Creating a successful product for TeachersPayTeachers.com (TpT) involves more than just good ideas. To stand out and attract buyers, your product must be thoughtfully designed and highly functional for teachers. Here are some things you can do to your TpT products to optimize them and make it a go-to resource for educators.
How to Optimize the Content
The most important thing you can do for your Teachers Pay Teachers business is to make quality resources. Your resources should be unique, helpful, and time saving.
Here are a few things you can do to your resources to help make them more effective for your customers.
Differentiated Options
Making a resource adaptable to fit each teachers’ unique style or classroom will make your products very helpful. Include differentiated versions of your resource to cater to varied skill levels and learning styles. This adds tremendous value for teachers who want to meet the needs of all their students.
Teacher Instructions
Provide clear, concise instructions for teachers. Explain how to use your product in the classroom, offer tips for implementation, and make it as user-friendly as possible.
When appropriate, or beneficial, also include video tutorials or illustrations to help the teacher understand how to use it.
Answer Keys and Rubrics
Include answer keys and grading rubrics to save teachers time. These are non-negotiables for many buyers, as they make the resource easier to use immediately.
Interactive or Editable Components
Whenever possible, add interactive or editable features. Editable PDFs, drag-and-drop activities, or other customizable components give teachers the flexibility they need to tailor the resource to their classroom.
Include Standards (and Align to Them)
Start by specifying the standards your product aligns with. Teachers are always looking for resources that match their curriculum requirements, so clearly outline which standards are addressed and how.
This will also help teachers write their lesson plans, so make it as user-friendly as possible.
Extra Features and Extension Activities
Enhance your resource with fun extras like coloring pages, word searches, or extension activities. These “bonus” features make your product more engaging and versatile.
Add a Place for Students’ Names
Don’t forget the small details! Including a spot for students’ names on worksheets or activities is a simple way to make your product classroom-ready.
Copyright and Branding
At the bottom of each page, include a copyright notice with your brand name. This not only protects your work but also helps build your brand recognition.
How to Make Your Resource Visually Appealing
Clean, Age-Appropriate Fonts
Choose fonts that are easy to read and suitable for the age group. Avoid overly decorative fonts that might distract or confuse young learners.
Borders
Borders can add a polished look to your resource. Simple, clean borders can make a big difference in the visual appeal of your product.
Engaging Visuals
Incorporate engaging visuals such as clip art, diagrams, or photos that complement the content. Visuals should be relevant and add value to the resource.
Colorable Components
Whenever possible, include elements that students can color. This adds a layer of interactivity and fun, especially for younger age groups.
Embrace White Space
Less is often more. Avoid overcrowding your pages and embrace white space to ensure your resource is easy to read and visually appealing.
Background (Digital Paper)
Using digital paper or subtle backgrounds can add a touch of professionalism without being overwhelming. Keep it simple to avoid distractions.
How to Add Value to Your TpT Resource
Include Everything Teachers Need
Think about everything a teacher might require to use your resource effectively. From preparation instructions to supplementary materials, aim for a complete, ready-to-use package.
Easy to Plug and Play
Design your resource so that it requires little to no prep time. Include clear labels, such as “cut here,” “paste this on the wall,” or “fold here,” to make it as intuitive as possible.
If student resources are required, add them and make it as clear as possible for how to use and how to setup for an effective lesson.
Link to Helpful Resources
Add links to supplementary materials or related resources in your store. This not only adds value but also encourages buyers to explore more of your offerings.
Focus on Teacher Needs
Survey Your Audience
Understand what teachers want by asking them directly. This is where having a Facebook group or an email list can be invaluable. Use surveys and polls to gather feedback and ideas for new products.
Time-Saving Features
Teachers value their time. Ensure your product is a time-saver by making it easy to implement and including all necessary components. The easier it is for teachers to use, the more likely they are to purchase and recommend your resource.
Conclusion
By focusing on the needs of teachers and students, you’ll create resources that not only sell but also build your reputation as a trusted seller. Take the time to perfect your product—it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.