In this inspiring episode, Lindsay chats with Ashlee, a full-time fourth grade teacher, single mom, and powerhouse TPT seller behind Ms Gamification. Ashlee shares how she turned her passion for creating fun, standards-aligned resources into a growing online business - all while juggling teaching, motherhood, and building her store late at night.

You’ll hear how Ashlee overcame her fears about copyright, found her niche with gifted learners, made her first four-figure month, and why joining The Resource Academy was the game-changer she didn’t know she needed. This episode is packed with encouragement, strategy, and motivation for every teacher dreaming of building a business on their own terms!

(1:49) Ashlee’s Background & Teaching Journey

Meet Ashlee - fourth grade ELA teacher, mentor, and creative mind behind Ms Gamification. She shares how she keeps reading fun in her classroom and why gamification became her niche.

(4:22) Finding Her TPT Niche with Gifted Students

Ashlee explains the market gap she noticed - lack of engaging, standards-based activities for gifted early finishers - and how that insight fueled her store’s success.

(5:21) Her First Attempt at TPT (and What Stopped Her)

Hear the honest story of how confusion around copyright and flattening stalled Ashlee’s first TPT effort - and what finally helped her move past it.

(7:56) Why She Joined the Challenge & Invested in Herself

After becoming a new mom and facing financial pressure, Ashlee took a leap and joined Lindsay’s challenge. Her mindset? “There’s no other option. I will make this work.”

(11:17) Her First 3-Figure Month & Color by Number Best-Seller

Discover how a single resource created during Lindsay’s challenge turned into a top seller, and how Ashlee made $200 her very first month with real strategy.

(15:41) Growing Her Store with Monthly Challenges

Learn how The Resource Academy’s monthly product challenges helped Ashlee create some of her most popular resources - including ELA choice boards that sell daily!

(18:56) Hitting Her First 4-Figure Month (Thanks, Easter!)

Surprise! Ashlee’s Easter-themed resources led to her first $1,000+ month. She talks pricing, bundling, and why teachers do buy high-value products.

(21:54) Stats That Show Her Store’s Growth

Ashlee shares the numbers: from 2,000 to 6,000+ views in a year, constant cha-chings, and higher-performing previews thanks to Lindsay’s course updates.

(24:46) How She Balances TPT with Full-Time Teaching & Motherhood

Get a peek into Ashlee’s real-life schedule as a teacher and single mom - working after bedtime and staying up late to build her dream. No excuses, just consistency.

(28:54) Ashlee’s Heart for Mentorship

Learn how Ashlee gives back by mentoring new teachers - impacting not just her students, but classrooms all across her school.

• Check out my free teacher training
• Check out Ashlee’s TPT store - Ms Gamification
• Check out Ashlee’s Instagram

• Instagram: @lindsaybowden
• YouTube: Lindsay Bowden YouTube Channel
• Website: www.lindsaybowden.com

Your product may be amazing - but if your TPT covers and thumbnails don’t catch a buyer’s eye, you’ll lose the sale. In this episode, Lindsay breaks down exactly how to create scroll-stopping, professional, and high-converting visuals for your Teachers Pay Teachers store. From design principles to live audits of real Resource Academy student listings, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to elevate your covers and thumbnails for more clicks and more sales!

[1:18] Why Covers and Thumbnails Matter

Lindsay explains how your cover photo and thumbnails impact click-throughs and why they’re just as important as keywords.

[2:46] Essential Elements of a Strong Cover Photo

Learn Lindsay’s checklist for high-performing covers: bold, legible fonts, contrast, mock-ups, value grabs, and more.

[4:57] What to Include (and Not Include)

Discover what makes your product irresistible with strategic elements like value grabs (e.g., “Includes 100 worksheets!”), and whether your logo should be on the cover.

[6:47] Real-Time Cover Audits from Resource Academy Members

Lindsay walks through actual TPT covers and thumbnails from her students, offering specific, actionable feedback on how to improve clarity, branding, and visual appeal.

• Teachers Pay Teachers
• Check out my free training!
• Coolors Contrast Checker  
• Canva

• Instagram: @lindsaybowden
• YouTube: Lindsay Bowden YouTube Channel
• Website: www.lindsaybowden.com

Sales tax for digital products can feel intimidating - but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, Lindsay breaks down the essentials of sales tax for Teachers Pay Teachers sellers in plain English. You’ll learn when TPT collects sales tax for you, what “nexus” means, the thresholds that might require you to take action, and how to check your own sales reports. Whether you’re a brand-new seller or scaling into the six figures, this conversation will help you feel confident and prepared - without the panic.

[0:56] Wait… Sales Tax Isn’t the Same as Income Tax?

Let’s clear this up right away - sales tax and income tax are totally different beasts. Lindsay is sticking to sales tax today, but you can listen to a past interview with Emily Bryant if you need the income tax scoop.

[1:54] How TPT Has Your Back (Most of the Time)

“Marketplace facilitation” sounds fancy, but it just means TPT is doing the heavy lifting for you - collecting and sending sales tax where it needs to go. New seller? You can probably breathe easy… for now.

[2:59] The Mysterious World of Nexus

Nexus is basically the “you’ve sold enough here, now you’ve got homework” point. Lindsay breaks down the $100k sales rule, the 200 transaction rule, and why the numbers aren’t the same everywhere.

[4:01] A Free Guide So You Don’t Have to Memorize 50 Rules

You don’t need to be a tax law encyclopedia. Grab Lindsay’s free state-by-state nexus guide and let the chart do the remembering for you.

[5:10] How to Check If You’re on a State’s Radar

Log into TPT, tweak a couple settings, pull up your sales report, and boom - you’ll know exactly where you stand. Lindsay walks you through it click-by-click. You can also use TPT’s Tax FAQ page to help answer your questions.

[6:07] Hit Nexus? Here’s Your Calm, No-Panic Plan

No need to freak out. You’ll just register for a sales tax permit, maybe file a return, and keep selling. Plus, why you probably won’t owe a penny in back taxes on TPT sales.

[8:21] For My Friends Outside the U.S.

Selling into the U.S. from another country? Lindsay touches on VAT and GST, how to check your country’s thresholds, and where to find the info you need without losing your weekend.

• Grab my TPT Sales Tax guide here
• Check Out my Interview with Emily Bryant
• TPT Tax FAQ

• Instagram: @lindsaybowden
• YouTube: Lindsay Bowden YouTube Channel
• Website: www.lindsaybowden.com

If you lost your TPT store today - or you’re starting one from scratch - what would you do first? In this episode, Lindsay walks you step-by-step through exactly what she would do to build a thriving TPT business from the ground up. Whether you’re brand new or feeling stuck with just a few products in your store, this episode is packed with strategy, encouragement, and actionable next steps to get you moving forward fast!

(0:00) Where to Begin (Hint: Not With a Logo!)

Lindsay explains why branding shouldn’t be your first step - and what to focus on instead if you want to make sales quickly.

(2:12) How to Build a Simple, Cohesive Brand

Learn how to pick high-contrast colors and easy-to-read fonts that make your resources recognizable and repeat-purchase-worthy. Coolors is a great tool to use when looking for branding colors.

(3:22) The Most Important Thing: High-Quality Products

Discover the fastest way to get started with product creation (even if you’re not in the classroom right now) and why quality always wins. Check out my free training to get you started.

(5:00) The Power of Keywords & How to Use SellerSpy

Lindsay shares her go-to strategy for getting your products found in search and explains why TPT is not too saturated. Want even more insight? Check out my interview with Colleen Swanzey, the creator of SellerSpy!

(6:13) Creating Scroll-Stopping Visuals

From cover photos to thumbnails and previews, Lindsay teaches you how to stand out and stop the scroll with professional, eye-catching images.

(9:00) Why You Need a Mentor (and Why Free Isn’t Always Better)

Lindsay gets real about the importance of investing in yourself and explains how mentorship and feedback make all the difference in success on TPT. 

• Teachers Pay Teachers
• Coolors
• Check out my free TPT training
• SellerSpy
• Check out my interview with Colleen Swanzey
• Canva

• Instagram: @lindsaybowden
• YouTube: Lindsay Bowden YouTube Channel
• Website: www.lindsaybowden.com

7 Proven Strategies to Scale Your TPT Business Beyond the Marketplace

In this final episode of the Summer Series, I’m wrapping up with a powerful, action-packed guide to help you scale your teacher business beyond TPT. 

First, if you want help with setting up a digital product, designing a sales page, and building a funnel that works, my Hey, Digital Product Playbook walks you through the exact steps to bring your product to life and get it ready to sell.

If you’ve been wondering how to grow your audience, boost traffic, and sell your created product outside the marketplace, this episode is your next step. I share 7 strategic marketing channels - plus insider tips on how to choose the right one for your lifestyle and goals. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, tutor, or homeschool mom, this episode is your permission slip to go all in and grow something amazing.

• (1:01) Why Email Is a Non-Negotiable Your email list is the foundation of your business. I explain why it's critical to build one - and how everything else builds on top of it.
• (1:51) Strategy #1: Instagram I talk about how I’ve grown on Instagram by posting daily, leveraging reels, using ManyChat for automation, and staying laser-focused on niche content.
• (3:06) Strategy #2: PinterestA free, long-term traffic driver - especially great for your TPT store, freebies, and email list. Bonus: link to a Pinterest-focused episode is included!
• (3:40) Strategy #3: TikTokShort-form video content is trending, and I share how to stay on-brand while growing your audience through relatable and educational content.
• (3:55) Strategy #4: Blogging From my own beginnings in blogging and Pinterest to long-term SEO results, I outline how blog content still drives traffic years later.
• (4:34) Strategy #5 & #6: YouTube and Podcasting Two powerful forms of long-form content. I talk about the benefits of repurposing content for both platforms - and how she started small.
• (5:28) Strategy #7: Facebook GroupsGreat for building community and collecting emails, I share how a Facebook group can nurture your audience and create a warm market for your products.

• My Email Marketing Course 

• Instagram 

• Check Out ManyChat 

• Pinterest 

• TikTok 

• Check Out My Video on Why You Need a Blog 

• Check Out My Interview with Jenny Lang About Pinterest  

• YouTube 

• Check Out My Video on Starting a Podcast 

• Facebook 

• Hey Digital Product 

• Listen to the Previous Summer Series Episodes:

  • Summer Series Episode 1 

  • Summer Series Episode 2 

  • Summer Series Episode 3 

  • Summer Series Episode 4 

  • Summer Series Episode 5 

  • Summer Series Episode 6 

  • Summer Series Episode 7 

  • Summer Series Episode 8 

  
  

Instagram: @lindsaybowden

YouTube: Lindsay Bowden YouTube Channel

Website: www.lindsaybowden.com

Expand Beyond TPT: How to Create and Sell High-Ticket Digital Products

In this power-packed episode of our Summer Series: How to Start a Teacher Business from Scratch, we’re diving deep into what’s next after Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). Lindsay shares practical and inspiring strategies to help you expand beyond TPT by creating higher-ticket digital products like mini courses, eBooks, and toolkits. Whether you want to stay in the teacher niche or pivot into something entirely new, this episode is your permission slip to dream bigger—and make more! 

• 0:14 – TPT Is Just the Beginning Lindsay encourages listeners to view TPT as a launching pad—not the destination—and introduces the concept of expanding into other digital offers.
• 1:21 – High-Ticket Product Ideas for Teachers Learn the difference between low-cost TPT resources and products priced at $47–$97. Lindsay shares examples like eBooks, workshops, and mini courses.
• 2:42 – 10 Teacher-Specific Product Ideas From a First-Year Teacher Survival Guide to a Math Workshop Made Simple Mini Course, get inspired with real examples tailored for educators.
• 3:26 – Pivoting to a New Niche You’re not limited to education! Lindsay empowers you to explore niches like gluten-free cooking, small business tools, or even gardening.
• 4:47 – Where & How to Sell Your Products Discover platforms like Flodesk Checkouts and how Lindsay uses them to host and sell products outside of marketplaces like TPT.
• 6:00 – Your Action Step: Pick a Niche and Go All In Before promoting your product, you need to be clear on your niche. Lindsay shares how to gain clarity and stay focused for maximum impact.

• 100 Digital Product Ideas (https://lindsaybowden.com/100) 

• Hey Digital Product (https://lindsaybowden.com/playbook) 

• Flodesk (https://flodesk.com/c/LINDSAYBOWDEN)

• Listen to the Previous Summer Series Episodes:

  • Summer Series Episode 1 (https://lindsaybowden.com/podcast/ss1/) 

  • Summer Series Episode 2 (https://lindsaybowden.com/podcast/ss2/) 

  • Summer Series Episode 3 (https://lindsaybowden.com/podcast/ss3/)

  • Summer Series Episode 4 (https://lindsaybowden.com/podcast/ss4/)

  • Summer Series Episode 5 (https://lindsaybowden.com/podcast/ss5/)

  • Summer Series Episode 6 (https://lindsaybowden.com/podcast/ss6/)

  • Summer Series Episode 7 (https://lindsaybowden.com/podcast/ss7/)

  
  

Instagram: @lindsaybowden

YouTube: Lindsay Bowden YouTube Channel

Website: www.lindsaybowden.com

Expand Beyond TPT: Where (and How) to List Your Teacher Resources Next

Wondering if you should start listing your resources somewhere other than TPT? In this Summer Series episode, Lindsay shares her personal journey and expert advice on how to successfully expand beyond Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). She breaks down the pros and cons of popular platforms while giving you actionable strategies to grow your teacher business smartly and sustainably. If you're ready to multiply your income streams and take back control of your business, this episode is for you!

• [0:43] Start Here First: Build an Email List Lindsay emphasizes why having an email list is more important than jumping to another platform right away - and what the order of operations should really be.
• [1:13] WooCommerce + WordPress = A Scalable Combo Lindsay explains how WooCommerce works, how she uses it on her own https://wordpress.org/, and why it’s a great starting point if you already have your own website.

         ** Note on WordPress: 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.

• [3:00] The Key Difference: TPT Traffic vs. DIY Marketing Learn why TPT brings built-in traffic while platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify require your own marketing efforts - and how Pinterest and SEO can help.
• [3:58] Shopify: An Easier (but Paid) Alternative Shopify’s user-friendly setup might be a great fit if you don’t want to deal with WordPress - Lindsay shares her experience using Shopify and why she ultimately switched.
• [4:40] Other Marketplace Options: Made By Teachers, Classful & More Lindsay talks about other emerging teacher resource marketplaces and why it doesn’t hurt to diversify your listings.
• [5:08] Etsy for Teacherpreneurs: Is It Worth It? Thinking about selling classroom decor or printables on Etsy? Lindsay breaks down the fees, audience types, and which products perform best.
• [6:07] Start Small and Systematize Instead of uploading everything at once, Lindsay recommends starting with 10 - 50 products and using a VA to help - plus how she uses Airtable to keep it all organized.

• Check out my Email Marketing Course 

• Wordpress  

• Shopify  

• Made by Teachers 

• Classful 

• Etsy 

• Airtable 

• Listen to the Previous Summer Series Episodes:

  • Summer Series Episode 1 

  • Summer Series Episode 2 

  • Summer Series Episode 3 

  • Summer Series Episode 4 

  • Summer Series Episode 5 

  • Summer Series Episode 6 

  
  

Instagram: @lindsaybowden

YouTube: Lindsay Bowden YouTube Channel

Website: www.lindsaybowden.com

Why Starting an Email List is the #1 Next Step After Your First TPT Sale

You've made your first TPT sale - woohoo! 🎉 Now what? In this power-packed summer series episode, Lindsay breaks down why starting an email list should be your very next move. Learn the exact steps to set up your list, grow it strategically, and use it to increase sales in your TPT store. Whether you’re brand new to email marketing or already dabbling but feel stuck, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to start strong!

• [0:34] Why Email Marketing Changes the Game

Lindsay shares how email marketing has been the key to scaling her business to over $2 million in sales - and how it’s now the main way she launches new products and drives TPT sales.

• [2:00] Want to Go Deeper? Join Lindsay’s Email Marketing Course

Inside this email marketing program made just for TPT sellers, you’ll get video tutorials, templates, and strategies to set up your list, create powerful automations, and grow with confidence.

• [2:58] Choose the Right Email Service Provider 

Lindsay breaks down your options: Flodesk, Kajabi, and Kit (formerly ConvertKit). Flowdesk is her favorite for its ease of use, flat monthly pricing, and templates - perfect for TPT sellers just starting out.

• [4:53] Buy a Domain for Your Biz Email

You'll need a custom domain like yourstore.com to set up a professional email address. Lindsay recommends Bluehost for affordable domains and optional website hosting.

• [7:00] Set Up a Professional Email Inbox

Don't send marketing emails from Gmail or Yahoo - those get flagged as spam! Use your domain email (like [email protected]). Lindsay recommends setting up your inbox with Google Workspace.

• [7:59] Create a Lead Magnet (Freebie!)

Lindsay explains how to design a valuable, exclusive freebie that directly relates to your TPT store and leads to paid products. 

Pro tip: Don’t just offer a freebie already in your store - make it special for your email subscribers!

• [9:49] Build Forms and Automations in Flodesk

Create a sign-up form and a workflow (a.k.a. automation) so subscribers get your freebie instantly - and then keep hearing from you with nurturing emails that lead to more sales!

• Join My TPT Email Marketing Program 

• Use Bluehost for Your Domain 

• Try Out Flodesk! 

• Try Out Kajabi! 

• Check Out Google Workspace 

• Listen to the Previous Summer Series Episodes:

  • Summer Series Episode 1 

  • Summer Series Episode 2 

  • Summer Series Episode 3 

  • Summer Series Episode 4 

  • Summer Series Episode 5 

  
  

Instagram: @lindsaybowden

YouTube: Lindsay Bowden YouTube Channel

Website: www.lindsaybowden.com

Your email list is your most valuable business asset - seriously! 💌 Set it up now while you have summer breathing room, and watch how it transforms your TPT sales.

How to Future-Proof Your Business: Smart Income Strategies for Teacherpreneurs

In this powerful episode of the Summer Series, Lindsay dives into why it’s crucial for teacher business owners to diversify their income streams. Whether you're just starting on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) or you're ready to expand beyond it, Lindsay shares practical steps to help you future-proof your business. From starting an email list to creating low-ticket digital products, you'll walk away with actionable ideas to protect and grow your online income—no matter what platform changes come your way.

• [0:32] Why Relying Only on TPT Isn't Enough

Lindsay explains the risks of putting all your income in one basket and why TPT, while amazing, shouldn't be your only income stream.

• [1:32] The Power of Email Marketing

Learn why an email list is Lindsay’s #1 predictor of online business success and how she grew hers to over 90,000 subscribers.

• [3:10] How One Email Generated $1,400 in One Day

Lindsay shares a real-life example of an email that led to major TPT sales during a seasonal promotion.

• [4:18] Beyond TPT: Creating Low-Ticket Digital Products

From mini courses to ebooks, discover how to expand your business with products priced under $97 - and why they work so well.

• [6:16] Want to Leave TPT Behind? Here's Your Game Plan

If TPT isn't your thing, Lindsay maps out how to build a profitable business around any niche (think parenting, art, gardening, and more!).

• Join My TPT Email Marketing Program 

• Grab my list of 100+ Digital Product Ideas 

• Listen to the Previous Summer Series Episodes:

  • Summer Series Episode 1 

  • Summer Series Episode 2 

  • Summer Series Episode 3 

  • Summer Series Episode 4

  
  

Instagram: @lindsaybowden

YouTube: Lindsay Bowden YouTube Channel

Website: www.lindsaybowden.com

Ready to secure your teacher business for the future? Start building your email list, explore low-ticket digital products, and don’t miss next week’s episode where Lindsay breaks down exactly how to start your list from scratch.

How Much Can You Really Make on TPT? Real Income Numbers + Success Stories

Is it still possible to make money on Teachers Pay Teachers - even if you’re just starting out? In this episode, Lindsay gets real and raw about how much she’s earning on TPT (spoiler: it’s impressive!) and shares inspiring success stories from The Resource Academy members who are generating real income—even in their first month! If you’re curious about whether TPT is still worth it, this episode will fire you up and show you what’s possible with the right strategy and training.

• [01:31] Lindsay’s Income Breakdown (12-Month Overview): From updating her store in late 2024 to hitting $5,700+ in April 2025, Lindsay shares her exact monthly earnings and what changed when she took her own advice.
• [02:57] The Power of a Strategic Store Refresh: Learn how using Seller Spy and updating thumbnails, covers, and descriptions helped Lindsay turn her TPT store around - and how it can do the same for you.
• [06:05] Real Results from Resource Academy Members: Hear inspiring income wins from teachers just like you!
• [07:46] Why Training is Non-Negotiable for TPT Success: If your store isn’t making sales, Lindsay explains why lack of training - not market saturation—is usually the problem.
• [08:19] Get Found in Search with SEO + Seller Spy: Lindsay shares how low-competition keywords and optimized titles/descriptions helped boost her TPT views - and how you can do it too.
• [09:07] Why Covers, Thumbnails, and Descriptions Really Matter: Your product’s first impression is everything! Lindsay talks about the visuals and copy that convert browsers into buyers.
• [10:45] Pricing Strategies That Actually Work: Don’t guess your price! Lindsay explains how to do simple market research to price your resources just right.

• Seller Spy 

• Check Out My Free 3-Day Challenge 

• Check Out The Resource Academy 

• Listen to My Interview with Colleen Swanzey, the Creator of Seller Spy  

• Listen to What Happened When I Updated My TPT Store Products 

• Listen to the Previous Summer Series Episodes:

  • Summer Series Episode 1 

  • Summer Series Episode 2 

  • Summer Series Episode 3 

  
  

Instagram: @lindsaybowden

YouTube: Lindsay Bowden YouTube Channel

Website: www.lindsaybowden.com

Ready to turn your teaching skills into income? Don’t miss the free challenge happening this week only - and snag your exclusive 50% off the Resource Academy while you can!