Advertise on podcast: Online Business for Teachers | TPT | How to Make Extra Money, Work From Home, Digital Products

🎙️ What to Sell on TPT: The 4 Steps Every New Seller Should Start With If you’ve ever opened your computer and thought, “Okay… but what do I even make for TPT?”  This episode will help you finally get clear. Today I’m walking you through four simple steps to figure out what to sell on TPT, without chasing trends or guessing what teachers want. These steps work whether you’re brand new or you’ve been selling for a while and need a reset. In this episode, I break down: ✔️ Step 1: How to look through your own files to find product ideas that actually work Because your best ideas are the things that already helped your students. ✔️ Step 2: How to polish those activities so they’re ready to list on TPT Covers, thumbnails, clipart, and making them look clean and usable. ✔️ Step 3: Why publishing quickly matters more than getting it “perfect” You can’t learn anything until it’s up and running. ✔️ Step 4: Why you should leave your product alone (and stop checking the data every day) This one saves so much stress. If you’ve been wanting to start your store but you never feel “ready,” this episode will give you a clear place to begin. Wanna start the right way? If you want help making your TPT storefront look clean and professional from day one, check out my TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course. It’s six short videos on: Your logo and brand elements Covers, thumbnails, and previews Setting up your store visuals in Canva or PowerPoint Making your storefront something you’re actually proud of If you have questions or want to share your progress, email me anytime at [email protected]. I love hearing from you.

Are you wondering whether you should sell your teacher resources on your website or if it’s just one more thing everyone says you “should” do? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions teacher-sellers ask when they start taking their business seriously. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know so you can make the right decision for YOUR stage of business. By the end, you’ll know whether selling on your website is worth it, what it actually takes to make it profitable, and how to avoid wasting time or money in the process. We cover: Why so many teacher-sellers want their own website Shopify vs. Squarespace vs. WordPress (and what I chose) The truth about uploading your entire product catalog How long it really takes to see sales What you must have in place BEFORE you open a store Website pros, cons, and deal-breakers When a website becomes more profitable than TPT Whether you should add a TPT “buy” button on your product pages Why email list + trust = the secret to website sales The long-term payoff most teachers never talk about If you’ve been confused, overwhelmed, or unsure whether you’re “ready” to add a store to your website, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been needing. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready—or you need help figuring out the next right step in your business, I offer 1:1 coaching to help you grow with clarity and confidence. I support teachers with: TPT store strategy Website setup + offers Messaging + positioning Mindset and overthinking Anything your teacher brain is stuck on If you’re craving real progress with way less overwhelm, book your coaching call: yourteacherbiz.com/coaching Links & Resources Mentioned Squarespace (my website platform) Shopify (another popular website option) Emily Bryant, CPA for TPT sellers My 1:1 Coaching: yourteacherbiz.com/coaching

If your teacher business feels harder than it should, you’re not alone. Most teacher entrepreneurs are making decisions based on emotion, guesswork, or daily dashboard checks that send them into panic mode. In today’s episode, we break down why your business feels overwhelming and how simple data tracking can instantly bring clarity, calm, and direction. We’re talking about what to track (and what NOT to track), how to set goals that actually fit the season you’re in, and why focusing on the right metrics will make your business feel lighter, more grounded, and easier to grow. Plus, I’m sharing the tool that completely changed how I make decisions in my own business: ✨ The Teacher Business KPI Tracker: now available in my shop. If you want your business to feel less emotional and more empowered this year, this episode is your roadmap. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why running your online teacher business feels so overwhelming How data helps calm your brain and reduce the “nothing is working” spiral The #1 metric that matters most when you’re just starting out What to track in Year 1 versus Years 2–3 versus later stages Why tracking too many things creates confusion (not clarity) Why TPT dashboard dips don’t actually mean what you think How a year-at-a-glance view can completely change your confidence How to choose metrics that match your season of life The simple tracking habit that makes business decisions easier Mentioned in This Episode 👉 Teacher Business KPI Tracker Get the simple Google Sheet that helps you track revenue, product growth, email metrics, website traffic, and more all in one place. 👉 Book a Free Teacher Business Clarity Call Need support deciding what to focus on in your business? Let’s talk through your goals and simplify your next steps.

Social media can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling teaching, life, and a growing TPT business. Do you really need to be on Instagram? Does marketing actually work? And how do you promote your resources without living on your phone? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ashley Mickelson, a longtime teacher seller and self-described accidental entrepreneur. Ashley shares what she’s learned over nearly a decade of selling on TPT, building relationships online, and using simple marketing systems that don’t lead to burnout. We talk honestly about social media, automation tools like ManyChat, and why relationships (not hacks), are what truly grow a sustainable teacher business. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting more visibility and wanting more peace, this conversation will meet you right where you are. In this episode, we cover: How Ashley accidentally turned teaching into a long-term TPT business Why relationship-building matters more than posting perfectly What ManyChat is and how teachers actually use it (in simple terms) How automation can save time instead of adding stress When it makes sense to invest in tools and when it doesn’t How introverted or camera-shy teachers can start showing up online The difference between content that lasts vs. content that connects How Ashley balances family life, marketing, and running her business Key takeaway: You don’t need to do all the things to grow your business. You need to connect with real people, show up as yourself, and build systems that support your life, not consume it. Connect with Ashley: YouTube name Teach the Teacher Author with Ashley Mikkelsen https://www.youtube.com/@teachtheteacherauthor Social media links Insta- https://instagram.com/teach.the.teacherauthor FB- https://facebook.com/teach.the.teacherauthor FB group - Instagram for Teacher Authors https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReJUNEvateyourIGChallenge Website https://teachtheteacherauthor.com/ Contact email [email protected] landing page or freebie link How to start your email list: https://teachtheteacherauthor.myflodesk.com/dzu6rybc2d   Work with me: If you’re a teacher who wants to build income outside the classroom, whether through TPT, digital products, or mindset work, I’d love to support you. Book a 1:1 coaching call if you want personalized guidance on income planning,

What if working from home and “passive income” aren’t as stress-free as we’ve been led to believe? In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest reflection on what it’s actually like to run a business full time, especially as a former teacher who was used to a steady paycheck. I’m recording this at the start of a new year, in the middle of selling our house, and coming off a season that felt busy, heavy, and lacking joy. That reflection led me here. If you’re a teacher dreaming of leaving the classroom, working from home, or building “passive income,” this episode is for you. Not to discourage you, but to help you make the best decision at the right time with clarity instead of fantasy. In this episode, we talk about: Why business ownership brings a different kind of stress no one really talks about What “passive income” actually looks like in real life The financial difference between a teacher paycheck and business income Why making just enough money in your business isn’t enough How taxes, expenses, and slow months really impact your take-home income Why saving 3–6 months of expenses is non-negotiable The importance of having more than one income stream (especially if you sell on TPT) What surprised me when I reviewed my own income data How to think clearly and realistically before quitting your job This episode is about grounding your dreams in truth and making empowered decisions instead of emotional ones. You absolutely can build a business and work from home. I just want you to do it in a way that protects your peace, finances, and future. Here’s to 2026: Create value. Go sell it. And don’t underestimate what you bring to the table. Book a 1:1 coaching call if you want personalized guidance on income planning, product strategy, or your next step out of the classroom

Why More Time Doesn’t Make You More Productive When we’re working full time, it’s easy to believe that if we just had more time, we’d make more money in our business. But what happens when you finally have the time and productivity still feels off? In this episode, I’m sharing honest lessons I’ve learned from staying home to work on my business full time, and what that taught me about productivity, time management, and execution. If you’ve been working hard but not seeing results, this episode will help you see what’s really getting in the way. We talk about why time isn’t the real issue, how planning can turn into procrastination, and the simple strategies that helped me move from busy to actually getting things done. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why having more time doesn’t automatically lead to more money The hidden productivity trap of working for yourself How planning, learning, and “preparing” can become disguised procrastination Why motivation is a myth (and what actually works instead) How hesitation, overthinking, and fear slow down execution How the 5 Second Rule helped me take action faster The First Domino Concept and how routines reduce decision fatigue How scheduling in realistic time blocks creates clarity and momentum Key Concepts Mentioned The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins The First Domino Concept (starting with one small action that triggers momentum) Decision fatigue and why structure matters when you work from home How to Apply This to Your Life & Business Identify your first domino (your one non-negotiable starting point). Use the 5-4-3-2-1 rule when you feel hesitation or resistance. Write out your schedule in advance to remove daily decision-making. Focus on execution—not learning, planning, or scrolling. If this episode hit home for you and you know you’ve been busy but not productive, this is exactly what I help teachers with inside my one-on-one coaching calls. We look at what you’re working on, what actually makes money, and what you need to stop overthinking so you can start executing. No fluff. No endless learning. Just clarity, a plan, and action. If you want support applying what we talked about today to your business, you can book a one-on-one coaching call with me. 👉 Schedule a Call Connect With Me Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at [email protected]. I read every message and would love to hear from you.

So many teachers want more. More income, more flexibility, more ownership over their time, but never take the first step toward building a business. Not because they lack skills. Not because they don’t have ideas. But because of a belief they’ve been carrying for years: “I’m just a teacher.” In this episode, I unpack a deeply ingrained mindset that came up for me recently. One rooted in culture, class, and identity and how it quietly shows up when teachers think about selling on Teachers Pay Teachers or starting a business of their own. We talk about the harmful messages many of us internalized about where we come from, what we’re “allowed” to want, and who we’re allowed to become and how those beliefs keep us playing small, even when we’re capable of so much more. If you’ve ever thought: “I don’t have anything worth selling.” “Other teachers are better than me.” “I wouldn’t even know where to start.” “People like me don’t do that.” This episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: The hidden belief that keeps teachers from seeing their value How cultural and family messages shape our business identity Why where you come from does not determine where you’re going What it really means to “act as if” when building confidence Why selling on TPT isn’t about being special, it’s about believing you’re capable How to take the first small step toward a new identity in business You are not “just” a teacher. You are a problem-solver, a creator, and someone with real value to offer. And if you’re ready to explore what that could look like for you — even if it feels scary — you don’t have to do it alone. Schedule a clarity call with me and let’s talk about where you are, where you want to go, and what your next step could be.

If you’re ready to walk into 2026 with more clarity, less overwhelm, and a whole lot more focus, this episode is for you. Today, I’m breaking down the strategies I’m keeping, the habits I’m letting go of, and the single biggest planning shift that has already made my business feel more intentional and aligned. Inside the episode, we cover: ✅ What Actually Worked in 2025 (and why I’m keeping it in 2026) Listing TPT products consistently Growing and nurturing my ESL Teacher Membership Hiring help and staying in my zone of genius Keeping email marketing simple but consistent Blogging to add value + strengthen SEO Free and paid collaborations Monthly strategic planning sessions Growing my Facebook group intentionally ✅ What I’m Leaving Behind Overworking and believing more hours = more success Shiny object syndrome and business ideas that don’t align with my long-term vision You’ll hear why clarity has become my guiding principle and how having a simple yearly skeleton plan has helped me instantly decide whether something fits my business—or belongs in the “nope” pile. My #1 Strategy Shift for 2026 If you take nothing else from this episode, take this: Plan out your promotions for the entire year. You don’t need a detailed plan—just a simple structure. It creates clarity, reduces stress, keeps you focused, and protects you from shiny object syndrome. Free Resource Mentioned Free TPT Starter Kit Mini Course Learn how to set up your TPT store the right way—branding, covers, thumbnails, storefront, and more. Grab it here: Free Mini Course Join the $100 for $100 Coaching Program Ready to start making money on TPT? This is a live group coaching program where I walk you step-by-step through making your first—and next—$100. It's not a passive course. You get accountability, live coaching, and support every step of the way. Join here: $100 for $100

AI is everywhere and if you’ve been feeling nervous about your TPT business because teachers can now generate worksheets, quizzes, and vocabulary lists in seconds… this is for you. AI can’t replace teacher experience, teacher insight, or teacher-created structure and that’s exactly where your opportunity lies. In this episode, we break down how to grow your TPT business in the age of AI by focusing on the types of resources teachers still actively search for, still buy, and still can’t create with a single prompt. You’ll learn: What AI can and cannot create (and why it matters for your store) The kinds of products that stand out in a crowded TPT market How to use AI as a tool, not competition Why hands-on, scaffolded, multi-step, and design-heavy resources are your edge How to build a TPT store that’s still profitable as AI evolves If you’ve been feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure whether TPT is still worth your time, this episode will help you see what’s possible and how much value you actually bring as a teacher creator. 🎟️ Join the waitlist for $100 for $100 A 6-week live coaching cohort where you’ll get clear on your niche, map out a simple product line, get weekly feedback on your resources, and build a confident, strategic plan to grow your TPT income. 👉 Join the waitlist

If you want to grow your TPT business but keep getting stuck, overwhelmed, or second-guessing every step… this episode will help you understand why and what to do next. Today we’re breaking down the three hidden fears that silently slow down TPT sellers: 👉 fear of investing in your business 👉 fear of the unknown 👉 fear of being seen or judged for selling online These fears are normal, but they keep so many teachers from building the TPT store they know they’re capable of. In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize what’s holding you back, how to move through it, and how to finally take action on the business you want to build. Whether you’re brand new to TPT or you’ve been stuck at the same income level for months, this episode will help you get clarity, find momentum, and grow your TPT store with confidence. Want to Take the Next Step? Join the waitlist for $100 for $100, my small-group coaching program designed to help you grow your TPT business with clarity, direction, and simple steps you can actually follow. No more guessing. No more doing this alone. Just support, strategy, and real movement. Join the waitlist

Smart Ways to Bundle Your TPT Resources and Boost Your Sales Fast If you’ve ever felt like you have to keep creating new products to make new money, this episode will change how you see your TPT store. In today’s episode, we’re diving into smart ways to bundle your existing resources so you can increase your sales without burning out. You’ll learn how bundling raises your value, helps teachers check out faster, and brings older resources back to life. We’ll also talk about how to structure your bundles for different needs — by topic, skill, season, grade level, or purpose — and a few simple tweaks that can make them sell even better. And if you’re ready to take this work deeper, I’d love to invite you to join the waitlist for my brand-new live coaching program, $100 for $100 — a small-group coaching experience starting January 3rd that’s designed to help you stop guessing what to create, clarify your niche, and build a simple strategic plan that actually grows your TPT income. You’ll get weekly support, live feedback, and the accountability you need to take action — with the goal of helping you make your first (or next) $100 back from your store. Join the waitlist below and you’ll be the first to know when doors open.   🎟️ Join the waitlist here: Join the Waitlist

If you’ve ever felt stressed watching your TPT sales go up and down, you’re not alone. Many teacher business owners are realizing that relying on TPT alone isn’t enough to build a sustainable income anymore — and that can feel discouraging when you’ve worked so hard to grow your store. In this bonus episode, we’ll talk about how to take back control and create a business that doesn’t depend on an unpredictable algorithm. You’ll learn how to build stability, diversify your income, and create long-term growth that you control. Plus, I’ll share one of my favorite events that will help you take this even further — the Teacher Seller Growth Summit, hosted by Misty Miller. It’s a free event happening November 13–16, designed to help teacher business owners attract buyers, increase sales, and grow without burnout. You’ll hear from incredible speakers sharing practical strategies, and I’ll be presenting on email collaborations and paid bundles — two of the most powerful ways to grow beyond TPT without relying on ads or algorithms. 🎟️ Grab your free ticket here: FREE TICKET If you are just starting on TPT and you want to get it right the first time, grab my free mini course: Mini Course

Ever wondered how teacher sellers are pulling off those massive bundle sales? The ones that seem to bring in cash, grow their lists, and build instant credibility? In this episode, we’re walking step-by-step through how to host your own paid collaborative bundle — without the stress. You’ll learn how to: Pick the right theme and timing for your audience Recruit dependable collaborators who actually promote Set clear expectations and deadlines that keep things smooth Price your bundle for irresistible value Deliver it seamlessly to buyers and build long-term relationships I’ll share the behind-the-scenes lessons I learned from running her own paid bundle — what worked, what didn’t, and what I’ll always do again. Whether you’re hosting or just joining your first one, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to make it profitable and sustainable. Listen in and learn how to create a bundle that boosts your revenue, grows your list with buyers (not just freebie hunters), and positions you as a leader in your niche. Mentioned in This Episode Teacher Seller Growth Summit (Nov 13–16) — Grab your free ticket to join me and other presenters as they teach actionable strategies to grow your teacher business sustainably. 👉 FREE TICKET 🔑 Key Topics Covered What a paid bundle actually is (and why it works) The difference between free vs. paid collaborations How to choose your theme, timing, and contributors Setting up your platform, delivery, and affiliate links Post-bundle follow-up that turns one-time buyers into lifelong fans My free TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course walks you through setting up your store in under an hour — step-by-step. Grab it here 👉 Free Mini Course

🎧 The Secret Pattern That Tells You Exactly What to Promote in Your Emails If you ever sit down to plan your next email and think, “I have no idea what to promote,” this episode is for you. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down how to use your TPT sales data to plan exactly what to promote in your emails and social posts—without guessing or spinning your wheels. You’ll learn how to find your top-selling products from this time last year, spot patterns, and reuse your best-performing emails for easy, data-driven promotions. Here’s what we cover: How to open your TPT Dashboard and pinpoint what sold best this same week last year What metrics (earnings, conversions, and units sold) actually matter—and what they tell you How to know which products to promote again this year Why your audience still wants those resources, even if you promoted them before How to reuse and refresh your best-performing emails from last year—no starting from scratch Plus, I’ll share a simple monthly routine that keeps your marketing clear, consistent, and totally manageable. And don’t miss the Teacher Seller Growth Summit, kicking off November 13 – 16! You’ll hear from some incredible experts on how to attract buyers, increase sales, and build a sustainable teacher business. I’ll be presenting on email collaborations and paid bundles—two of the best ways to grow your income and reach new audiences without adding more hours to your week. 🎟️ Grab your free ticket here: FREE TICKET 🎁 Upgrade to the All-Access Pass for early access, 12 months of replay access, a private podcast feed, and exclusive speaker bonuses—all at a special reduced price! Grab my free TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course — 6 quick videos to help you set up a polished, professional TPT store that’s ready to sell! 👉https://www.yourteacherbiz.com/free-mini-course

🎙️The Easiest Way to Grow Your List Fast  (No Ads, No Overwhelm) If growing your email list feels slow or complicated, this episode will make it feel easy again. I’m breaking down one of my favorite low-stress ways to grow your list — email collaborations. You’ll learn exactly how they work, why they’re so effective, and the two specific formats I’ve personally used to grow my audience without relying on ads or constant launches. We’ll talk about how to set up a Freebie Bundle and how to run a 5 Weeks of Freebies Gift Series right after Thanksgiving — a simple, relationship-building way to stay visible and give teachers something valuable before the holidays. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to plan, organize, and run your own collaboration with confidence (and maybe even make some new business friends along the way). In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What email collaborations are and why they work so well Two collaboration formats I’ve personally used and loved How to keep the process organized and low-stress What boundaries to set so your collab doesn’t fall apart The best time of year to host a collaboration (and why the holidays are perfect) Mentioned in This Episode: 🎟️ Teacher Seller Growth Summit — November 13–18 Join me and 25+ industry experts for 4 days of actionable sessions on growing your TPT business, boosting visibility, and building your audience. Get your free ticket  Get your All Access Pass Grab my free TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course — 6 quick videos to help you set up a polished, professional TPT store that’s ready to sell! 👉https://www.yourteacherbiz.com/free-mini-course