School of Sellers: TPT Strategies, Tips, + Seller Stories - podcast cover

School of Sellers: TPT Strategies, Tips, + Seller Stories

Erin Waters - Tips for Teacher Sellersschoolofsellers.com
Erin Waters from School of Sellers helps teacher sellers like you run an online business in a way that feels doable. Discover how you can make your business work harder so that you spend less time in To-Do Town and more time doing what you love. Many teachers launch online businesses to live a freer, happier life. These same teachers soon find themselves swamped by tasks and surrounded by pressure to do all the things. As a result, their life becomes harder. So what the heck? Self-proclaimed Type B Teacher-turned entrepreneur, Erin knows this Catch-22 scenario all too well. In her 10 years of selling teaching resources online, it has become her mission to simplify her business—and now yours too! On School of Sellers, she will offer insight and tips for productivity, content creation, marketing, and beyond. Hit follow or subscribe now and show your business, once and for all, who’s really the boss.
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Episodes

172. Why TPT Sellers Should Sell on Their Own Site

What if you could take full control of your teacher seller business—and keep more of the money you worked so hard to earn? In this episode, I chat with websitesite designer Carla Fedeler about how to confidently build your own teacher seller website, even if tech isn’t your thing. From choosing the right platform and tools to understanding the marketing and branding benefits of having your own storefront, Carla shares practical steps and powerful encouragement to help you move beyond TPT and bui...

Apr 14, 202525 min

171. Seller Book Club Chat: The Plan, by Kendra Adachi

What if planning wasn’t about perfect calendars and to-do lists, but about making space for what truly matters? In this episode, I’m joined by Bethany, Jennifer, and Ashley to dive into The Plan by Kendra Adachi—a book that challenged us to rethink productivity, rest, and work-life balance. We unpack why flexibility is key, how to stop treating rest as a reward, and what it really means to embrace the seasons of life. We also share our biggest aha moments and where The Plan fell short, especiall...

Apr 07, 202529 min

170. How to Sell More on TPT (Without More Work)

Want to sell more on TPT without constantly creating new products or spending hours marketing? In this episode, I’m sharing one of the best-kept secrets of successful TPT sellers—sales funnels. These automated systems turn potential buyers into paying customers, helping you make consistent sales on autopilot. You’ll learn how to set up a simple yet powerful funnel, from choosing the right freebie to crafting an email sequence that converts. Plus, I’ll share my favorite ways to drive traffic to y...

Mar 31, 20258 min

169. How to Build a Sales Funnel That Sells Your TPT Products on Autopilot

If you’ve ever wished your TPT products could sell themselves while you focus on creating, this episode is for you! Sales funnels might sound intimidating, but they’re actually a game-changer for TPT sellers looking to grow their business without constantly chasing sales. In this episode, I break down exactly how a well-structured funnel can take potential buyers on a journey, from discovering your resources to becoming loyal, repeat customers. You’ll learn how to attract the right audience, nur...

Mar 24, 202510 min

168. Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley: Tripwires, an Embarrassing Story, & More

Welcome back to another coffee chat! Well, kind of. This time it’s a night session so it’s decaf only! As usual, we’re having a casual conversation about the latest in business and personal life, including a slightly embarrassing moment that had me doing double the work (oops!). Of course we can’t chat without diving into some business strategy too. I’m sharing a recent win with tripwires and sales funnels. Ashley shares the behind-the-scenes updates of her latest ad campaign (hear more about he...

Mar 17, 202518 min

167. Coworking for TPT Sellers: The Productivity Hack You’re Missing

Feeling stuck in your work-from-home routine? Coworking might be the productivity boost you need! In this episode, I dive into why coworking is a game-changer for TpT sellers and online business owners, from the power of body doubling to the built-in accountability it provides. When you work alongside others—whether virtually or in person—you’re more likely to stay focused, follow through on tasks, and actually enjoy the process. Plus, connecting with people who truly understand your business ca...

Feb 24, 202512 min

166. Lead Generation Ads, Taking a Break, & Life: A Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley

It’s time for another monthly coffee chat with Ashley and I to catch up on both business and life! We talk about the challenges that came with starting a new year and share some of the strategies that are helping us navigate it - whether that means planning ahead of simply taking things one step at a time. I also share about a recent getaway that left me feeling refreshed, along with a small but exciting business win that proves how tiny shifts can lead to big results. One of the biggest takeawa...

Feb 17, 202543 min

165. Things to Try When You Pivot to a New Audience

Pivoting to a new audience can feel overwhelming, but what if I told you there’s a way to do it without starting from scratch? In this episode, we’re talking about the “sneaky pivot” strategy - a smart and strategic way to expand your reach using the resources you already have! Whether you’re shifting to a different grade level, exploring a new subject area, or even branching out beyond the classroom to parents and homeschoolers, I have plenty of tips to help you make the transition smoothly. On...

Feb 10, 202520 min

164. Top 3 Timesavers: A Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley

Ever wish you could add a few extra hours to your day? We know that struggle all too well and we're here to help! In this coffee chat, recorded live in Ignite , Ashley and I discussed some ways that we’re currently saving time in our businesses. We have a good feeling that you’ll walk away with some new and practical ideas on how to make the most of your time! One of my favorite time saving strategies is my new themed day system. Instead of trying to tackle everything every day, I’ve given each ...

Feb 03, 202551 min

163. Mindsets That Transform: Simplify, Prioritize, and Let Go as a TPT Seller

Running a TPT business while juggling teaching, family life, and personal commitments can feel overwhelming. But success isn’t just about the physical tasks we do - it’s deeply rooted in our mindset. Let’s explore three game-changing TPT seller mindsets that can transform how you approach your business! You’ll learn how to use the glass ball analogy to focus on what truly matters while releasing guilt over the less critical tasks. I’ll break down a mental reframing model that helps you tackle ch...

Jan 27, 202514 min

162. 3 Reasons Why Sellers Struggle to Grow Past the 100K Mark on TPT With Chynell Moore

What’s holding you back from breaking past the $100K mark on TPT? In this episode, I had the chance to chat with Chynell Moore , and let me tell you—this conversation is packed with the kind of insights that can completely shift the way you approach your business. Chynell shared three powerful reasons why sellers often hit a plateau and, more importantly, what they can do to get unstuck! From fresh marketing perspectives to unexpected ways to tap into your best resources, this episode is like a ...

Jan 20, 202540 min

161. 3 Ways to Diversify Your Teacher Business Using What You ALREADY Have

When you hear the word diversify , does it feel like just one more thing to add to your already full plate? If so, I have good news for you. After lots of brainstorming, I’ve landed on three ways that you can diversify your TPT business WITHOUT reinventing the wheel. In this episode, I’m diving into each of the three ways to diversify your teacher business. The best part? They all leverage products that you’ve already created! We’re looking at selling on your own site (don’t worry, I’ve come up ...

Jan 13, 202522 min

160. Mastering Your Money Mindset with Trina Deboree [Blast From the Past Series]

Have you ever stopped to think about how your mindset around money might be holding you back? In this episode, I’m taking you back to an incredible conversation I had with Trina Deboree, a teacher-turned-TPT seller, who shared her inspiring story of transforming her money mindset while navigating life as a teacherpreneur. Trina didn’t hold back as she opened up about overcoming personal and financial challenges, breaking free from a scarcity mindset, and embracing the power of money mindset work...

Dec 30, 202431 min

159. 3 Bundles Tips to Make Your Business Explode Featuring Allison Wienhold [Blast From the Past Series]

What’s the secret to boosting sales while simplifying a buyer’s experience? TPT bundles! In this blast from the past episode, I’m joined by Allison Wienhold, a seasoned TPT seller and former Spanish teacher, to uncover the power of product bundles. Allison shares how bundling transformed her sales strategy - and how it can do the same for you. We’re giving you our top tips for creating TPT bundles that work, including some of the lesser-known bundling techniques. TPT bundles can streamline the b...

Dec 23, 202417 min

158. The Copycat Battle: What's Fair, What's Not, + What to Do When It Happens to You Featuring Kerry Tracy [Blast From the Past Series]

To wrap up 2024, I’m playing a few of our all-time most downloaded School of Sellers episodes! To kick this series off, let’s start with an episode that resonated with SO MANY of you - having your resources copied on TPT. It’s a tough subject, but one that deserves open and honest discussion. To tackle it, I’m joined by one of my close TPT friends, Kerry Tracy. Together, Kerry and I share our experiences with being copied - from the initial sting to the rollercoaster of emotions that follow. We ...

Dec 16, 202442 min

157. A Farewell to 2024: What I'm Leaving Behind & Bringing With Me in the New Year

It’s hard to believe, but this is the fourth full year of the School of Sellers Podcast! As we wrap up another year, I want to extend my gratitude to you for not only listening to this show, but also connecting with me through emails, DMs, and more. It keeps me going to hear from you! With the end of the year around the corner, I want to share with you what I’m leaving behind in 2024, like feeling guilty when things don’t get done and letting my dashboard dictate my days! Then I’ll go into what ...

Dec 09, 202411 min

156. Diversify Your Teacher Business: Building a Brand & Selling Physical Products with Christina Spencer

From selling your digital resources on your own website to podcasting to affiliate marketing and more, there are so many ways to diversify your teacher business income! But have you ever considered selling physical products? My guest today, Christina Spencer, is here to share how she does just that. Christina and I first met while working on our Master’s of Education for Early Childhood at The Ohio State University. Since then, Christina has gone on to teach in Abu Dhabi, launch her business sel...

Dec 02, 202428 min

155. 12 Questions with Deedee Wills: Real Talk About TPT Success and Life

Today I’m sitting down with a beloved seller in the TPT community - Deedee Wills! Deedee is someone I consider a true legend and has also been an integral part of the School of Sellers community over the years. I honestly can’t believe this is the first time she’s on the podcast! During our conversation, I’m firing all kinds of questions at Deedee about her TPT success and personal life. You’ll hear how Deedee transitioned from a medical career to teaching to the world of TPT. We also discuss ho...

Nov 25, 202438 min

154. What Taylor Swift Has Taught Me About Business: Seller Swifties Weigh In

We can all agree that Taylor Swift is an icon in today’s culture. And while she’s a worldwide celebrity, we may have more in common with her than you think, especially as it pertains to our businesses. Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie or a curious bystander, there’s no denying the parallels between Taylor’s journey and our own as educators and entrepreneurs. I’m joined by fellow TPT sellers in this episode to highlight what their favorite Taylor Swift lyrics have taught them about business. If ...

Nov 18, 202413 min

153. 2025 TPT Seller Trend Predictions: How TPT Sellers Can Thrive in 2025

The TPT world is ever-changing, and I know that many of you are looking for ways to grow, and maybe even pivot how you’re doing things in your business. If you’re searching for strategies to take into the new year, you’ve come to the right place! Today I’m diving into four major predictions for business trends that will help shape your plans for 2025. For each trend, I’m also breaking down three actionable ideas to help you start your year strong. Whether you’re looking for ways to expand your a...

Nov 11, 202412 min

152. What Planner Type Are You? (Quiz Results Reveal With Erin & Ashley)

As we get ready to begin a new year, planning is top of mind. As they say, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. While that might be a little over the top, there’s a lot of truth to it! Having a consistent planning process sets you up for success in your teacher-seller business. I could sit here all day and share my method for planning and organization in business. But, we all have different personalities, and unique businesses, and are in various seasons of life…so we need different tools! Tha...

Nov 04, 202422 min

151. Diversify Your Teacher Business: Unlocking the Potential of TikTok for TPT Sellers with Nancy Chung

When you think about using TikTok for your business, does it excite you or make you want to run the other way? If it’s the latter, you could be missing out! When it comes to TikTok, there’s so much potential for growing your audience and even monetizing directly from your videos. Nancy Chung is here to talk all about TikTok for TPT sellers. After hearing her present at TPT Forward last summer on this topic, I knew I had to have her on the podcast to share her experience and knowledge with you. N...

Oct 28, 202421 min

150. 3 Systems Every Business Owner Should Have

Are you a Type B business owner who wants to run away when you hear words like organization, SOPs, and systems? If so, today’s episode might make you feel a little uncomfortable, but stick with me! I promise it will be worth it. I’m sharing three business systems that I think every teacher seller should implement. Get ready to discover how task management, project management and brain dump systems can revolutionize your business by increasing efficiency, consistency, and communication - all whil...

Oct 21, 202417 min

149. 3 Ways to Help Future You Thrive

Imagine if the next time you sat down to write a blog post, it felt easy because you already had a plan for what to write. Or, what if you scheduled your next podcast interview on a day that you knew you would be feeling energized? This could be your reality if you start making future you a priority! There are things you can do today that will set future you up for success tomorrow. In fact, in the seller world, there are some very distinct things you can start doing at this very moment that wil...

Oct 14, 202417 min

148. What to Do If You've Lost Your Spark (Navigating Business Burnout)

Have you been feeling like you’re losing your spark lately? You probably know that spark that I’m talking about. It’s your passion, excitement, and creative energy for everything you’re working on in your business. If that spark is fading, there’s a very good chance you’re headed straight into burnout…or maybe you’re already there. As I go into my 12th year as a TPT seller, I know this feeling all too well. When things start to feel hard or monotonous, we often blame ourselves and it can be so d...

Oct 07, 202420 min

147. Our Biggest Fears in Business, Life, & Beyond

The leaves are changing and the morning air is turning crisp, which can only mean one thing. Spooky season is here! To get us in the spooky spirit, Ashley and I are diving into some of our deepest fears - not just in business, but in life and beyond. From TPT anxieties to real-life phobias like spiders and heights (thanks a lot, TikTok!), you’ll hear it all. We realize that some of the things we worry about are way more rational than others! Hopefully this conversation will make you realize you ...

Sep 30, 202421 min

146. Seller Stories: Teaching Full Time While Making More on TPT (With Katarina Lazaris)

Being a TPT seller looks different for each person. Some of you are full-time TPT sellers who have left the classroom while others are in the classroom with the end goal of working from home on TPT full-time. Our guest today, Katarina Lazaris, is a full-time teacher and successful TPT seller with no plans to leave the classroom. Katarina is the face behind Lessons for Learning and a 6th-grade full-time teacher. She started her TPT store during her very first year of teaching and the rest is hist...

Sep 23, 202418 min

145. Seller Book Club Chat: Big Magic With Janice Cook and Kassaundra Foster

We’re kicking off a new series on the podcast: seller book club chats! In the first episode of this series, I sit down with Janice Cook and Kassaundra Foster to dive into Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” . Big Magic talks a lot about creativity and breaking out beyond fears and hesitations to live happier lives both as people and business owners. Throughout our conversation, we talk about balancing creative freedom with business pressures, managing perfectionism, and ...

Sep 16, 202439 min

144. Diversify Your Teacher Business: Affiliate Links, Podcast, & More With Brittany Naujok

Do you have more than one way that you’re bringing in income from your teacher business? Today we’re diving back into the world of diversification with guest, Brittany Naujok. Brittany is a long-time member of the School of Sellers community and this episode marks the second time I have had her on the show (check out her first appearance here!) . Brittany gives a snapshot of her journey as a teacher, seller, and entrepreneur. Her story began in late 2012 thanks to a friend’s suggestion to start ...

Sep 09, 202416 min

143. Coffee Chat With Erin & Ashley: TPT Changes, Product Inspiration, & All Things FOOD!

In our comeback episode (episode 126) , I sat down with Ashley, one of the faces behind team SOS. We had a casual conversation and received lots of great feedback, so we’re bringing it back today. Ashley joins me again for a coffee chat to talk about our opinions on the TPT storefront design, what type of eating competition we would win, product inspiration, and more. I must have been hungry while planning this episode because a lot of our questions revolve around food! So, grab your snacks and ...

Sep 02, 202421 min
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