HOW to TPT
RESOURCES FOR TEACHER ENTREPRENEURS
Getting started on TPT can be difficult. The more you learn, the more you feel like there is so much to do. Although I’ve been on TPT since 2009, I didn’t take it seriously until 2015. In 2018, I took the leap to do TPT full time. I’m on a misson to make the best classroom resources for teachers. Many of my teacher buddies have asked me, “How can I get started on TPT?” This is for you. Here are a few of the resources that I have found helpful. – Martha Galvan, MrsGalvan
IDEAS
Keep a designated notebook either in pencil and paper or in notes on your phone. You never know when a product idea will come, so be ready.
You can also go digital with Google Keep. I love how you can organize, color code, and pin notes.
Shana Ramen from @helloteacherlady wrote a blog post and made a YouTube video on how to use Google Keep.
FONTS
Fonts and clip art can make your products look much better.
My favorite font artists are linked below.
You can learn even more Font Tips from their font guides linked below.
I also use KG Primary Penmanship 2, in my resources for Kinder – 2nd grade students. It is a neatly printed font that is easy for students to read. It is the font next to the check boxes in the picture above.
You can download it here and purchase a commercial use license here.
This amazing font artist even created video tutorials on how to better use your fonts in PowerPoint. See videos below.
CLIP ART
Clip art can add visual interest to your TPT products.
My favorite clip artists are linked below.
Whimsy Clips
Teacher Laura
Speech Doodles
PRODUCT CREATION
Where you create your resources is going to depend on which of these programs you prefer. I personally use PowerPoint, so it is the one I am most familiar with.
Option 1: Microsoft PowerPoint
Option 2: Apple Keynote
Option 3: Google Slides
You will also need Adobe Acrobat PRO to secure your files and do some more advanced features such as combine files, organize pages, and create editable PDFs. I didn’t want to keep paying for it monthly and I really did not like having to sign in every few minutes, so I purchased the Student and Teacher Edition at my local Best Buy for $119.99 plus tax.
BRANDING
Branding is so much more than just a logo. It is a very personal decision. I like the simplicity of black and white with a pop of color. I’ve also been leaning towards a cleaner less cluttered look lately.
Begin by thinking about what colors and styles appeal to you. Once you have selected a few colors, move on to experimenting with different fonts to find one you love, or two that compliment each other well, and are legible.
Think about the types of resources you’ve created for your own classroom or to use with your children. What are your favorite subjects or areas of expertise?
Use that information to help you think of a store name if you don’t have one yet. You may also choose to use your own name.
Once you’re ready with your colors, fonts, and a name you can move on to creating or hiring someone to create your logo.
I’ve seen many teacher authors use and recommend Amanda Thompson from Thompson’s Teachings for everything from logo creation to, there’s just so much stuff. Click the link below and download the preview to see all the services she offers.
Thompson’s Teachings
TPT STORE
Once you have your logo log into your TPT account and follow the steps below to add your logo.
Click on your name.
Click on My Account.
Click on store profile.
Here you will be able to upload your store logo and update your personal quote.
If you’d like to insert a Quote Box Image you can use the tutorial by Laugh Eat Learn.
How to Create and Install TPT Quote Box Image
TPT allows you to link your quote box to one of your resources or one of your custom categories.
If you would rather have a Quote Box GIF use her Quote Box GIF Tutorial.
How to Create and Install a TPT Quote Box GIF
You can customize the your Leaderboard (that wide skinny banner above your 4 featured resources) and your column banner by
1. Going to your dashboard
2. Clicking the Marketing tab and
3. Clicking Customize
The Leaderboard should be 718 x 90 px and you are allowed to add a link to a product or custom category.
The Store Page Column Banner should be 160 x 200 px and you are may add a link to a product or custom category.
PODCASTS
I recommend the podcasts listed below.
Elite Edupreneurs Podcast by Rachel
DarrenDaily On-Demand by Darren Hardy
Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn
BLOG POSTS
Meredith Dobbs of Bespoke ELA wrote the an article about being focused in certain areas to make progress.
The Power of ONE: A New Approach for Growing Your TpT Shop
I’ve read many across the years, but I always come back to this one.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no extra cost to you. Please understand that I have experience with all of these companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend money on these resources unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
BOOKS
THE 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris
I bought this book after Chris Kesler of Kesler Science recommended it at his sesson of the 2015 Vegas TPT Conference. It was not until I was on a cruise in March of 2017 that I read it and my mindset shifted. I started to work with my life vision in mind and I’ve never looked back.
Click the picture to see it on Amazon.
The ONE Thing by Gary Keller with Jay Papasan
This book is about the power of focus, the 80/20 rule, and how multitasking is ineffective.
Click the picture to see it on Amazon.
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
This book got me into the habit of tracking my habits and has greatly improved my focus and productivity.
Click the picture to see it on Amazon.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
I recommend using Open Camera to have better control over the brightness and other camera features while using your smartphone. It basically let’s you have some of the fancy controls on a DSLR without needing one.
You may also use apps like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Light room that are FREE to edit your product photographs.
My favorite app lately is InShot because it let’s you create videos, photos, and collages in many different formats.
Stephanie Sutherland has shared many tips on Instagram Story Highlights.
She has since created a detailed product photography course.
PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT
Neewer Ring Light 18″
I love this light because it has a flexible neck that is completely adjustable and this one comes with a part that can hold your phone. This kit also includes a remote control and carrying case.
Click the picture to see it on Amazon.
Mini Tabletop Tripod
This little tripod is super portable and you can point it up or down and lock it into position. The phone holding adapter is already included. It is super affordable at about $10.
Click the picture to see it on Amazon.
ULANZI U Rig Pro
Anytime I use this to record live footage people always think it costs much more than it does.
Click the picture to see it on Amazon.
LED Video Light Camera
This light is about the size of post it note and super portable. I own two of them and mount them on the rig above or use them to light up any dark spots while I am doing product photography.
Click the picture to see it on Amazon.
TEACHER MUST-HAVES
ASTROBRIGHTS
Printing on bright colored paper can make your resources look more appealing.
Click the picture to see it on Amazon.
HP Instant Ink
Don’t pay full rpice for ink ever agian.Don’t even go shopping for ink.
PINTEREST MARKETING
The single biggest leap I have experienced in my TPT business has been as a result of Pinterest. I recommend Tailwind for pinning evergreen content to Pinterest and saving you some time.
Have you created pins for Pinterest that link to your website or product pages, if not, you must, it’s a game changer. Tailwind allows you to schedule and automate pinning. Pinterest has brought so much traffic to my Teachers Pay Teachers resources that convert to sales! It has also helped me grow my email list. One pin grew my email list by 500 subscribers in a single month. Tailwind let’s you join Tribes, so you can help each other promote your content. Use my affiliate link to save $15 on Tailwind.
E-MAIL MARKETING
I use Mailchimp and love how easy it is to create a landing page and add your opt in freebie. They deliver it for you. I can even duplicate a previous broadcast and edit it on my smartphone app.
BUILDING A WEBSITE
All of my websites and my husbands websites are hosted on Bluehost. Why? Because they make it incredibly easy to get a new website up and running with their one-click automatic WordPress installation.
You can use your Bluehost account to host multiple domains – no need to pay more for hosting when you’re ready to start another website. Also they provide outstanding customer service. I was able to chat with them online quickly when I encountered and issue and it was resolved in a matter of minutes.
I highly recommend using Bluehost (affiliate link) for your first website, and you can get started today.
Elementor is in my opinion the most powerful WordPress plug in ever. It makes building and designing a website easy. Simple drag and drop features let you build a what you see is what you get website. The Elementor PRO (affiliate link) plug in allows you to easily add social media share buttons to help your site get more traffic and exposure. Elementor PRO also allows you to create your own password protected websites, or membership sites.
COURSES
I have taken this course and am happy to recommend it.
TPT Focused Success by Shelly Rees
Her course will be 25% off during the TPT Conference July 9, 10, and 11th, 2019.
I hope you have found these resources helpful. I will continue to add more resources and tutorial links.
If you have an idea or would like to collaborate email me at
HOWtoTPTpro@gmail.com
or send an Instagram message to @HOWtoTPT
Martha Galvan | MrsGalvan www.MrsGalvan.com
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