Looking for a guide on how to make creating teaching resources easy? Would you like to be able to churn out top sellers in a snap with minimal work? Well, I’ve got a secret for you. Are you ready to read about the easy way to create TpT resources? Lean in close…
You ready? *whispers* There is no easy way.
Sorry for the disappointment, but it’s true. Unfortunately the only way to create great resources is through a LOT of hard work. However, I do have some tips that will make it a *little* bit easier. (See, the title isn’t totally click-bait.) So, here we go.
Make What People Need
This might seem simple, but really, the best resources fill a need. There’s no point in making a resource that’s already been made. However, if you can find a void and fill it, you’ll likely find success. That means don’t copy someone’s idea and don’t create the one million version of something that already out there. Instead, find your niche and create something that teachers really need.
You might be thinking, “Cool, but how do I know what people need?” Well, first, think about what YOU need. What resources are you missing? Second, ask! Ask your teacher friends at your school and ask your followers. I’m sure there are many things they wish they had.
Aesthetics and Details Matter
I’m not talking about needing to make “cute” resources. But, it is important to create well designed resources. You want to invest in your work because people won’t value your work if YOU don’t value you work. So, look for high quality clip art and graphics, and purchase commercial use STUDENT FRIENDLY fonts (if it’s cute but impossible to read, steer clear). Spend some time playing around with your resources so you create a general “feel” to your work. Proofread your resources for typos and have someone else proofread it as well.
Also, you can’t cut corners if you expect people to purchase your resource. Take the time to create clear and concise thumbnails and previews. Print out and try every activity you create. This is an excellent way to see if it actually works how you expect it to.
Get in Front of Your Audience
In today’s sea of TpT, there are many, many other fish for teachers to choose from. That means that marketing is not an option. You don’t have to use every marketing channel, especially not at first, but you do need to market somewhere. Between the options: pinterest, facebook, instagram, email, twitter, and blogging, my advice is to start with two. First, I’d start with a blog because that’s a space you are in complete control of. Then, I’d pick one social media channel and do it well. As you build up more and more blog posts with helpful ideas (not just selling your resources), and you get comfortable with promoting on the social media platform you started with, you can add one more thing at a time. It’s better to do a couple things well than everything poorly.
Integrity Matters
“With integrity you have nothing to fear since you have nothing to hide.- Zig Ziglar
Even though some people choose to get to the top by making questionable choices, I highly recommend steering clear from shady practices. Besides the fact that it’s icky and rude, you can get in expensive legal trouble. Steer clear of trademark and copyright violations. And I mean “steer clear like you saw a parent at the liquor store and you have a cart full of wine on a Saturday at 9am” steer clear. Let’s keep it really simple. You can’t legally create resources based on most popular movies, games, TV shows, or books. (A book study might be okay, but you’ll need permission from the author.) If you’re not sure, you probably can’t use it.
On the same thread, don’t be a copycat. Browsing TpT resources to help “inspire” you is a great way to “accidentally” copy someone. Imitation is NOT the sincerest form of flattery. It IS the quickest way to get slapped with a DMCA and really make another teacher-author angry. Taking someone else’s resource and “tweaking it” or “adding your own spin” is essentially copying. It’s icky. So, just don’t do it.
Lastly, when it comes to pricing, value your work. If you could be The Dollar Tree or you could be Macy’s, which would you want to be? You (hopefully) put a lot of time, effort, and thought into your resources, so you should value them as such. I think of it this way. Yes, our resources are bought by teachers, and of course, I want to provide them with value at a reasonable price. However, creating resources takes time, money, and effort. Essentially, when a teacher is purchasing a resource from your store, it’s saving them the time it would have taken for her to create that activity on her own. That’s valuable. So, price fairly, but don’t under value your work.
Consistency is Key
Success is the sum of small efforts – repeated day in and day out. Robert Collier
Listen, just like Rome, success as a teacher-author is not built in a day. Start with quality resources, and go from there. There will be ups and downs, so just keep plugging along. You don’t want to ping pong around from popular thing to popular thing. Instead, keep making the resources you know teachers need. And don’t compare yourself with others. Everyone’s journey is different, and as cliche as it sounds, comparison really is the thief of joy.
Use the Buddy System
Okay, so not quite like the “let’s not get left on the farm” field trip buddy system. Instead, one of the easiest ways to make creating resources easier is to find a partner and create resources together! If you’re struggling to find the time to create, you’re in a slump, you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to do it all, or you just would like a partner in crime (but like, not actual crime), creating collaboratively with another teacher author might be the perfect solution.
Although I continue to create resources on my own, Jen from Teaching in the Tongass and I paired up a few years ago and began creating resources together. It’s been a fantastic way to learn new skills, create resources faster, and motivate each other. Since it’s been a successful experience for us, we created a free facebook group to help other teacher authors find a partner, as well as ask questions about the why and how of creating shared teaching resources. We’ve also created a no BS, step by step guide on how to create collaboratively that you can find right here.
If you’re new to TpT and feeling overwhelmed, finding a partner is a great way to divide the work so it’s not so overwhelming. If you’ve been on TpT for a while, but want to try something new, or just don’t have enough time in the day to complete all of the resources you have in your brain, creating together with a partner is a great way to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently. And, if it seems like working together might be complicated, don’t worry. We’ve made getting started so easy with the Creating Collaboratively course that includes an editable workbook and 10 video to watch at your own pace. If you’re looking for my number one way to make creating resources easier, working with a partner is it.
If you’re ready to get thoughtful about your business, I have a free worksheet to help you get thinking. Click the picture below to join the Creating Collaboratively Facebook Group, and download it for free.
