The Creative Teacher Podcast

Should You Switch to Flodesk? Why Now Is the Time for Teacher Sellers

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Thinking about switching your email service provider? In this episode of The Creative Teacher Podcast, I’m diving into all things Flodesk - why I switched, what makes it stand out, and why now might be the best time to hop on board.

Flodesk has long been known for its flat-rate unlimited subscriber plan, but starting November 2025, that plan is going away in favor of tiered pricing. If you’ve been on the fence, this episode will help you decide whether Flodesk is right for your teacher business.

I’ll break down:

What’s changing with Flodesk’s pricing and why it matters.
The strongest features Flodesk offers for teacherpreneurs - templates, workflows, forms, and more.
Step-by-step guidance on how to switch over from platforms like Kit, MailerLite, or Mailchimp.
My honest take on who should consider moving to Flodesk and who might be fine staying put.

Click here to lock in $19 a month on Flodesk for your first year with my special affiliate link! Unlimited subscribers, 50% off your first year! >> https://flodesk.com/c/OLE4TV

Whether you’re brand new to email marketing or ready for a platform that feels simple and powerful, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the right choice for your business.

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Hit your growth & revenue goals with this FREE event - just for TPT Sellers! The Teacher Seller Growth Summit was created to help you increase the traffic to your TPT store & to your products. We kick off on Nov 13 with 4 days of action-packed presentations. Get all the details and grab your free ticket through my affiliate link! https://thesouthernteach--mistymillertpt.thrivecart.com/teacher-seller-growth-summit-nov-25/

The Psychology of Selling on TPT: 5 Buying Behaviors You Need to Know

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Spring is here, and so is a fresh episode of The Creative Teacher Podcast! 🌸 If you've ever wondered why some TPT resources fly off the digital shelves while others get overlooked, it all comes down to buyer psychology. Understanding how teachers make purchasing decisions can help you create product listings that attract, engage, and convert—without feeling pushy.

In this episode, we’ll break down the 5 key behavioral patterns that influence TPT purchases—like the bandwagon effect, decision fatigue, and emotional triggers. Plus, you’ll get some quick tips to optimize your store and use psychology-backed marketing techniques that feel authentic.

What You'll Learn:

Five psychological factors that drive TPT purchasing decisions
How to use social proof, scarcity, and urgency to boost sales
Why too many choices can overwhelm buyers—and how to fix it
Easy tweaks to your store that make buying a no-brainer

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

3 Must-Have Features for a High-Converting TPT Storefront

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0600

I have a special treat for you! Today I'm talking all about ways to SPICE up TPT Storefronts! This is an episode of the CTL Podcast that I'm sharing here with you.

In this episode, we’re diving into the 3 Must-Have Features for a High-Converting TPT Storefront that will help you attract more buyers and boost your sales. I’ll walk you through simple, effective strategies to improve your store’s header, feature your best resources, and organize your categories—making it easier for customers to find and buy your products. Plus, I’ll share real-life examples from brands and how their methods can be applied to your TPT store.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to make your storefront polished and professional without feeling overwhelmed. And don’t forget—if you’re ready to take these strategies even further, check out my Spice Up Your Store Page challenge for step-by-step guidance, templates, and tutorials to transform your TPT store!

Tune in now, and let’s give your storefront the makeover it deserves!

My TPT Session: https://thesouthernteachdesigns.com/challenge

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

4 Product Cover Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mon, 27 May 2024 03:00:00 -0600

If you're a TPT seller, teacherpreneur, or customer on Teachers Pay Teachers, you learn pretty quickly that well-designed products are the ones people will flock to. It's the cover on the search results!

When it comes to TPT, buyers absolutely DO judge a book by its cover so you'll want to make sure you aren't making any of these comment mistakes on your TPT covers.

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

BONUS: 4 Tools I Have Ditched in My Business (and What I Use Instead)

Thu, 23 May 2024 03:00:00 -0600

I've said sayonara to a few business tools that I've previously used in my business! I'm sharing with you in this bonus episode which tools I've ditched and which tools I'm using instead. I also share with you some insights based on my experience with some of my favorite features and benefits of each platform I'm now using.

Recommended Tools

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Graphic Design 101 for Teacher Sellers

Mon, 20 May 2024 03:00:00 -0600

If your store is ready for a visual refresh, you might love walking through The Creative Teacher Lab to learn more about graphic design and how this can level up your TPT sales. Today's episode shares a short sneak peek inside one of the lessons.

Resources and Links

Dive into The Creative Teacher Lab to learn more about how graphic design can help you grow your store!

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How To Give Yourself a TPT Store Audit

Mon, 13 May 2024 03:00:00 -0600

When was the last time you took a deep dive into what was and was not working well in your TPT store? If it's been a while, print out my free TPT audit checklist, and let's walk through the process together.

Episode Highlights

My 13-step process for auditing a TPT store
How I take action and measure growth in my store

Resources and Links

Print this TPT audit before you listen to this episode so you can take action!

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Your TPT Seller Burning Questions - Random Q&A

Mon, 06 May 2024 06:45:00 -0600

Today I'm sharing my unsolicited answers to some common questions I see in TPT Facebook groups. Tune in to hear my thoughts!

Episode Highlights

My favorite chunky script fonts
Are bigger bundles outselling smaller packs?
Tips for managing family and business
Do blog titles need tweaking after TPT updates?
Showcasing stellar product covers
Suggested sources for famous figures' photos
Recommendations for logos and banners
My favorite email service provider for TPT businesses
Tips for asking for course recommendations on XYZ

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Using Brand Guidelines in Your Business

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0600

You might have a brand board, but do you have brand guidelines? You might want to have brand guidelines on your radar this year. Let's talk about why!

Episode Highlights

What are brand guidelines?
Why are brand guidelines important?
What makes up a brand guideline?
Should your business use brand guidelines or a brand board?

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

BONUS: 6 Steps to Profitable Weekly Content

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0600

To continue the conversation with creating long-form content, I wanted to share with you some bonus steps on how you can create profitable weekly content for your TPT business - content that can result in more followers, shares, leads, and even sales!

Episode Highlights

a description of each of the 6 steps to creating weekly content
ideas on how to utilize each step for a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel
what to do when you're done creating content for your blog, podcast, or YouTube channel

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Which Long-Form Content Platform is Right for You?

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0600

Blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels - it can really make your head spin. Which one is right for you? Choosing the right one for you depends on your business, your audience, and your personality. Let's dive into the pros and cons together!

Episode Highlights

What is content marketing?
What are the pros and cons of content marketing
Pros and cons of blogs, podcasts, and Youtube

Choose one content marketing strategy for your business. Plan, create, and share consistent content each week to grow a following and an audience. Results take time, but can be very profitable to establish yourself as a thought leader and bring traffic to your TPT store.

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

4 Attraction Strategies on Facebook

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0600

Let's not ignore the power of Facebook as a business owner! In today's episode, we'll look at the best ways to use your time wisely to grow your business using Facebook.

Facebook attracts users of all generations. You can target audiences with not just demographics, but also by lifestyle characteristics such as interests, behaviors, or hobbies. You can also drive traffic directly to your site with multiple links on your Facebook page.

The 4 Attraction Strategies discussed in this episode are divided in to 4 sections: Low Prep, High Prep, High Output, Low Output - and these are my own opinion!

This is just a general guide and does not indicate that one strategy is better or worse than another. Try some of the strategies and see how it does for you if you utilize Facebook!

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

4 Attraction Strategies on Instagram

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0600

Today we're talking about how to get the most results from Instagram in the least amount of time.

Having an Instagram account for your TPT store has plenty of benefits! You can effectively engage with customers with short-form content. Hashtags can increase your visibility and traffic to your business. It offers ways to get creative. It offers ways to collaborate with other similar TPT sellers in your niche.

The 4 Attraction Strategies discussed in this episode are divided in to 4 sections: Low Prep, High Prep, High Output, Low Output. The prep time is how much effort it may take on your end, and the outcome is the results that may happen (more sales, more views, etc.).

This is just a general guide (and my own personal opinions) and does not indicate that one strategy is better or worse than another. Try some of the strategies and see how it does for you if you utilize Instagram.

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Support from a TPT Spouse or Partner

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0600

Something I've been wanting to do for a couple of years is to bring my spouse on the podcast to get his perspective on TPT!

In this episode, I chat with my husband Colton and he shares his thoughts!

Episode Highlights

Colton's current role in my TPT business
His perspective on my journey as a TPT seller
The positives of watching me grow my business
Some of the challenges we've faced as I work in my TPT business
Tips or advice for spouses and partners who may not be a part of the TPT business but would like to support their significant other
A fun quiz where I see what Colton knows about TPT

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

When Pivoting in a Brand Results in Success

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0600

You know I love a good history lesson or two. That's why I'm sharing with you about some real business brands that made pivots and turned into the successful companies they are today!

If you're a teacher seller who has not made as much money as in previous years, not seeing the growth and success you were hoping for, you may need to pivot or make a change. Pivoting can be the key to success!

Episode Highlights

Nokia
Playdoh
Starbucks
Netflix
Nintendo
Instagram
Wrigley

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

2024 Graphic Design Trends TPT Sellers Should Know About

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0600

Don't have time to follow the latest graphic design trends? Don't worry!

Today I'm sharing a trend report and helping you know how to use this information as a TPT seller.

Episode Highlights

8 trends in the graphic design world for 2024
simple tips to implement into our TPT businesses

Resources and Links

https://looka.com/blog/graphic-design-trends/

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

100 Episodes on the Creative Teacher Podcast!

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0600

It's time to celebrate - hard to believe that it's been over 3 years of The Creative Teacher Podcast and we are now looking at 100 episodes!

Today is a juicy episode of 100 tips and best practices we as teacher sellers should all know about and do - it's pretty much everything I have learned throughout my journey as a TPT seller in one episode.

Share this with a seller friend or if you have a teacher friend who is thinking about being an entrepreneur.

Resources and Links

Tell me what you love about the podcast - leave a review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-creative-teacher-podcast/id1572704416

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Niching Down in Your Business with Chynell Moore

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0600

Ever feel like you have too many ideas in your product creation bank? Wondering which path to go and feeling as though your store is looking like a hodge podge of items?

Niching down could be just what you need - and special guest Chynell Moore is here to talk with us about this on the podcast!

Chynell Moore is a business coach for TPT sellers who loves helping educators take their side businesses to the next level to hit $100k+ by increasing their brands' visibility and income through marketing strategies tailored to their strengths.

Episode Highlights

what is a niche and why it is important for sellers
clues you should niche down in your TPT business
steps to get started niching down if you feel like you've locked in your niche

Connect with Chynell!

https://www.routineyourdream.com/

Follow Chynell on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

10 Life-Changing Business Tools for Teacher Sellers

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Having the right tools can make all the difference as a teacherpreneur! If you're looking to leverage the power of technology in your business, you'll love today's list of my 10 favorite tools.

For each tool, I share with you what I love about it and how I use it in my business. Check out the links below to all the tools mentioned in the episode!

Ads

Website

WP Engine

Social Media

Content Creation

Productivity

Toggl

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Organizing your TPT Business with Ayten Disbudak

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Looking for some ideas for keeping your business organized? You'll love this podcast episode with special guest Ayten Disbudak of The Language Adventurist!

Ayten became an active TPT seller in 2021. She is a former kindergarten teacher who loves creating educational resources and multilingual classroom decor to help elementary teachers and homeschooling families around the world.

Ayten shares what she's learned about keeping her business organized and how her brand strategy has helped her focus on what's important for her audience.

Episode Highlights

Struggles faced in trying to be more organized
Strategies learned on being more organized in Ayten's TPT business
Favorite organization tools that have worked for her

Connect with Ayten

Website

Instagram: @languageadventurist

TPT Store

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Breaking Down the Product Conversion Funnel

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0600

In this spring break themed episode, we'll be talking about the journey a curious shopper takes as the move through the product conversion funnel and (hopefully) add your resource to their cart!

Episode Highlights

What is a conversion funnel?
The 4 parts of the product conversion funnel
Tips for moving people through the funnel so that they purchase your resource

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Using Live Workshops to Sell Bundles on TPT with Melanie Battistelli

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 04:30:00 -0600

When you have a TPT bundle that converts well or a high ticket product that you'd love to have some extra eyeballs on, what can you do? Today's conversation is with Melanie Battistelli from Duxbury Digital and she's sharing all about how a live workshop might be just what you need next!

Melanie helps educators and course creators successfully launch programs, hire teams and streamline their day-to-day operations so they can focus on building their business to impact more lives.

Episode Highlights

How to use live workshops/free trainings to sell larger bundles on TPT
Some tips for hosting a live workshop or free training
How to know if hosting a live workshop is right for you
Ways to get over the fear of going live
Metrics to track to know what went well and what to improve on for next time

Resources and Links

Connect with Melanie!

Website

Instagram @duxburydigital

Purchase the Launch Library and use code Birthdaygirl for a special discount!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Using TikTok to Increase Brand Awareness

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0600

"Am I too old for TikTok?"

You're likely not!

TikTok is a fun and trendy way to get newer eyes on your brand. Listen to this episode for tips on expanding your brand's reach.

Episode Highlights

My love-hate relationship with TikTok (and why I love it now!)
What's been working so far with my TikTok
Tips to get started or optimize your TikTok

Resources and Links

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Cleaning Up Your Email List with Melissa Seideman

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0600

It's a brand new year - it's the perfect time for us teacherpreneurs to do some cleaning and get rid of platforms, tasks or items we don't use or need. But have you also thought about cleaning out your email list? This is a must - and this episode explains all about it with special guest Melissa Seideman!

Melissa from Not Another VA specializes in copywriting, blog posts, SEO, automations, and email marketing specialized tasks. She works with a variety of clients and sellers to help them with email marketing, templates, and more!

Episode Highlights

Why is it important to prune your email list
What happens if we don't clean out our lists
How frequently should we clean our email lists
Tips on cleaning up our email lists for different email providers

Resources and Links

DIY Cold Subscriber Package

Not Another VA TPT Store

Follow Melissa on IG @notanotherva

Learn more about Melissa's services notanothervisualassistant.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Having a Store Style to Amplify TPT Product Listings

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0600

As we scroll through Teachers Pay Teachers we see stores who fall into 3 visual styles. Which style is your store? Which style is my store? Let's unpack it together in today's epsiode.

Episode Highlights

What is a store style?
3 store styles (and tips for each type)
Why does a cohesive brand style matter?

Resources and Links

https://www.thesouthernteachdesigns.com/enroll

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Setting Yourself Apart from the Competition With a Positioning Statement

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0600

I take you back to my own college experience with a fun analogy! In this Bama Rush inspired episode, we're going to talk about being memorable and standing out in a crowd of many TPT stores.

Episode Highlights

Bama Rush and how it relates to branding (stick with me on this analogy!)
A direct competitors exercise
Learning about brand positioning through a pretend TPT store example

Resources and Links

https://www.thesouthernteachdesigns.com/enroll

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

BONUS - 5 Things I Learned From a Facebook Ads Bootcamp

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0600

What's one of the best things you can do to build and expand your audience for 2024?

Run a list-building Facebook ad.

There are so many direct and indirect benefits when you put in as little as $5 a day into a lead magnet that already converts pretty well organically!

So today, I'm sharing with you this impromptu bonus episode on 5 things I learned from a recent Facebook Ads Bootcamp by Zach Spuckler that I joined this past October.

I also share with you the results of one of the list-building ads I ran and some of the positive effects of having it constantly running.

If you're interested in joining, the next 5 Day Facebook Ads Bootcamp is from January 13-17th, 2025. It's only $25 to register (a total steal for the value you get and what you learn). You won't regret it!

https://thesouthernteach--heartsoulhustle.thrivecart.com/jan25-fb-ig-ads-bootcamp/

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How to Have Cohesive and Appealing Colors for Your TPT Store

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0600

Ready to level up your knowledge of color harmony so that you can create the best possible resources and marketing assets in your TPT business? This episode is packed with actionable ideas that you won't want to miss.

Episode Highlights

A crash course in color harmony
5 types of color harmonies
8 tips for using color harmonies in your TPT business

Resources and Links

Learn more in this course made specifically for TPT sellers: https://www.thesouthernteachdesigns.com/enroll

https://www.accessibilitychecker.org/

https://color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel

https://coolors.co/

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

7 Business Wins - A Reflection on What I've Learned for 2023

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Walk down memory lane with me today to hear 7 business wins I'm reflecting on as we wrap up 2023 with a bow.

Share with me your wins this year on Instagram @thesouthernteach.designs

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Starting or Joining a TPT Mastermind: Behind-the-Scenes

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Ever wonder what it takes to start or join a TPT mastermind? What are the steps to get started and how do you find the right people? You'll hear all about it in this special episode with my own mastermind group!

The best thing about a mastermind is that no two are alike, but you do want to make sure it aligns with your personal business goals and what you're looking for in a mastermind.

Episode Highlights

How our mastermind came to be
The structure and schedule of our mastermind
What we've loved and learned about our mastermind
Benefits and tips on starting or joining a mastermind

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Product Listing Series #4 - Editing and Publishing Your Listings

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Publishing your TPT listing brings an endless list of small decisions to overthink. Let's talk through all the choices together so you can get that new listing live with confidence!

Episode Highlights

overview of the components when editing a product listing
5 tips to publish your product listings on TPT

Resources and Links

DIY Your Product Photography CTP Episode

Mockup Magic with Katie Brockmeyer CTP Episode

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Product Listing Series #3 - Titles and Descriptions

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Let's get those TPT listings found in search and added to cart! Today I'm sharing tons of actionable tips for your titles and descriptions.

Episode Highlights

3 components of a captivating product title and description
5 parts of a killer TPT description
Extra tips for title and description copy

Resources and Links

Free Product Listing Toolkit

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Product Listing Series #2 - Product Preview Strategies

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Should my preview be widescreen, portrait, or square? How many pages should my preview be? How much of my resource should I show? Let's deep dive into best practices for product previews in this episode!

Episode Highlights

What a preview is and where it's located
Main must-haves of previews
What to leave out in previews
3 common types of previews
A walk-through of a preview from one of my best-selling resources

Resources and Links

Free Product Listing Toolkit

Product Preview Template Bundle

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Product Listing Series #1 - Product Cover and Thumbnail Strategies

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Let's go through a checklist of the DOs (and don'ts) of covers and thumbnails that convert to cha-chings.

Episode Highlights

What a product cover and thumbnail is and where it's located
Main must-haves of covers and thumbnails
What to leave out in covers and thumbnails
A walk-through of a cover and thumbnails from one of my best-selling resources

Resources and Links

Free Product Listing Toolkit

Cover and Thumbnail Templates

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

AI - The Future for TPT Sellers

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Where can AI save us time and take some heavy lifting off of our plates? I'm sharing some of my favorite AI tips and tricks in today's episode.

Episode Highlights

Common myths and misconceptions
AI tools that I’ve used
How to use AI for product creation
How to use AI for content creation and social media

Resources and Links

https://www.unitygroup.com/blog/ai-in-business-most-common-myths-debunked/

https://www.eduaide.ai/

https://www.jasper.ai/

https://openai.com/

https://app.neilpatel.com/aiwriter/

https://www.canva.com/magic-write/

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

BONUS: Behind the Scenes of The Creative Teacher Lab

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0600

The Creative Teacher Lab is officially here! I have developed and created a series of trainings specifically for teacher sellers on branding and graphic design. If you are interested, but not sure what's all included (or what it's about), then you should listen to this bonus episode!

You can learn more and sign up at https://www.thesouthernteachdesigns.com/enroll

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Level Up Your Technical TPT Game

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0600

Roll up your sleeves and add some technical skills to your TPT toolbox. SEO, pricing, and high quality products matter so we always need to stay sharp in these areas.

Episode Highlights

Common SEO and Analytics Myths
Title tips
How to monitor and adjust to see if your changes are effective

Resources and Links

Your Data Playbook Affiliate Link

Uber Suggest

Enjoy the other episodes in this 4 part series:

Part 1: Your TPT Store, Great British Bake-Off Style

Part 2: The Signature - Level Up Your Branding

Part 4: The Showstopper - Level Up Your Product Listings and Marketing

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

4 Reasons to Give Your TPT Store a Makeover

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0600

Your TPT store's visual identity is more important than you might think. Think of your favorite brands from a decade or two ago, and you'll likely be surprised at how much they've evolved. Brands continuously update their look to stay current and relevant, and it's no different for your TPT store.

In this episode, we explore the four compelling reasons why giving your TPT store a fresh look can be a game-changer.

Episode Highlights

Refreshing your TPT store can significantly impact your store's performance and revenue
Four compelling reasons to consider giving your TPT store a fresh look
What to do if you haven't updated your TPT store in years

Resources and Links

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Branding and Graphic Design Q&A

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Today we are doing a rapid-fire Q&A on 10 common frequently asked questions among TPT sellers about branding and designing TPT resources. I think you'll love this episode - I share my honest answers and opinions for each one with little tips in between!

Episode Highlights

How do I create a compelling TPT store logo?
What color schemes work best for educational resources?
Are there affordable tools for designing TPT resources?
How can I design eye-catching product covers for TPT?
What are some branding tips to stand out on TPT?
Can you recommend fonts for educational materials?
What's the importance of visual consistency in TPT branding?
How can I design graphics for different subjects and grade levels?
What dimensions should I use for TPT product images?
Are there design trends to keep in mind for TPT resources?

Resources and Links

My Favorite Fonts Blog Post

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

BONUS: News and Updates on TPT

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:02:00 -0600

Pop out a seat, grab some coffee, and let's chat about some new things happening in TPT land!

There are a LOT of new changes and things to know about, and I wanted to share with you my take as it's hot off the press.

While I won't be chatting about all the new changes, I did want to share with you and highlight 7 of my favorite ones!

Note - I am not affiliated or endorsed by TPT; I just wanted to share with you my thoughts on these new updates and how it could be helpful in our businesses!

Episode Highlights

TPT Forward 2024 Location
Applying to be a presenter
New TPT Seller Blog
Note to Followers updates
Bundle updates
Throwing a sale updates
Cover and thumbnail resolution updates

Resources and Links

Check out the seller blog to learn tips, more updates, and information from TPT!

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

6 TPT Strategies for Success with Yari Aguilu

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Join me in this enlightening episode as we dive into the world of TPT success with Yari Aguilu of Sweet Tooth Teaching. Yari takes us on a journey, beginning with her inspiration to become an educator and how that passion evolved into a thriving business.

Making the transition from teaching to becoming a full-time TPT seller is a significant leap, and Yari shares her experiences of the initial challenges she faced in launching her business and how she overcame them.

Yari generously shares her top six strategies that have played a pivotal role in growing her TPT business. You won't want to miss these tips!

Episode Highlights

transitioning from working on TPT and teaching full-time to being a work from home mom
optimizing TPT descriptions for SEO
updating older product listings
sharing freebies and opt-ins on Instagram
sharing valuable and consistent content to your email list
Using Manychat to build engagement and sales
Creating content that soft sells products and valuable teaching strategies

Resources and Links

Follow Yari on IG @sweettoothteaching

Follow Yari on TPT

Teacher Seller Tips from Yari

Get the Free Teacher Seller Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Repurposing Content for Social Media with Kassaundra Foster

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Ever wondered how to get more out of your content without all the extra work? Our guest Kassaundra Foster has got you covered!

Kassaundra is former teacher turned social media manager for teacher business owners. We'll hear about her journey as a teacherpreneur and why repurposing content is a game-changer. She'll debunk some myths and share tips on pulling content for social media effeciently, so it doesn't eat up all your time.

Episode Highlights

What it means to repurpose content
Common misconceptions about repurposing content
How to decide which platforms are best suited for repurposing your content
Kassaundra's process of repurposing content
How to efficiently repurpose content without it becoming a time-consuming task
Key performance indicators to focus on to measure the effectiveness of your content

Resources and Links

Follow Kassaundra on IG @fostercontentsolutions

Listen to Kassaundra's Schooled in Socials Podcast

Join the Facebook Community

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Membership Launch Debrief

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Are you wondering what it's like to launch a course or membership for the first time? Want some strategies to infuse in your next launch? Come behind the scenes and take a peek at my first membership launch for my teacher audience!

Episode Highlights

background into creating my membership (the good and the bad)
what worked well in my launch
what didn't work well
what I'll be trying in the next launch

Resources and Links

Penny in Your Pocket - Tahnee Membership Theme Kajabi

The Relevant Collective - Branda

Addevent.com

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Hiring Your First VA with Hayley Klees

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Ever wonder the process of hiring a VA or how to even get started? Luckily our guest this week, Hayley Klees, has all the knowledge and insights to helping you make that first or (next) leap!

Episode Highlights

signs it's time to outsource
benefits of outsourcing with VAs
examples of tasks VAs can do for your business
the typical process for hiring a VA
Where to find reliable VAs

Resources and Links

VA Facebook Group Waitlist

Educator to Entrepreneur Course

Instagram @hayley.klees

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Having a Brand Strategy and Identity

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0600

What does it take to build a holistic brand - keeping a clear strategy with also keeping the visuals in mind?

I break it down for you in this podcast episode for teacher sellers!

Episode Highlights

Brand strategy vs brand identity
how branding is like an iceberg
4 steps to determining a brand strategy
How to craft your brand identity
Having templates to keep consistency
Adapting and modifying your brand strategy and identity

Resources and Links

Podcast Episode: Using Color in Your TPT Branding

Podcast Episode: How to Create a Brand Board for Your Business

Canva Brand Board Template

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Having a Long-Term and Sustainable Business on TPT with Lauren Fulton

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Do you feel as though you're going through the motions of having a TPT business, but also feel like you don't have a clear direction in where your business is going? Wondering what you can do to take your business from hobby to long-term and sustainable? Seeing growth and success on the TPT platform is harder and more competitive than ever, but it can be done.

Lauren Fulton is here to discuss important tips and insights on how to make sure you have a business that stays afloat - even when the market and the economy is unpredictable and unexpected.

Episode Highlights:

Short-term strategies for TPT business (and why are they only short-term)
Shifting from short-term to long-term strategies that are sustainable
Understanding how selling on TPT with long-term growth and success in mind relates to an MLM
Why having an audience AND the right product is key

Resources and Links

Listen to The Rebranded Teacher Podcast

Watch Lauren's Youtube Channel - The Rebranded Teacher

Learn More About The Rebranded Teacher Academy > therebrandedteacher.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Maximizing Your TPT Potential: Tips and Reminders for Your TPT Store

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Is it too late to see growth or reach levels of success on TPT? The landscape of TPT is always evolving and changing, sometimes due to factors beyond our control. But rather than throw in the towel, it might be time to shake things up, pivot, or do something different.

Some sellers are seeing growth despite the odds (I'm grateful to say my store is thriving)! I wanted to share some insights and tips that have been working (and not working) in my store. I hope you can take away what I share in this episode into your own businesses!

Episode Highlights:

Summer Teacher Seller Conference Takeaways
Factors in possible lower sales for many sellers in August 2023
Tips and Reminders for selling and growing a store on TPT
Six things I think are overrated for TPT businesses

Resources and Links

Learn more about Your Data Playbook - Affiliate Link

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Branding and Product Listing TPT Templates!

Done-for-you templates that are completely editable for TPT sellers and teacherpreneurs to make their own? Say no more! I have ready-to-use Canva and PPT templates that are designed in a way that make it EASY to plug in screenshots, photos, or square images, type what you need, change the colors, fonts, and more!

Learn more about TPT Templates!

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Welcome to The Creative Teacher Podcast!

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 06:51:00 -0600

Are you a TPT seller looking for branding and graphic design tips for your business or looking for simple and actionable ways to grow your teacher seller store? You've come to the right place!

Let's connect!

Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com

I'm Quitting - My Experience Leaving the Classroom to Work on TPT

Mon, 29 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

In 2021, I resigned from teaching mid-year and leapt "full-time" into my teacher business. The situation wasn't in the way I expected - I had planned on coming back from maternity leave that school year.

Have you ever thought about what it would look like if you were to leave teaching to work on your business full-time? This episode will hopefully have you thinking some scenarios and what if's whenever (if ever) you wish to take that step.

In this episode, you will learn:

My story of why I resigned mid-year
Tips on giving yourself a pulse check
How to decide your next steps for the upcoming school year

Be sure to keep in touch with the latest news and updates by subscribing to my email list. You can join by grabbing this free brand audit resource.

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

The Importance of Having a TPT Buddy or Mentor with Laura Fogle

Mon, 22 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Do you ever feel like you're an island in a sea of other teacher sellers? You're not alone!

There are plenty of ways to reach out and find a TPT buddy or mentor to connect with - and the benefits are endless!

Laura Fogle is here on the show to chat about why it's important to find a teacher seller friend in person or online!

Laura has been happily selling resources in her Teachers Pay Teachers store for 8 years. Her store and blog is Happy Teacher Happy Students and focuses on creative elementary and middle school resources for all subjects. Former 3rd grade teacher, Florida native, mom of 3 and lover of thrift stores, reading, the great outdoors, and of course creating new and creative resources for teachers!

In this episode, you will learn:

Why it's important to have a TPT friend or mentor
The benefits of having TPT buddy/mentor
How to find someone to collaborate or connect with
Whether it's better to find someone locally or can you connect with someone virtually

Resource and Links

Follow Laura at @happyteacherhappystudents
Visit Laura's TPT Store Happy Teacher Happy Students

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Three Business Tools that Have Helped My Productivity TREMENDOUSLY

Mon, 15 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

I love to share teacher seller business tools, especially when they help with productivity!

If you're feeling the overwhelm of trying to maintain business tasks and do all the things, I hope you can listen into this episode as I share with you highly recommended paid and free tools you can use to help manage your business.

In this episode, you will learn:

How I found out about each tool
Benefits and features of each tool
How I use the tools in my business
How the tools have helped boost my productivity

Resources and Links

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Using Mockups and Moveable Pieces to Create Unique Images for your TPT Business with Kelly Harvill

Mon, 08 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Have you ever seen the same mockups on product listings or social media posts? Maybe you feel discouraged that a lot of sellers are using the same images for your store, just like the fonts and clipart we all know about.

The good news is that we can stand out and be unique even with mockup images! Our guest Kelly Harvill will share with us insight on how we can make this happen.

Kelly is an educator and photographer who also sells resources, mockups, and images through her TPT store and membership. You can connect with her on Instagram at @speakingofimages and visit her website speakingofimages.com

In this episode, you will learn:

The difference between a mockup and a moveable piece
How mockups and moveable pieces can enhance product listings
Some "dos" and "don'ts" for using moveable pieces and mockups
How mockups and moveable pieces be used outside of TPT product listings

Resources and Links

Image Maker Membership - Use these special codes to get 1 month free on the quarterly or annual membership! Use Creativequarter or Creativeyear

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Balancing a Teacher Business and Being a Work From Home Mom

Mon, 01 May 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Mommin' isn't easy! And neither is being a teacher business owner. Doing both? Some days it seems nearly impossible! How in the world does one juggle it all?

A common question I get asked a lot is something to the effect of, “How do you fit in time to work on your TPT and service-based businesses with 3 kids?"

Today I'll share with you some tips that have (for the most part) helped make it a lot more manageable!

In this episode, you will learn:

productivity tips for teacher sellers who also have kids at home
important reminders and examples to balance the work from home life and being a mom

Resources and Links

ClickUp

Fit4Mom

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Using Color Psychology in Your TPT Branding

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Did you know that colors play a HUGE role for us as a consumer and as a business? Whether you are rebranding your TPT store or are launching a new TPT business, you want to select colors that represent your brand personality.

In this episode, I will share with you interesting info and statistics on color psychology and also share with you 3 steps to relate color psychology to your teacher seller branding!

In this episode, you will learn:

what color psychology is
characteristics that describe colors and popular brands associated with each color
interesting statistics relating color and branding
3 steps to create or refine your color palette
what to do when feeling overwhelmed with refining a color palette for your brand

Resources and Links

⁠10 Brilliant Color Psychology Infographics⁠

⁠The Creative Teacher Lab Waitlist ⁠- Branding and Graphic Design Trainings

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Enneagram for Teacher Sellers

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0600

You may have heard of Enneagram for Big Kids, or Enneagram for Teachers.... now I think it's time to bring you Enneagram for Teacher Sellers! Get out your pen and paper because this episode I have for you is riddled with tips for being your best teacher seller self while keeping your Enneagram type in mind.

Before you listen, make sure you know your Enneagram type! You can take a quiz here: ⁠Personalitypath.com⁠

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

Characteristics of each Enneagram type
Possible pitfalls or limiting beliefs as teacher business owners for each type
Best ways to level up or improve your mindset for each type

Resources and Links

Are you a teacher? Listen or read the blog post Enneagram for Teachers ⁠here! ⁠

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Mockup Magic with Katie Brockmeyer

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Ever feel unhappy with your product photography or wondering how to amp up your branding for your listings and social media? Well, my friend, you're in for a treat, because the wonderful Katie Brockmeyer is a guest on the podcast to talk about about the magic of mockups for TPT sellers!

Katie is a TPT product photographer that helps creators make their products shine through stunning images, captivating videos, & easy to use mockups!

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

What mockups are and the types of mockups out there
The benefits of mockups
Things to avoid when finding or using mockups
Tips and ideas to use mockups

Resources and Links

Follow Katie on Instagram at ⁠@katiebrockmeyercreative⁠

Shop Katie's TPT Store for Stock Photos and Mockups >> ⁠Katie Brockmeyer Creative⁠

⁠Learn more about Katie's Product Photography Service⁠

⁠Kelly Harvill - Speaking of Images - Moveable Pieces⁠

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

8 Teacher Website Must-Haves

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Do you have a teacher website (or have been thinking about starting one)? Don't skip some important things to include on your website!

I've had a website for my business since 2020, and along the way, I've made quite a few mistakes (including the platform I used). I'm sharing with you what's important and necessary to make sure to add to your website that not only will keep things legal, but will also deliver a user-friendly experience. Listen for some tips on website must-haves!

In this episode, you will learn:

8 things to add to your teacher website (and why it's important)
Suggested website platforms to use
Tips on if it's a good idea to hire out a web designer

Resources and Links

⁠Bobby Klinck - FREE Privacy Policy Template⁠

⁠The Contract Shop - Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Template⁠

⁠Complianz Wordpress Plug-In ⁠

⁠Cookie Pro⁠

⁠Ashley Hughes Designs⁠

⁠Kristen Doyle Website Design⁠

⁠Shelley Tomich - Pitch Clips⁠

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Updating TPT Resources with Alex Baxter

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0600

You might love to create teacher resources and create product listings for your resource. But what about UPDATING your resources? When is it time to give your resource a facelift? What are some best practices on taking the time to go back and add more? Well, my friend, you'll get those questions answered (and more) in this episode with Alex Baxter!

Alex is a former teacher turned full-time TpT seller. When she isn't running her own store, she loves helping other teacher authors grow their businesses through her podcast and Facebook group The Terrific Teacherpreneur. Alex loves sharing tips about TpT, Pinterest, productivity, and everything in between!

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

why update resources - even if selling well?
tell-tale signs it’s time to update a resource
if it is best to just delete or deactivate a resource
best practices on updating a resource
how often should resources be updated

Resources and Links

Follow Alex on Instagram at @terrificsellingtactics

Join Alex's Facebook Group >> The Terrific Teacherpreneur

Listen to Alex's podcast >> The Terrific Teacherpreneur

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

4 Ways to Attract Potential Customers on TPT

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Welcome to the TPT matrix. This episode shares with you 4 ways to attract customers specifically on the TPT platform! This is in the form of a matrix in that each of the strategies I share with you are high or low outcome and high or low prep!

PLEASE NOTE! This is not to say that one is worse than the other. Pick an attraction strategy that works best for you. This is just my opinion and my experience. Everyone might have a different outlook!

Here are my best tips that you'll find in this episode:

why marketing on tpt is beneficial
tips for each attraction strategy
which attraction strategy has worked best for me

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

5 Blogging Strategies for Teacher Sellers

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Blogging is not dead, friends! It’s alive and thriving!

Even with the boom of podcasts, blogging is still a great way to drive traffic to your products, especially if you’re like me and you LOVE to write.

Decide on whether or not blogging is a great asset to your business and see what you can do to get started or listen for tips on how you could improve your blogging game!

Here are my best tips that you'll find in this episode:

how to get started with a blog (it's easier than you think!)
planning and batching content
key elements of a great blog post
ways to market your blog post

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

2 Graphic Design Trends for 2023

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:19:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered what exactly is trending in design right now and how you can apply it to your TPT business? Maybe you're not the most confident in really knowing what's in and what's out design-wise?

In this episode, I'm sharing with you a couple of graphic design trends for 2023. I also share with you two coffee shops who utilize these graphic design trends in their branding and how it can be used in your teacher business. Grab a cup of coffee and listen in with me!

In this episode, you will learn:

Why it's important to stay current and relevant
2 graphic design trends for 2023
Examples of how the trends look in a brand
How you can apply the design trends to your TPT business

Resources and Links

Upgrade to the All-Access Pass and get the Bonus Guide - 9 Graphic Design Trends

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Seller Strategy - Batching and Editing Similar Tasks

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0600

If you have to proofread and edit a hefty and large resource, it can feel daunting.

In this super short episode, I have a quick tip of how you can batch what you're creating and how to edit it. The process I use is really helpful and I'm able to catch most of my mistakes later down the pipeline. It also helps me easily see what is working and what needs to be changed during the product creation process.

Here are my best tips that you'll find in this episode:

proofread along the way
batch by like tasks
take multiple looks at the same content

Resources and Links

Creating a Viral Worthy Resource - free guide

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Get Savvy with Social Media

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Okay, okay... I'm not the BEST person to talk to about social media. But that doesn't mean I don't have a few tricks up my sleeve!

This remix episode focuses on tips and strategies to create and market content for your social media accounts so that it matches your brand.

In this episode, you will learn:

the true purpose of social media
tips for using social media purposefully (through planning, using templates, and scheduling content)
my best tips on showing up consistently on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Resources and Links

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Taking the Leap From Teacher Side-Hustle to Full-Time Business Owner with Amy Porterfield

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Are you a teacher working full-time in the classroom (and working on TPT or your teacher business hustle on the side), knowing that you're meant for something more? On the fence about whether or not to go all into your TPT business and leave the classroom?

I’m excited to introduce you to Amy Porterfield, host of top-rated podcast, Online Marketing Made Easy, and a 9-to-5 escapee who built an 8-figure online business on her terms. Amy will share with you plenty of golden nuggets on giving your two weeks notice and taking that leap into being a full-time entrepreneur!

You can follow Amy on Instagram at @amyporterfield and visit her website at amyporterfield.com

In this episode, you will learn:

the ah-ha moment Amy had when realizing her corporate career wasn't cutting it
the first steps to creating an exit strategy into being a full-time TPT seller
what boss traps are
strategies for dealing with money anxiety
how to turn a teacher business idea into a full-time online business
Amy's big piece of business advice if she could go back in time

Resources and Links

Two Weeks Notice Book - Available Feb. 21st wherever you love to buy books!

Watch the video interview!

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Email Marketing with Ease

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Have you started an email list yet?

An email list is a collection of names and email addresses who have given you permission to send updates and marketing materials through an email service provider (which we’ll talk about later).

Email lists are a completely different ballgame than Instagram or Facebook, but in a very good way. For one thing, YOU OWN your email list. You do not own Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

In this episode, you will learn:

why you should have an email list RIGHT NOW
tips on deciding an email service provider
best practices for creating a lead magnet
ways to share your lead magnet to others
nurturing your email list

Resources and Links

Convertkit Affiliate Link

Flodesk Link

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Tax Tips for Selling Resources on Your Website

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0600

This is the first bonus episode of 2023!

I asked Emily Bryant about tips regarding charging sales tax on your own website through WooCommerce and Shopify. Turns out - it's not as scary as you may think!

In this episode, you will learn:

What nexus is
2 types of nexus (physical vs economical)
How to keep track of nexus for physical and digital products
Recommended tools to keep track of nexus for all states

Resources and Links

TaxJar

Avalara

The Sales Tax Roadmap

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website:thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Bookkeeping Best Practices with Emily Bryant

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Feeling intimidated by taxes or bookkeeping? It doesn't have to be scary! Our guest Emily Bryant knows the ins and outs of bookkeeping and the uniqueness of selling on TPT.

Emily has been in the Tax and Accounting Industry for 10 years and started her company, All About Accounting, in 2017. She is packed with knowledge and advice that can help you optimize your tax strategy and business bookkeeping. The best part? Her business works EXCLUSIVELY with the TPT Community!

In this episode, you will learn:

the difference between a CPA and an enrolled agent
what bookkeeping is and why it's important
how bookkeeping can impact your taxes
best practices for separating personal and business transactions
new law updates regarding the 1099-K form and how it affects TPT sellers (beginning in the tax year 2023)

Resources and Links

Follow Emily on Instagram at @allaboutacctg

>> Tax Readiness Hot Sheet for Teacher Sellers <<

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

4 Ways to Stand Out in the TPT Search Results

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Wondering how to adjust and tweak your resources so that they stand out in a lineup of similar products?

While we can't control everything about the TPT search algorithm, a little bit can go a long way.

This podcast episode will help you with tips on how to optimize your resources for maximum impact with 4 important (but surprisingly easy!) ways to stand out in the TPT search results.

In this episode, you will learn about:

4 common mistakes TPT sellers may make about listing resources on TPT
4 strategies to stand out in the search results and get more views on your resources

Resources and Links

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Level Up Your Product Listings and Marketing

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Are you looking to level up your product listings and marketing?

This podcast episode is all about how to take your product listings to the next level. Learn how your sales can improve with optimization and repurposing for marketing!

In this episode, you will learn about:

3 common misconceptions about product listings and marketing on TPT
4 tips to level up your product listings and marketing

Resources and Links

Book a service with me! >> thesouthernteachdesigns.com/services

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Level Up Your Branding

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Ready to level up your branding?

In order to create a successful business, you need to have a strong and unique brand. Your brand is what sets you apart from the competition and makes you memorable. It’s essential that you take the time to create a "signature" that represents your business well.

In this episode, you will learn:

3 common myths and misconceptions related to branding
3 tips to level up your branding in your teacher business

Resources and Links

Branding Your Teacher Business Workshop

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

What to Expect When Hiring a Service Provider with Chloe Tascoff

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0600

If you're interested about service providers and how they help other teacher business owners, this is a must-listen! I have special guest Chloe Tascoff on the podcast to talk about all things hiring for your TPT business!

Chloe is a former teacher-turned-business-owner. She started out selling her resources on TpT and while doing so, accidentally slipped into video marketing for teacher authors! Chloe currently lives in Ohio with her two children, two dogs, and her husband.

In this episode, you will learn about:

Chloe's journey as a service provider
The differences between a VA and a freelancer
Misconceptions about a service provider
How the hiring process typically looks like for most TPT sellers
What TPT sellers should realistically expect when hiring a service provider
Best practices for managing a project when hiring out

Resources and Links

Follow Chloe at @videomarketingtpt and chloe.tascoff

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

My Journey as a Freelancer - Adding on to my Teacherpreneur Business

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0600

Believe it or not, I wasn't always intending on also starting a service-based business in addition to having a TPT store. It just kind of happened that way (and it's turned out to be a great asset to my business overall!

This episode is perfect if you want to know the story - both the good and the bad - of what it was like to start a service-based business. If you're interested in also helping TPT sellers (or if you're curious to see what it's like behind the scenes), this is a great episode to listen to!

In this episode, you will learn about:

How I got into the service-based business sphere
My current feelings about being a service provider
Tips on starting a service-based business (if you also want to help TPT sellers!)

Resources and Links

Book a Service with Me!

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

CTP Top 10: My Favorite Tidbits from 2022

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0600

It's almost 2023! As we inch closer to the new year I wanted to take a moment and share with you my top 10 favorite podcast clips from 2022. It's been a great year, and I can't wait to see what else is in store in 2023!

Resources and Links

Episode Show Notes

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach
Website: thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: @thesouthernteach .designs
Facebook: The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

My Biggest Month on TPT - 3 Things I Did to Scale

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0600

If there's one thing I've learned as a seller on Teachers Pay Teachers, it's that you have to be constantly evolving and trying new things to scale your business. In August 2022, I had my biggest month yet on TPT, and here are three things I did to make it happen.

In this episode, you will learn about:

3 things that helped contribute to a month that knocked the socks off of previous months
Tips and recommendations on optimizing your resources

Resources and Links

Your Data Playbook

Convertkit

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Holistic Marketing in your TPT Business with Jenzaia DiMartile

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0600

If you're like me, you are always looking for ways to improve the marketing side of your TPT business, whether it's through improving your product listings or finding new and innovative ways to market yourself. So today I'm excited to introduce you to Jenzaia DiMartile and her wonderfully holistic approach to marketing your TPT business.

Jenzaia is an expert in all things social media and Facebook Ads, and she knows exactly how to help you reach your target audience. Her methods are tried and true, so if you're ready to take your business to the next level, this is a must-listen!

Follow Jenzaia on Instagram @heyitsjenzaia and learn more about her services at jenzaiadimartile.com

In this episode, you will learn about:

What holistic marketing is
The benefits of marketing holistically
Some strategies on managing different platforms
Signs to cut back/slow down on the marketing platforms used
How Facebook ads can amplify your marketing strategy

Resources and Links

Market, Scale, Grow Podcast by Jenzaia DiMartile

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Your Product Listing Must-Haves

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0600

As a teacher, you know how important it is to find the best resources for your classroom.

When you're shopping on Teachers Pay Teachers, it's essential to make sure your product listings are as effective as possible. Here are some tips to help make sure buyers can find your products and they get excited about what they see!

In this episode, you will learn:

My TpT Journey
3 things to consider when revamping your store
Product listing must-haves for product covers, thumbnails, previews, titles, and descriptions

Resources and Links

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

From Flop to Viral: When TPT Resources are Suddenly Trending

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0600

Have you ever created a resource for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) that you thought was great, only to have it flop? Maybe it just didn't get the attention you thought it would, or maybe people didn't seem to like it as much as you did. But then, out of nowhere, your resource goes viral and is being shared all over social media! What's going on? Why did this happen now?

It can be really exciting when one of your TPT resources suddenly becomes popular. But what makes a resource go viral, and why does it happen at certain times? In this episode, I'll share with you some examples and discuss some easy ways to increase the chances that your resources will be seen and shared by more people. So whether you're wondering why your resources haven't gone viral yet or are curious about how to make them trend even higher, this is a great short (but sweet) episode to listen to!

In this episode, you will learn:

Two examples of resources that went viral in my TPT store the last year
Tips to make your resources primed to be viral-worthy

Resources and Links

Grab the guide to plan and create a viral-worthy resource!

Watch my TPT Forward 2022 session on Viral-Worthy Resources!

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Managing Your Time as a TPT Seller

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0600

As a TPT seller, it's important to manage your time well.

There are so many things to do - optimizing product listings, marketing, communicating with customers, creating new products - that it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.

A question I get often is, "How do you do it?!" I promise you, I'm less than perfect and can drop the ball at times (for good reason).

In this episode, you will learn:

3 ways I try to manage my time as a TPT seller and stay-at-home mom
3 tips on what to do if you're feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, and not creative

Resources and Links

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How Digital Courses Have Helped My Business

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0600

When I first started selling on Teachers Pay Teachers, I was pretty clueless. It was my first time ever setting up an online store and I had no idea what I was doing.

Thankfully, there are so many amazing digital courses out there (both inside and outside of the TPT world) that can help you start and run your business like a pro!

After taking a few of these courses, my business flourished. In this episode, I'll share with you a couple of courses that helped me the most and explain how courses can benefit your own business.

In this episode, you will learn:

My experience with digital courses as a consumer
Why digital courses are beneficial
Some tips and advice on buying a digital course

Resources and Links

The Product Listing Lab (open to enrollment for a limited time)!

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

A Design Secret That Will Help Boost TPT Store Sales

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0600

If you're like me, you're always looking for ways to boost your TPT store sales.

Well, I've got a secret weapon that I want to share with you! It's something that I've been doing for over 2 years that has helped increase my sales exponentially - and it's helped me stand out among teachers and TPT sellers alike. Are you ready for it?

In this episode, you will learn:

One design secret you MUST know as a TpT seller
Two mistakes that I have personally gone through as a TpT seller
Two Things to do RIGHT NOW to boost your TPT business!

Resources and Links

Branding Your Teacher Business Workshop

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How a TPT Storefront Makes or Breaks a Sale

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0600

What's spookier than a ghost or a haunted hayride to a designer? A product or service that is not well-designed.

Have you ever taken a look at your storefront on TPT and shuddered? Maybe you cringe at how it doesn't go well together (but you just don't know what it's missing)?

Today we're going to change that - because believe it or not, if a potential buyer takes a look at a store that is not well-designed, there's a pretty low chance of converting them into customers.

In this episode, you will learn:

The definition of well-designed
What teachers and sellers look for in a TPT storefront
Tips on SPICING UP your storefront (it's easier than you think)!

Resources and Links

The Spice Up Your Store Challenge for 2022 starts soon! Be sure to register and join the fun! >> thesouthernteach.com/tptchallenge

The Contract Shop Affiliate Link

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How to Convert Print Resources to Digital using Google Slides and Easel

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0600

Digital resources in this day and age are a necessity.

With many students learning virtually due to the pandemic, TPT resources that don’t have the flexibility to be for both face-to-face and distance learning may end up hurting, rather than helping your sales.

What are you to do when all you have in your TPT store are printable resources? How can you convert these to digital without having to start completely from scratch?

Well my friend, this is where repurposing comes into play (and a little bit of tech know-how)!

In this episode, you will learn:

Steps to create a digital resource in Google Slides after creating in PowerPoint
Tips on using Easel through TPT
A little shortcut that I like to use to easily flatten and secure my files (and upload to Google Slides!)

Don't forget the watch the tutorial video here to see an example in action!

Resources and Links

Get certified in TPT Easel

Flatpack by Bearwood Labs

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Planning a Viral-Worthy Resource

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0600

Social media videos and news stories can go viral - can TpT resources go viral too?

Absolutely!

Even if you're not looking to be the next best hit, I will share with you tips on what goes into planning out a resource that teachers and students LOVE!

In this episode, you will learn:

The 5 steps in the product creation process
Tips on how to determine your big idea
Tips on how to align your new resource with standards and goals

Resources and Links

TPT Focused Success Course Affiliate Link

Learn how to plan and create a viral-worthy resource from start to finish - thesouthernteachdesigns.com/viralresource

TPT Session - Creating a Viral Worthy Resource

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How to Stand Out in a Noisy Online World

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0600

It can be hard to stand out when there are so many other teacher-authors selling similar resources as you. How does one stand out in a noisy online world?

Think about any other business outside of TPT. How do they do it?

I give you some tips on standing out and showing up for your audience, even when it may feel like no one is listening to you.

In this episode, you will learn:

What a core differentiator is
Why it's important to stand out with core differentiators
3 ways to stand out with core differentiators

Resources and Links

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Hiring a VA for Your TPT Business - Daunting or a Dream?

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0600

Sometimes it's so hard to do everything in your business - from product creation to updating resources, product listings, and marketing. There are only so many hours in the day!

Could a VA be the answer to your problems? The consensus is - it's complicated!

I received a really great question from a podcast listener about VAs. And the question was SO good, I decided to make a whole podcast episode of it!

In this episode, you will learn:

What a VA is
The difference between a VA and a freelancer who offers specialized services
Ways to know if VAs are right for your business
Tips for getting over the mindset of hiring a VA
The process of hiring a VA
What you can do while a VA is working on your project

Resources and Links

The Contract Shop Affiliate Link

TPT VA Finder Facebook Group

Upwork

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Recent TPT Changes - and What You Can Do About It

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 19:15:00 -0600

This a bonus episode from the heart! I've been reading and listening to stories of sellers, both new and established, who have experienced both positive and negative effects of the recent TPT search algorithm changes. I share with you my thoughts on the matter, as well as 3 tips on what you can do.

Sometimes you gotta be real, and this is one of those episodes. Hope you're able to take something out of it!

Chat with me on Instagram on your thoughts and/or experience! @thesouthernteach.designs

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

6 Tips to Showcase Your TPT Products Using Stock Photos

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0600

It’s extremely important to capture the attention of a potential customer when selling resources on TPT.

Even more important is that potential customers can take a preview to see EXACTLY what they would be buying.

While printing out and taking photographs of your resource in action can help solve this problem, creating mockups of your products using stock photos is another great way to show off your resources if you don’t have the time or resources to print out and take pictures of everything.

In this episode, you will learn 6 tips to create mockups using stock photos!

Resources and Links

Katie Brockmeyer Mockups and Stock Photos

Canva

Pexels

The Sidekick Studio

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Listening to Your Customers on TPT

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0600

It can be SO frustrating to see 3- and 4-star reviews on your prized TPT resources (or worse)! But believe it or not, taking in those reviews and listening to your customers can be a valuable learning experience.

TPT is our baby, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. And that's okay! Regardless, it's important to provide quality customer service.

In this episode, you will learn:

What customer service is
3 things to keep in mind with your customers
2 ways to listen to your customers (whether good or bad)

Resources and Links

TPT Session - Creating a Viral Worthy Resource

The Contract Shop Affiliate Link

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Your TPT Store, Great British Bake Off Style

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0600

One of my favorite shows to watch is the Great British Bake Off. In each episode, a set of amateur bakers are given three challenges based on that week's theme: a signature challenge, a technical challenge, and a show-stopper.

The themes each week vary; sometimes it's cake week, other times it's pastry week. I love a good analogy, so I'll be relating this addictive baking show to your TpT business! Let's do a quick overview of each one and what it stands for in the TpT world.

In this episode, you will learn:

how branding, SEO/analytics, and product listings relate to one of my favorite shows (and a few tips from each one to think about)!

Resources and Links

Book Your VIP Product Listing Day!

TPT Store and Product Audits

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

5 of the Latest TPT Trends for Sellers

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0600

You hear many other teacher-authors saying how important it is to stay current, relevant, and top of mind, but WHAT exactly are the trends to make this all happen?

For the first episode of Season 2, I give you 5 of the latest TPT trends for teacher sellers that you can implement in your resources and marketing strategy for your TPT store!

In this episode, you will learn:

What a trend is
Types of trends to be aware of in your TPT business
5 important trends happening in the last 6-12 months
Tips on how to manage trends without feeling overwhelmed

Resources and Links

TPT Session - Creating a Viral Worthy Resource

Convertkit Affiliate Link - Free for up to 1,000 subscribers

Submit a question for the CTP Q&A!

Episode Blog Post

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Ways to Revise or Refresh Your TPT Business

Mon, 30 May 2022 10:00:00 -0600

We've made it to the very last episode of Season 1! To commemorate this inaugural season, I want to share with you a variety of ways you can revise or refresh your TPT business (and yourself) this summer - or whenever you feel a reset is necessary!

Throughout the episode, I share with you some of my favorite episodes of the season that relate to each tip, as well as the top 5 most downloaded episodes that are a MUST to go back and listen to!

Thanks for tuning in to the show. I can't wait for another fun season in the fall!

In this episode, you will learn:

5 ways to maximize your summer in your TPT business/life

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Using Idea Pins to Grow Your Teacher Business with Emilee Vales

Mon, 23 May 2022 10:00:00 -0600

Are you ready to throw the towel and give up on Pinterest? Not just yet, my friend! What typically has worked in the past in our pinning strategies may have to shift to something new and trending in Pinterest - Idea Pins! Luckily, we have special guest Emilee Vales breaking it all down for us!

Former teacher turned Pinterest Marketing and Ads Strategist, Emilee thrives off of diving into her clients data and analytics to create personalized strategies that will ultimately turn their traffic into profit! When she's not obsessing over how she can take her clients further with their marketing strategies, or educating her students on how to take their business to the next level with Pinterest, she's chasing around two sweet little girls or spending time with her husband. After feeling called to be at home with her kids and leaving the teaching world, she can finally say she's living the work at home mom life that she thought was only in her dreams.

Follow Emilee on Instagram at @emilee.vales!

In this episode, you will learn:

what idea pins are
the latest updates Pinterest has made in regards to idea pins
best practices in creating and using idea pins
how to integrate idea pins in your Pinterest strategy

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Idea Pin Starter Kit

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Using Data to Drive TPT Product Creation

Mon, 16 May 2022 10:00:00 -0600

Do you feel as though you're in a rut, wondering what product to create next? Or maybe you've run out of ideas on products to add to your TPT store. Try this exercise (workshop style) to help you find you next best product!

In this episode, you will learn:

a step-by-step way to check what's selling
how to brainstorm ideas for your next set of products

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Brand Values - Digging Deep in the Backbone of your TPT Business

Mon, 09 May 2022 10:00:00 -0600

On the surface, it may seem as though logos, colors, and pictures are what makes up a brand. But this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Today we are going to dig deep into the backbone of your business - your brand values. We all have them - whether you realize it or not.

In this episode, you will learn:

what a core brand value is
why brand values are important
benefits of having brand values in place
how to create a brand value proposition
6 characteristics of strong brand values

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Reference/Source - Brand Folder

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How to Make the Most of a Site-Wide TPT Sale

Mon, 02 May 2022 10:00:00 -0600

You see an email pop up in your inbox - "Get your store ready for the site-wide sale"! But other than to make sure your store is set to 20% off, how DO you get ready for a sale? What should teacher sellers focus on before, during, and after a sale? How do you market and let your audience know best?

In this episode, you will learn:

common site-wide sales put on by TPT
tips to spruce up your storefront
optimizing listings before the sale
the best time to post new products
where to find social media graphics for the sale
tips to join or host a TPT giveaway
a solid email marketing campaign just for the sale
what to do after the sale is over

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

DIY Your Product Photography

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered what goes into taking good photos of your resources? Do you REALLY need to have a fancy camera and all the bells and whistles required? Of course not!

If you are not able or not yet wanting to hire someone to take pictures of your resources, the good news is that you can DIY it! All you need is a phone, a window, and a few pages of your resource!

In this episode, you will learn:

5 key components of product photography
5 tips to get a well-lit and nicely edited photo of your resource

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

My Favorite Brands and What We Can Learn From Them

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0600

What's in a brand? What can we learn from them? Evidently - a lot!

Think about your favorite brands. What draws you to them? Why do you stick around? What makes you buy certain products from your favorite brands instead of other similar items?

Thinking about brands outside of the TpT world is a great way to takeaway lessons and tips to apply to your own Teachers pay Teachers store and business.

In this episode, you will learn:

4 of my favorite brands (and why I love them so much)!
4 lessons about branding that we can apply to our teacher seller brands

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Bailey Sarian - Murder, Mystery, and Makeup

Mommy Labor Nurse

Baby Frida/Mom Frida

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Product Listing Tips and Tricks

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0600

It's not every day that I will go live to talk about product listings, but when I do, it's definitely one for the books (but I might be a little biased)!

I recently went live at a Virtual Weekend Retreat hosted by Misty Miller. I'm giving you some highlights into the session I presented and the Live Q&A I hosted! It was so hard cutting down this Q&A, but in this episode I share with you my very favorite parts.

In this episode, you will learn:

an peek into my session at the Virtual Retreat
my journey as a TPT seller
how to choose brand colors in your store
beat the blurry thumbnails (for PC and Mac users)
tips for deciding on what resources to make next
appealing to your ideal teacher customer

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Next Step Virtual Retreat 2022 - Watch the sessions and FB Live Replays!

PC Users - Change PowerPoint Resolution Settings

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Writing Intentional Emails with Melissa Seideman

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0600

What exactly do you need to write to your email list in order for subscribers to open your emails, click the links, and purchase your offers? Our guest Melissa, email marketing expert for teacherpreneurs, talks about tips for writing emails in this week's episode!

Melissa Seideman is a teacher and email marketing specialist. She is the face behind Not Another History Teacher and Not Another Virtual Assistant. You can learn more about email marketing and collaborate with teachers on her Email Marketing Facebook group.

In this episode, you will learn:

what email marketing means
Why is it important to be intentional with emails we send to our audience
the biggest challenge teacher authors have when it comes to email marketing
how teacher-authors can write email copy that drives traffic to TpT resources

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Balancing TPT and Teaching Full-Time

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0600

Are you a few months (or a few years) into your teacher business and already feeling burnt out? The emails, the product creation, the designs- it's enough to make you wish you could throw in the towel, especially when you're trying to find the time to make it all happen!

If it seems like you're trying your best to balance your full-time teaching job while trying to grow your TPT business - but it's not happening in the way you're hoping, this episode is a must to listen to!

In this episode, you will learn:

what time management is
the difference between effective vs efficient (and why we want both)
3 types of schedules to optimize your time
steps to plan your work session
tips to work efficiently and effectively while teaching full-time

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Using Contrast to Increase Product Cover Conversion Rates

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0600

Ever wonder what stands out to potential buyers when they seek out resources on TpT? The key is a graphic design technique that you may or may not already know about - contrast!

How you use contrast can help catch attention and stop the scroll. That's what we are going to discuss in this week's episode!

In this episode, you will learn:

What contrast is
Adding contrast through color, shape, size, typography, and photos
Tips to combine various types of contrast

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Instagram Tips for TPT Sellers with Jamie Jasperson

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0600

Instagram is constantly changing, and staying on top of trends and best practices is important to maximize your Teachergram account. If you're looking for tips on all of the above, Instagram expert Jamie Jasperson is here to chat!

Jamie of Basic Girl Teaches is a teacher and instructional designer. She helps teacher business owners establish their brands and connect with their customers on Instagram. You can follow her on Instagram at @basicgirlteaches and her website www.basicgirlteaches.com.

In this episode, you will learn:

why Instagram a great place for teacher business owners
the biggest challenge or mistake teacherpreneurs are making when it comes to their IG profile and feed
which type of posts are best to grow a following
tips on maximizing your IG profile and feed

Jamie has a free e-book called Teachergram 101. It's a guide to all the basics of Instagram and includes explanations about topics such as the Instagram algorithm and content types. There are also details about each content format (posts, stories, reels, and live videos) and suggested content ideas for each format. You can download the e-book at club.basicgirlteaches.com/teachergram101

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Creating Resources Teachers REALLY Need with Megan Hunt

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0600

Are you a teacher seller who isn't entirely sure what type of resources to create? Maybe you're not sure exactly what captures a potential customer's attention or what drives them to buy certain TPT products... and sidestep others.

You're in luck! This episode is a little close to home for me. I chat with my sister-in-law and fellow teacher Megan Hunt about what she looks for in a quality resource and listing.

Megan Hunt is a 1st grade teacher who lives and works in Magnolia, TX. She has 2 years under her belt and is all about SIMPLIFYING!

Megan shares tons of insights into teaching during the pandemic. She may even be your ideal teacher customer! This episode is a must-listen to for any TpT seller who wants to do some market research.

In this episode, you will learn:

positives and struggles of being a teacher during the pandemic
types of resources that stand out on TPT
what teachers might look for when deciding which resources to buy
the types of resources there could be more of to help support during this time
the type of resources we should consider making less of

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Do You Have These Essentials In Your Product Listings?

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0600

If you're like me, you love a good to-do list!

There's just something about a checklist that helps you feel organized and on track with getting to the finish line.

There's so much that goes into a product listing, and today I'm going to share with you info on alllll the things you need when you are about to officially list your product!

Use this checklist as you are entering information and uploading your files for your resource to make sure you have everything set and tied together!

Want the print version of the product listing checklist + more? Download the free Product Listing toolkit!

https://www.thesouthernteach.com/freetoolkit

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How to Create a Brand Board for Your Business

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0600

Wanna know one of the top mistakes I see among TpT sellers when it comes to visual branding?

Not knowing the HEX codes (the EXACT hues) for their brand colors or using too many fonts!

But luckily, there's an easy fix to that! Cue - brand boards!

In this episode, you will learn:

what a brand board is
why brand boards are super important - especially if you are visible on multiple platforms
5 key elements that make up a brand board

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Coolors.co is one of my favorite tools to use when creating color palettes for my clients!
If you're a Canva Pro user, you can upload colors, fonts, and logos in your account under the Brand Kit section. But if you're looking to create a brand board using all 5 elements I share with you today, then download this free Canva brand board template!
Want to learn more than just the visual part of the brand? Check out Branding Your Teacher Business Workshop! >> thesouthernteachdesigns.com/workshop

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Creating a Click-Worthy Lead Magnet

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0600

How would it feel to know EXACTLY what goes into a lead magnet that makes your audience want to click that "Subscribe" button, download that freebie, and continue to stay on your email list and get to know you more?

In today's episode, we get talk about the process of how to create a powerful opt-in that targets potential customers.

In this episode you will learn:

what a lead magnet is
why a lead magnet is important
different types of lead magnets
how to know which lead magnet is right for your audience
how to get people to opt-in your lead magnet
how to know if your lead magnet is a hit...or a big flop
what to do after someone opt-ins to your freebie

Links Mentioned in this Episode

Smart and Simple Ways to Engage - thesouthernteach.com/freeguide

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

SEO Tips for Teacher Sellers with Kristen Doyle

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 10:47:00 -0600

Keyword research, plug-ins, and search engines - it's enough to make your head spin!

Luckily we have a special guest, Kristen Doyle, breaking it all down for us!

Kristen is a TPT seller, web designer, and the go-to SEO expert in the TPT world. She loves designing custom WordPress sites to help TPT sellers stand out in the crowd and coaching them on growing their passive income by using SEO strategies to drive more traffic to their stores.

In this episode, you will learn:

what SEO is and why it's important for teacher business owners
the biggest challenge and mistake teacher authors are making when it comes to SEO
tips on how teacher-authors can utilize SEO to help their product listings
ways to optimize blog or websites outside of Teachers pay Teachers

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

RankMath.com - Wordpress SEO Plug-in

seoforteacherauthors.com - SEO for Teacher Authors Course

Follow Kristen on her Website and Instagram

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

My Favorite Teacher Business Tools

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 11:00:00 -0600

There is so much "behind-the-scenes" work in a business.

I'm going to give you a roundup of five of my favorite tools (in no particular order) that I want to share with you that I think are really great resources to use in your teacher business as well!

I go into detail sharing with you these 5 business tools and how I use them to keep myself organized, on track with my goals, and successful!

Asana (Project Management)
Convertkit (Email Marketing)
Freepik (Icons/Graphics)
Kajabi (All-in-One)
Loom (Video Recording)

Try out one of these teacher business tools! All of these tools that I shared with you have a free version or free trial that you can use. It’s absolutely worth it!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How to Manage Tough Decisions in your Teacher Business (Without Feeling Too Stressed)

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 11:00:00 -0600

Being a teacherpreneur isn’t always puppies and roses. Sometimes you have to make some serious and hard decisions. The tough decisions can be ranging from something small (like changing your logo) to something huge (like cutting ties with another seller).

The big thing to know - TRUST YOUR GUT.

More times than not, your inkling or gut feeling is usually right (just like when we tell our students to go with their gut when between two answer choices on a test).

Most of the time, we don’t trust ourselves, which leads to being indecisive and even harder to make the decision.

With every decision you make, you won’t know if it’s a good or bad decision until later on. But at the very moment you make the decision, it is ALWAYS a good decision.

In this episode, you will learn:

3 tips on how to manage tough decisions
3 tough decisions I had to recently make in my own business

When you get to a tough decision in your business, pick one of the 3 tips to manage that tough decision. Ultimately, trust your gut.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Learn more about VIP Product Listing Services for TPT Sellers - https://www.thesouthernteachdesigns.com/vip

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

My Fail-Proof System of Creating Resources From Start to Finish

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 11:00:00 -0600

Is product creation feeling overwhelming for you? Or maybe the systems you currently are using aren’t quite up to shape, and it’s taking you much longer to upload finished resources?

In the last couple of years as an active seller in my TPT business, I have been able to add in dozens of quality resources in my store - all while teaching full-time. Wanna know how?

I’d love to share with you my process of creating resources! You can snag some ideas from this episode and make it your own, or use the process yourself!

In this episode, you will learn:

Questions to ask yourself when you are in the planning stages
My recommendation as you outline what your resource will look like
Tips as you create your resource on your device
When it's the best time to revise and edit (and when it's not)
Steps to prepare your resource to be uploaded on TPT

Try some or all of this process with your next resource. Start with one resource at the time and then depending on your speed, you can add on and batch similar resources together!

Links Mentioned in this Episode

Bearwood Labs - Flat Pack

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Setting Realistic Goals for Your TPT Business

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 11:00:00 -0600

I don't know about you, but there's just something about the new year where you can have a fresh start, and a clean slate! It's a brand new year, with so much to look forward to.

Setting goals for your TPT store is just as important if you want to continue to grow your store. As TPT sellers, it’s simply not a good strategy to upload a bunch of resources and add colors and product covers with no rhyme or reason. You must have a set strategy and plan. But more importantly, you need to have goals.

In this episode, you will learn:

What a SMART goal is
A description of each part of the SMART goal formula
An example of what the SMART goal formula could look like in your business

I encourage you to set yourself up for success in the new year! Determine 1 thing you want to improve in your TPT store - branding, product creation, product listings, marketing, etc. Create a SMART goal (or multiple goals) for what you want to accomplish this year. You've got this!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Four Types of Online Marketing…and the One That Could Be Best for Your TPT Business

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0600

It can be hard to know how to share your resources outside of the Teachers pay Teachers platform - especially when we as teachers have a background in education and NOT marketing! Which platform is best for marketing your TPT business to drive potential customers into your TPT store?

In this episode, we will talk about 4 common types of online marketing (that entrepreneurs use throughout many niches - not just in the education world!) and discuss how to know which ones may be best to use for your business. We'll dip our feet in and talk about the benefits of each type of online marketing.

In this episode, you will learn:

Why social media marketing is a great piece of short-form content for those who love to connect and get creative
Why to utilize email marketing if you love to write and provide value to your audience
Why content marketing is a great way to increase organic search traffic and conversions for resources in your store
Why ads are for you if you want to reach your target audience and bring awareness to your store
Three steps to decide which of the four platforms will be best for you and your business

If you're eager to learn a step-by-step framework on showcasing your resources through product listings, enroll in The Product Listing Lab at https://www.thesouthernteachdesigns.com/enroll

Let's connect!TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠

Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠

Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How to Know If You’re REALLY Ready to Market Your TPT Store

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0600

Are you a TPT seller wondering if you are REALLY ready to market your TPT store on other platforms?

Maybe you've done a little dabbling here and there in email or Instagram, but you'd like to find out if it's something to focus on - or maybe you need to stick to product creation or revising your resources and listings.

Let's do this quiz style! Get out a piece of paper or open up the Notes app on your phone. Follow along and listen until the end to hear your quiz results!

If you took the quiz and got....

Mostly As - You're probably not ready to commit to marketing outside of Teachers pay Teachers just yet - and that's totally okay! Focus on creating resources and growing your TPT store.
Mostly Bs - You’re getting close to being ready! Continue to focus on product creation and revising your resources and product listings. Consider starting small with an Instagram account, TikTok account, or Facebook page.
Mostly Cs - You’re ready to market and may even be ready to expand your marketing to other platforms! Focus on revising your top marketable resources and use your influence to market with a blog, Instagram account, or even run ads to your store.

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Creating the Perfect Product Cover Template for Your TPT Store

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0600

There’s nothing to listing a product - right? We can just upload our PDF file, add some images on a square template, make sure we add the title somewhere, and voila!

Not so fast, teacher friend! There may be more than meets the eye.

So, what exactly goes into updating your product listings? Is it a lot of work?

The short answer is yes, listing a product does take some careful planning and calculation. It takes more strategy than you may think.

Today we are going to dive deep into something super important: the product cover. More specifically, I’m going to talk to you today about how you can choose the perfect product cover template for your TPT store.

In this episode, you will learn:

How product covers can make or break a sale (it's very important to stand out with this part of a product listing!)
Six steps to creating a high-converting product cover template for your TPT store

Connect with Me!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

How to Grow Your Following and Earnings on TPT

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 11:14:00 -0600

Is it possible to make money on TPT - even with a small following?

Take it from me, someone who earned their first 4 figure month with less than 200 TPT followers and less than 1,000 followers on social media - you absolutely can make money with a small following!

This episode is for you if you're ready to hear some hard truths that I had to grapple with and overcome - which you may be able to relate to!

I am also going to share with you some secrets to grow your following on TPT and get a little extra cash and some extra cha-chings in your pocket without needing to have hundreds or thousands of followers.

In this episode, you will learn:

Seven hard truths that no one may tell you about having a TPT store (but I will!)
How to host a giveaway without putting in a ton of money in the pot
Tips to join a like-minded Facebook group in order to share about your business
How to create a time-sensitive email marketing campaign to promote your resources
A little-known way to boost views and sales (right on the TPT platform!)
Tips to check that your products are optimized for the TPT search engine
How to think in the minds of potential customers when it comes to creating a visually-appealing and inviting storefront

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Get Started with Email Marketing

Optimize Your Product Titles on TPT

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠

Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

My Journey as a TPT Seller - The Good, the Bad, and the Chevron

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -0600

Maybe you're a teacher who has been on Teachers pay Teachers buying resources, maybe you're a brand new TPT seller, or maybe you’ve been selling on TPT for a while. It seems like some stores are top notch and do everything right, while making tons of money in the process.

Will you ever be like that? Would it be worth the time and effort? When will you be making the ton of money that people keep raving about?

One of my favorite things is listening to other teacher sellers and their journey from being a classroom teacher to a teacherpreneur. I love hearing about where they started. Because guess what? Everybody’s journey is different. We all make mistakes, and it's motivating to hear from others!

Today's episode is pretty special because I want to take the time to to share with you my story about TPT, in depth, which has NEVER been done before!

In this episode, you will learn:

How I found Teachers pay Teachers as a student teacher on 2013
Reasons why my initial resources were not the best (or best-looking)
Why I was not an active seller for several years
The spark that made me take TPT and my store seriously
How much I made in the span of 7 years vs how much I made after I became an active seller

No one starts off perfect. We don’t all upload a resource and make hundreds of dollars right off the bat without ever changing anything about the product ever again.

As a TPT seller, you constantly want to see what people want, what they need, create more of it, change the look, change the price - all to stay current and relevant.

What if I kept that chevron?

I may have taken the very long road to the first milestone, but things happen for a reason, and it’s exactly where I need to be!

Want to have all 10 steps + extra resources and additional tips with each step? Grab the free Getting Started with TPT guide for teachers at thesouthernteachdesigns.com/getstarted

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Branding Brilliance: 3 Key Steps to a Memorable Brand

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -0600

Are you a TPT seller looking for ways to brand your store (or your business)? This episode is just for you!

I’m super passionate about how branding is so important for teachers who open a store and sell resources on Teachers pay Teachers. But branding is so much more than a logo and banner and colors. It’s important to draw people in with your brand style - but you also want them to stick around! This is where the messaging magic happens.

I share with you a special pre-recorded training from the Spring Fling 2021 conference all about the steps to having a memorable brand for your TPT store.

In this episode, you will learn:

What branding is (and is not)
4 reasons why branding is so important in a business
How to have a serve-first mindset
Ways to be specific on who you serve
Strategies to be authentic to your audience

Are you ready to stop relying on the visuals to get your TPT store out there, and start incorporating a whole brand identity with a set plan! You can learn more at thesouthernteachdesigns.com/workshop .

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Font Pairing Dos and Don'ts - Typography for Teachers

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 22:31:00 -0600

What fonts go well together? Which fonts should I avoid?

Have you ever scratched your head about which fonts are best to use for your classroom or TPT resources?

You're not alone. Font pairing takes practice and a little extra time to get right.

In this episode, I am sharing with you some typography and font pairing tips. These ideas I share with you are perfect if you're wanting to creating a parent form to send home, permission slips, TPT resources, or anything else you are creating for your classroom and business.

These tips are taken from outside of the teacher world (from the graphic design world)!

In this episode, you will learn:

What typography is (and how it is more common than you think!)

The 3 types of fonts that are used

How you should go about choosing a font

Easy font pairing tips that you can tweak and implement as soon as you're in front of a computer

How you can find cute and fun fonts for your classroom and for your Teachers pay Teacher business

I've been font obsessed since childhood, and have definitely upped my game considerably (my 5th grade fonts of choice were Kristen ITC and Ravie). I hope this episode gives you some clarity on how you can pair fonts for the right occasion and audience!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Being a Teacher Leader Inside and Outside of the Classroom

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0600

Do you feel like you need years of teaching or TPT experience to be considered a "teacher leader"? If you have some great ideas that you've been itching to share with others, but not sure where to start, this is definitely the episode for you!

I'm giving you three ways on how you can be a teacher leader for your colleagues at school or your audience on Teachers pay Teachers. Even if you are in your third year of teaching or are just starting (or thinking about starting) a TPT store. This episode will give you some reasons why you don't have to have decades of experience to inspire and help other educators.

In this episode, you will learn:

My initial hesitancy of establishing myself as a business to sell TPT resources (and much more)
Dealing with the ever-present imposter syndrome
The best thing to do if you have an idea that will benefit many other teachers
Ways to be a listener more than talk
Advice on putting yourself out there in the online space

You don’t have to have years of teaching experience or have been on TPT for years with hundreds of resources uploaded to be a teacher leader. All you need to have is creative ideas, knowledge of what you want to share, and the willingness and ability to support your colleagues and audience in a way that is positive and helpful!

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach by Kirsten
Website: thesouthernteach.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach
Facebook: The Southern Teach
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Mindset Shifts to Stop the Comparison Game on Instagram

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0600

The teachergram world can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. In some ways, you can find a TON of creative ideas to implement in your classroom or strategies for marketing in your business. But in other ways, you can feel like you're not doing enough and that you aren't good enough.

Cue the comparison trap.

Even with the best intentions, you can't help but compare pictures, activities, followers, likes, and comments. Know that you're not alone.

In the episode, you will learn:

Why comparing in the teachergram space can be harmful rather than helpful
4 mindset blocks as a teacher or teacher-seller on Instagram and ways to shift your thinking

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Brand Style Quiz

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach by Kirsten
Website: thesouthernteach.com
Instagram: @thesouthernteach
Facebook: The Southern Teach
Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Should You Start a TPT Store?

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 11:00:00 -0600

Are you a teacher who has been been on the fence about starting a Teachers pay Teachers store? Maybe you would love to sell resources and make a little extra money in the process. But how in the world do you get started? My friend, this episode is a must to listen to!

There is no right or wrong way to start a TPT store. Take it from me (and many other sellers out there), each TPT journey is different. It's all about starting in the first place! If you're looking for a way to earn a little extra cash just by putting up resources, this could be the side hustle for you!

In this episode, you will learn:

How I started selling on Teachers pay Teachers in 2013
Knowing what you want to sell (and how to choose what to make a resource about)
Tips to decide on a store name
The best place to create your logo and TPT resources (that you already may have on your computer!)
How to find all those cute fonts and clipart on a budget
Suggestions to list and publish your free and paid product
Ways to spread the word about your new TPT store!

Want to have all 10 steps + extra resources and additional tips with each step? Grab the free Getting Started with TPT guide for teachers at thesouthernteachdesigns.com/getstarted

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠
Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠
Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠
Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

TPT Forward Conference Takeaways

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Have you heard of TPT Forward? It's an annual conferences for premium TpT teacher-authors with tons of insight for creating resources, marketing, productivity, and so much more.

I had the opportunity to be a session presenter at this year's annual conference (TPT Forward 2021) and BOY, was it an amazing experience!

As I listened to as many sessions as possible, there were some big takeaways that stood out to me overall... and I want to share them with you, fellow teacherpreneur!

In the episode, you will learn 4 of my biggest takeaways:

Find your inner voice

Do what works for you

Stay current and relevant

It's just only the beginning

Let's connect!

TPT Store: ⁠The Southern Teach⁠

Website: ⁠thesouthernteachdesigns.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@thesouthernteach⁠⁠.designs⁠

Facebook: ⁠The Southern Teach Design and Branding

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!

Am I a Creative Teacher?

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Well, here we are! I am so excited to kick off this brand-new podcast with you. In this week's episode of The Creative Teacher Podcast, the focus is all about what it means to be a creative teacher, whether you are a full-time classroom teacher or you are a teacherpreneur and sell resources on TPT.

Creative teaching has become important in shaping the learning experiences of students. Remember the days when we sat in rows, did drills, and worked in textbooks? Teachers are moving away from direct instruction and rote-memorization activities and are thinking of newer and more innovative ways to teach and engage students.

In the episode, you will learn:

A perspective on what makes a person creative

Assumptions and misconceptions of teachers and their level of creativity

6 ways teachers can foster their creativity

Links mentioned in this episode:

Human Motivation, 3rd ed. - Robert E. Franken

Let's connect!

TPT Store: The Southern Teach by Kirsten

Website: thesouthernteach.com

Instagram: @thesouthernteach

Facebook: The Southern Teach

Blog: The Southern Teach Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for the Teacher Seller Growth Summit!