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 Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton

My Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/

My Other YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch

Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115

Support 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 Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton

My Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/

My Other YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch

Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group

https://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/oTIxSLPqfhYf

Check Out My YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton

My Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/

My Other YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch

Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group

https://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/oTIxSLPqfhYf

Check Out My YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton

My Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/

My Other YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch

Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 

Support the show

Have you ever skipped a conference or summit because it felt draining, expensive, or simply not worth your time? I get it. As someone who identifies as introverted and antisocial, I've wrestled with the same hesitations about professional gatherings.

But here's my confession: the moments that transformed my TPT business came from reluctantly attending events I nearly skipped. Six years ago, a casual brunch conversation during my first TPT conference introduced me to email marketing—a strategy that now generates six figures annually. More recently, implementing just one tactic from an expensive mastermind meeting tripled the revenue of a membership I co-own.

These experiences taught me something profound: success doesn't require consuming every piece of content or implementing dozens of strategies. Sometimes, all it takes is one powerful idea implemented with consistency. This realization is precisely why I created Teacher Seller Summit—a virtual conference designed for teacher-entrepreneurs who want high-impact business strategies without the travel expenses, childcare complications, or overwhelm of traditional conferences.

Whether you're making $100 or $10,000 monthly on TPT, the summit offers tailored learning opportunities through free mini-masterclasses, expert Q&A panels, roundtable discussions, and over 40 professional-level sessions. With both free preview passes and affordable Pro tickets (which include six months of extended access), TSS eliminates the common barriers that keep teacher-sellers from investing in their business growth.

The top sellers in our industry didn't reach their status by continuing what they've always done. They constantly learned, adapted, and implemented new approaches—even when it felt uncomfortable. If you're not where you want to be with your TPT business, showing up for yourself by attending events like Teacher Seller Summit might be the catalyst you need. The summit begins in just 24 days, and registration closes when the event starts. 

Get your ticket to the Teacher Seller’s Summit 

https://laurenfulton.krtra.com/t/oTIxSLPqfhYf

Check Out My YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton

My Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/

My Other YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch

Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 

Support the show

My $1,000 March challenge didn't turn out how I was expecting it to, but I still learned valuable lessons about product cross-selling and giving yourself grace during different life seasons.

• I tell you just how much extra money I made in March from my game board and task cards... 
• Sending freebies to your email list with an upsell can generate additional revenue
• Release multiple products in a series simultaneously to maximize sales potential
• Recognize when to push yourself in business and when to give yourself grace
• Focus on high-impact activities during challenging life seasons rather than taking on new ventures

Teacher Seller Summit is coming up at the end of June with experts from TPT and online business spaces, including email marketing expert Liz Wilcox. Get your ticket now – there's even a free option available!

Get your ticket to the Teacher Seller’s Summit 

https://laurenfulton.krtra.com/t/oTIxSLPqfhYf

Check Out My YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton

My Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/

My Other YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch

Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115

Support the show

This week's episode announces our free upcoming "Five Days to a 5K Product" workshop starting Saturday, May 24th. The workshop teaches teacher entrepreneurs how to create profitable TPT products that sell, with step-by-step guidance on market research and product development.

• Learn how to know if a product will be profitable before creating it
• Discover the secrets to crafting products that sell versus those that sit on the market
• Get step-by-step guidance through planning a profitable product line
• Perfect timing to plan products over summer that will generate income all school year
• Includes daily videos, practical workbooks, and live Q&A sessions
• Hundreds of teachers already signed up for this free challenge

Sign up for the free workshop in the episode description so you don't miss this opportunity to transform your TPT business.

Grab your spot in the 5 Days to 5K Product Idea Workshop

https://rebrandedteacher.kartra.com/page/eTl153

Get your ticket to the Teacher Seller’s Summit 

https://laurenfulton.krtra.com/t/oTIxSLPqfhYf

Check Out My YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton

My Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/

My Other YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch

Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 

Support the show

Ever wondered why your meticulously crafted TPT resources aren't getting found, despite your best SEO efforts? After nine years as a TPT seller and five years coaching other teacher entrepreneurs, I've discovered a hard truth: most sellers are solving the wrong problem.

The issue isn't that your resources lack proper search optimization. It's that you're creating products that can't be effectively optimized in the first place. Many of us start by creating resources we're personally excited about or that our own classrooms need, then try to retrofit SEO strategies afterward. This backwards approach typically leads nowhere because either nobody is searching for the keywords that describe your product, or the competition for those keywords is so fierce that newer sellers have virtually no chance of ranking.

This frustrating cycle is what I call the "silent killer" of TPT businesses. You follow all the conventional advice – create more products, optimize your listings, design beautiful covers – yet sales remain stagnant. The burnout that follows drains your momentum and enthusiasm. Meanwhile, successful sellers who transition from side-hustle to full-time income share one critical habit: they validate market demand before investing time in product creation. They check search volume, assess competition, and identify keyword targets before designing a single page.

Ready to break free from creating "hope and pray" products? Join my free Five Days to 5K Product Challenge starting May 24th! Through bite-sized, actionable daily tasks, you'll learn how to identify products with built-in demand, align your resources with what buyers actively search for, and stop guessing whether your next creation will sell. By the end of our five days together, you'll approach product creation with data-driven confidence rather than wishful thinking. Sign up through the link below – this is likely my only free workshop of 2025, and you don't want to miss it!

Grab your spot in the 5 Days to 5K Product Idea Workshop

https://rebrandedteacher.kartra.com/page/eTl153

Get your ticket to the Teacher Seller’s Summit 

https://laurenfulton.krtra.com/t/oTIxSLPqfhYf

Check Out My YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton

My Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/

My Other YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch

Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 

Support the show

Are you struggling to decide whether to create evergreen resources that sell year-round or seasonal resources that capitalize on specific times of the year? This strategic decision can make or break your Teachers Pay Teachers business, especially in the early stages.

Evergreen resources—those without holiday-specific elements that teachers can use throughout the school year—build stability and consistent income. They allow you to put your energy into creating one high-quality product that can potentially sell for 10-12 months each year. This approach streamlines your marketing efforts and builds a reliable foundation for your business. But is it always the best strategy?

Seasonal resources offer distinct advantages that many new sellers overlook. With lower competition and more specific keywords, seasonal products often rank more easily in search results. For example, while ranking for "multiplying three-digit numbers task cards" might be challenging, ranking for "multiplying three-digit numbers Christmas activity" could be much more achievable. What's more, seasonal resources provide rapid feedback on your product creation skills—if your Christmas resource doesn't sell during December, you know immediately that adjustments are needed rather than wondering if you just need to wait longer.

The data shows an interesting pattern: new sellers typically find faster success with seasonal resources, while established sellers build more long-term profitability with evergreen products. The ideal approach depends on your specific situation. If you're just starting and need to see sales quickly while developing your skills, begin with seasonal resources for each major holiday or season. If you create resources slowly and are playing the long game, focus on building a strong lineup of evergreen products. Many successful sellers eventually maintain a strategic balance of both. What's your experience been with seasonal versus evergreen resources? Share your insights and join us at the upcoming Teacher Seller Summit to learn even more strategies for growing your TPT business!

Get your ticket to the Teacher Seller’s Summit 

https://laurenfulton.krtra.com/t/oTIxSLPqfhYf

Check Out My YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton

My Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/

My Other YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch

Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 

Support the show

Today we dive into the five essential components that every growing TPT business must prioritize, regardless of how busy life gets. These strategies separate successful sellers from those who struggle to gain traction in the marketplace.

• Consistent product creation remains critical for driving traffic and sales, even during busy seasons
• Market research should precede all product development to ensure you're creating resources buyers actually want
• Long-term marketing strategies that build organic traffic are essential for sustainable growth without constant content creation
• Continuous learning from other successful sellers provides fresh ideas and keeps you from falling into stagnant routines
• Strategic SEO implementation is non-negotiable for visibility and is often the simplest way to boost revenue

Don't miss Teacher Seller Summit this June! Grab your free ticket through the link in the description to access 19 mini masterclasses, meet other sellers, and learn tools to grow your TPT business.

Get your ticket to the Teacher Seller’s Summit:

https://laurenfulton.krtra.com/t/oTIxSLPqfhYf

Check Out "4 TpT Seller Tips from an 8 Year Teachers Pay Teachers Seller":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Fg-k3huqs

Check Out "SEO Strategies for Top TPT Listings":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04Qlg2ZgDFA

Check Out "SEO Best Practice for Your TPT Business with Kristen Doyle":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHSG4TZWcX0

Check Out My YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenfulton

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/laurentschappler/

My Other YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenATsch

Free Rebranded Teacher Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/749538092194115 

Support the show