Overcoming the Top Challenges of Starting a TpT Store: Time, Marketing, and Competition

Starting a Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) store can be an exciting journey, but it’s not without its challenges. Many new sellers face hurdles like limited time, unfamiliarity with marketing strategies, and fierce competition. 
But I promise you: That's not all! The interface in the backend of TpT is also a challenge. Setting up your products correctly, adding images where they should be added and uploading the product with all the things it needs - well, that's a challenge in itself!
The good news is these obstacles are manageable with the right mindset and actionable steps. In this post (and many more are coming), we’ll explore each challenge in depth and provide practical advice to help you succeed.

You see: Not only my head is spinning but also my desktop! That's how it looks on my desktop between promoting, designing and finding time for my new adventure 😉

Time Investment: Finding the Hours to Build Your TpT Store

Time is a finite resource, and as a teacher, you already have a packed schedule. I realised that, over the last weeks, it just got "too much". I had my course at school to get through the exam, then all the preparation for it and then a website, a TpT store and my family with a very sick little cat.
Adding a TpT store to my responsibilities felt a bit overwhelming. But then I thought of the benefits it would bring once the products are up and running. And I remember well how it was when I first started Digidesignresort and got a bunch of designers who tried to upload their products to the store - it definitely was overwhelming and so worth it! So I just set aside some hours for my store on the weekends. Nope, it's not perfect and far from being done but hey, there is progress!

And: Building a successful store doesn’t require you to sacrifice your entire work-life balance. Instead, it’s about strategic time management.

Here is how I got going, maybe that could be your route as well?
Start by setting realistic expectations. You won’t create 20 products in a month, and that’s okay. Begin with one high-quality resource and focus on getting it right. Break your work into smaller, manageable tasks like brainstorming ideas, designing materials, and uploading to the platform. Using tools like productivity apps or a simple planner can help you track progress and stay organized.

Action Step: Dedicate two to three specific blocks of time each week to work on your TpT store. 1-2 hours per session can add up over time. Treat this as non-negotiable "business" time and communicate your schedule to family or roommates to minimise interruptions. In a month from now and 8 hours into this journey you most likely have your first product up and running and you know how to get it into the store! So let's get started.

Here are the first products I have created for my TpT store. I really want to try it out. As a teacher I definitely love creating teaching resources but I just learned over the last 2-3 months that I could bring my two passions, designing and teaching, together and create digital products from them. So here is my first try for my TpT store. Yes, it already sold and you can imagine how proud I was when the first sale came in!

You might have noticed that this is not my usual style. But I guess that is part of the process. You need to adapt to the marketplace because you want to provide high quality resources and make them appealing to the buyers. So let's try it 🙂 And, if you want to follow me, it would be a honour for me to have you there!

The resources are available here at Digidesignresort as well - in the usual style. But just the cover image is different, the product is the same! I'd love to know if your little ones enjoy using such alphabet worksheets, maybe - leave me a comment here? Or send me an email 🙂

Marketing Skills: Learning How to Promote Your Store

Many teachers excel at creating educational materials but feel out of their depth when it comes to marketing. TpT is not a "build it and they will come" platform—promotion is essential for driving sales and growing your audience. Marketing doesn’t have to be intimidating; start by mastering one or two strategies.

For beginners, social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are particularly effective for TpT sellers. Pinterest, for instance, acts like a search engine where teachers actively look for ideas and resources. Creating visually appealing pins that link to your products can drive consistent traffic to your store. On Instagram, engaging posts, reels, and stories as well as tips for teachers can showcase your personality and build trust with potential buyers.

Action Step: Choose one social media platform and focus on building your presence there. Create a content calendar with a mix of posts about your resources, tips for teachers, and personal insights to keep your audience engaged.

Competition: Standing Out in a Crowded Marketplace

The TpT marketplace is saturated with talented educators and creative resources, which can make it daunting for new sellers to find their footing. However, competition is not necessarily a bad thing—it shows there’s demand. The key to thriving is differentiation.

To stand out, focus on your unique strengths and teaching perspective. Are you an expert in a niche subject like special education or bilingual resources? Do you excel at creating visually stunning materials? Highlight these qualities in your store branding and product descriptions. Customer service is another differentiator—promptly answering questions, addressing feedback, and providing exceptional support can turn one-time buyers into loyal fans.

Action Step: Identify your unique selling proposition (USP). Write down what makes your resources special and ensure your branding (store name, logo, and descriptions) clearly communicates this to potential buyers.

Building a TpT store comes with challenges, but each obstacle is an opportunity to grow as a creator and entrepreneur. By carving out dedicated time, learning to market effectively, and finding ways to stand out, you can overcome the most common hurdles and create a thriving store. The key is consistency—small, regular efforts will build momentum over time.
Start today, and you'll be surprised at how far you can go!

And, if you don't want to be alone, join me in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes where you learn step by step how to build your own educational resources.