointing exactly which skills teachers need most. These practical approaches transform each seasonal release into both a revenue generator and a market research opportunity.The real magic happens when you apply what you learn to build cohesive product lines that can be bundled for upcoming seasons. By focusing your limited creation time on proven winners, you'll develop the confidence to know exactly which products to prioritize for maximum impact.Whether you're just starting your TPT journey or looking to optimize an established store, these strategies will help you make smarter decisions about where to invest your time and creative energy. Listen now to turn your seasonal products into consistent profit centers!Check Out My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show

Ready to revolutionize your approach to TPT success? This eye-opening episode challenges the common misconception that creating more products is the only path to growth. Instead, Lauren Fulton reveals the powerful strategy of "creating for views" – an algorithmic approach that helps your resources work smarter, not harder.Discover three game-changing tactics that can transform your product creation process. First, learn how combining two resource types into one product (like task cards activities instead of just task cards) targets multiple keyword sets simultaneously, doubling your visibility with minimal extra effort. Next, explore how creating complementary products that teachers naturally search for together builds valuable keyword traction and opens the door to higher-ticket sales. Finally, master the art of creating leveled versions of your resources to appeal to multiple grade levels while gathering crucial market data.What makes these strategies particularly powerful is their efficiency – you're essentially casting a wide net instead of a single line, creating multiple opportunities for buyers to discover your work without significantly increasing your workload. For new sellers, this approach provides invaluable insights into which niches and grade levels respond best to your content, allowing you to make data-driven decisions about where to focus your efforts.Whether you're just starting your TPT journey or looking to scale an established store, these practical, actionable strategies will help you build a purposeful and sustainable business. Tune in next week as Lauren shares three seasonal product strategies to help maximize your earnings during key buying periods throughout the school year.Check Out My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show

Is your TPT product description turning potential buyers away? As teachers scroll through countless resources, your description is often the final deciding factor before they hit "add to cart." In this episode, I reveal the secrets to crafting product descriptions that actually convert browsers into buyers.Drawing from my nine years of TPT selling experience (including outearning my teaching salary), I take you behind the scenes to show exactly how I transform lackluster product descriptions into powerful sales tools. You'll watch as I audit two real product descriptions from the Rebranded Teacher community, applying my plug-and-play templates and strategic ChatGPT prompts to dramatically improve their effectiveness.The transformation process reveals common mistakes sellers make: creating non-skimmable walls of text, including distracting elements that pull focus from purchasing, and failing to highlight their resource's unique selling points. I demonstrate how proper formatting with strategic bolding, bullet points, and concise paragraphs makes your description instantly more appealing to busy teachers who rarely read every word.You'll learn my exact framework for effective descriptions: starting with an attention-grabbing snippet containing key search terms, followed by a brief product overview highlighting benefits (not just features), a clearly formatted "what's included" section, highlighted selling points, usage suggestions, and a compelling call to action. I also share when and how to include relevant upsells without distracting from the primary purchase.Whether you're a new seller struggling with your first descriptions or an established creator looking to optimize your listings, this episode provides actionable strategies to immediately implement in your TPT store. Grab my free product description templates and start transforming your listings into conversion machines today!Grab the Free Product Decsriptions Templateshttps://rebrandedteacher.kartra.com/page/tpt-product-descriptions Watch this video on Youtube!https://youtu.be/tuCt2wyH2RM Check Out My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show

Tired of feeling like you need a marketing budget to grow your TPT business? This episode flips that notion on its head with five genius strategies for trading value instead of spending money. Lauren challenges the limiting belief that many teacher-entrepreneurs hold: "I can't collaborate until I have something to bring to the table." As she points out, you already have valuable assets other sellers want—even if it's not a large audience. Through the inspiring story of a woman who bartered coupon-bought products for everything from fresh produce to home renovations, we see how creative trading can transform limited resources into remarkable results.The strategies range from creating classroom implementation content for full-time TPT sellers (who desperately need authentic in-classroom footage) to collaborating on content series that benefit both parties. Lauren details exactly how to approach potential trading partners, what to request in exchange for your contributions, and how to ensure the arrangements are clear and mutually beneficial. The episode covers content creation trades, social media collaborations, email list swaps, blog hops for SEO benefits, and skillset exchanges that leverage each person's strengths.What makes these strategies particularly valuable is their accessibility to sellers at any stage. Whether you have 300 followers or 30,000, these approaches can help you grow without spending a dime on advertising. Lauren's practical suggestions include how to measure results, create clear agreements, and develop professional trading relationships that benefit everyone involved. Ready to think like a savvy business owner and trade your way to greater visibility? This episode gives you the exact blueprint to make it happen.Check Out My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115Support the show

Ready to supercharge your TPT sales? Whether you're trying to hit a specific income goal or looking for sustainable ways to boost your store's performance, these five actionable strategies can help you drive meaningful results without burning out.Flash sales remain the gold standard for quick revenue boosts, but there's a science to doing them right. The sweet spot isn't necessarily the deepest discount—Lauren explains why a strategic 24-48 hour sale on product lines or bundles often outperforms dramatic price slashing. The common assumption that halving your prices will double your sales rarely holds true, making smart pricing crucial to your success.For sellers looking to move wishlisted items or encourage larger purchases, the free gift strategy creates irresistible incentives. This approach works especially well during seasonal periods, offering immediate value that teachers can implement in their classrooms right away. Lauren breaks down exactly how to implement this on TPT despite platform limitations, including tiered rewards that encourage bigger spends.What about sellers without established audiences? The collaborative hashtag sale strategy opens doors even for newcomers. By partnering with 8-10 sellers in your specific niche and coordinating discounts under a searchable term, you can leverage others' audiences while contributing organizational value. The key insight: keeping participant groups relatively small ensures your resources appear on that crucial first page of search results.Perhaps most valuable is Lauren's approach to seasonal resource optimization—a strategy that delivers immediate sales while building assets that generate revenue year after year. Creating multiple themed resources with varied SEO approaches provides market insights while increasing your chances of ranking well during peak seasonal searches.Subscribe now for next week's episode on "Smart TPT Trades" where Lauren will reveal strategies for trading with other sellers to save money and increase visibility for your resources—perfect for both new and established TPT entrepreneurs!Check Out My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show

Ready for your most strategic summer yet? As teacher-sellers, our summer break offers the perfect opportunity to grow our TPT businesses—not necessarily because we have more time, but because we have more flexibility to focus on impactful strategies that set us up for success when the classroom chaos returns.This episode breaks down a four-pillar approach to summer TPT growth that won't leave you overwhelmed or burnt out. Rather than attempting to implement every possible strategy, I guide you through selecting just one focus from each essential category: product creation, marketing, back-to-school preparation, and business expansion.For product creation, discover how batching seasonal resources, updating best-sellers, or creating mini-product lines can maximize your efforts. Learn why summer is the perfect moment to capture authentic marketing content while you're deep in creation mode, and how to leverage low-effort engagement strategies that build relationships when both you and teachers have more bandwidth to connect.The most successful teacher-sellers prepare strategically for back-to-school season, creating freebie funnels that lead to their best products and preparing all sale assets before the rush begins. Summer also provides the rare opportunity to tackle those significant business projects you've postponed—whether implementing email marketing, mastering SEO, or building systems that will save you countless hours throughout the school year.Set yourself up for sustainable success by creating reasonable time budgets for both summer and the upcoming school year. The goal isn't productivity at all costs—it's purposeful growth that allows you to return to your classroom feeling accomplished and prepared, knowing your business is positioned to thrive even during your busiest teaching periods.What summer strategy will make the biggest difference in your TPT business this year? Share in the comments which approach you're implementing first!Get your ticket to the Teacher Seller’s Summit https://laurenfulton.krtra.com/t/oTIxSLPqfhYfCheck Out My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show

The digital marketing landscape for teacher-sellers has undergone a dramatic transformation since 2020, and those clinging to outdated strategies are watching their businesses slowly fade. This eye-opening episode pulls back the curtain on what's actually working in TPT marketing today versus what's simply wasting your precious time.Ready for some tough love? Those static Instagram posts, random Pinterest pins linking directly to TPT, and scattered marketing efforts across multiple platforms aren't serving your business. Lauren breaks down why even established sellers are struggling when they refuse to adapt to the current competitive marketplace. The hard truth: if your marketing approach hasn't evolved since 2021, you're likely working harder while seeing diminishing returns.But this isn't just about what to stop doing. Lauren delivers a clear, actionable framework for modern TPT marketing success: the "one platform, one funnel" approach. Discover why email marketing still delivers the highest ROI, how to strategically deploy short-form video content, when to invest in paid advertising, and why capturing customer information before sending traffic to TPT transforms your long-term profitability. She explains why a customer needs to encounter your product approximately seven times before purchasing—and how a properly structured marketing funnel makes this process both automated and efficient. Learn how to batch and repurpose content across platforms to create a harmonious marketing ecosystem where everything works together strategically rather than randomly.Ready to transform your TPT marketing approach? Grab your ticket to the upcoming Teacher Seller Summit where Lauren will share even more game-changing strategies to help you stand out in today's competitive marketplace.Get your ticket to the Teacher Seller’s Summit https://laurenfulton.krtra.com/t/oTIxSLPqfhYfCheck Out My YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfultonMy Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/My Other YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATschFree Rebranded Teacher Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 Support the show