When I first started out on TpT my biggest problem was: What product do I create? Sure, I have my lessons planned out, I do have a lot of material but then - I'm in Germany so maybe my lesson plans are different from what Americans need?
It turned out: They are not 🙂 And, even better, being a German teacher I can add a unique spin on my resources. So yes, they are a little different but hopefully in a good way!
Different or not I still need to figure what is needed before I start designing. So here you go.
If you’re a mom or a teacher looking to make extra income or transition into full-time resource creation, selling educational printables on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) is a fantastic way to share your expertise. Expertise doesn't only mean that you have earned a Master Degree in teaching but also your expertise as a mom of a little one exploring the world of reading, counting and more.
But no matter where you are coming from one of the biggest challenges for new and even experienced sellers is coming up with fresh product ideas that moms need for homeschooling and teachers actually want and need for the classroom.
Here a quick template for a game as well as ready-made games for teachers and moms to fill out. Quick and easy learning of subtractions or additions! That's from the Groundhog Day Workbook - but not just for Groundhog Day!
Creating a high-quality, in-demand resource takes more than just an idea—it requires research, planning, and a deep understanding of your audience. In this guide, we’ll explore how to generate new product ideas that are both useful for educators and profitable for you as a seller.
1. Identify Gaps in the Market
One of the best ways to find a winning product idea is to look for gaps in the market—those areas where teachers need resources but aren’t finding them. Here’s how you can uncover these opportunities:
- Explore TpT Bestsellers: Look at top-selling products in your niche and read customer reviews. Are teachers asking for modifications, updates, or additional features?
- Check TpT Q&A Sections: Many potential buyers ask questions before purchasing. This can give insight into what’s missing from existing resources.
- Browse Social Media & Facebook Groups: Join groups for teachers in your subject area and take note of the challenges they mention.
- Observe Your Own Teaching Experience: If you’ve ever struggled to find the right resource, chances are other teachers have, too!
? Example: You notice that many kindergarten teachers struggle to find fine motor skills worksheets that aren’t overly complicated. You could create a set of simple pre-writing activities that bridge the gap between tracing and writing letters.
2. Find Trending Topics in Education
Education trends shift constantly, and keeping up with them can give you a competitive edge. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Follow Education Blogs & Websites: Websites like Edutopia, We Are Teachers, and Scholastic keep educators updated on new teaching strategies.
- Look at Curriculum Changes: If a state updates its math standards, there may be a need for new, standard-aligned resources.
- Check Pinterest Trends: Teachers use Pinterest for classroom inspiration, and it’s a great place to see which teaching topics are trending.
- Use Google Trends: Search terms like “sight words activities” or “STEM challenges” to see if they’re increasing in popularity.
? Example: If you notice that social-emotional learning (SEL) is a growing trend in education, you could create SEL journal prompts or calm-down corner visuals.
3. Improve & Expand Existing Products
You don’t always have to create something entirely new—sometimes, improving or expanding on existing products is just as valuable.
- Create Differentiation Levels: If a popular resource only includes one difficulty level, make one that includes modifications for different learning styles.
- Offer a Thematic Twist: If sight word games are popular, make a seasonal version (e.g., “Fall-Themed Sight Word Bingo”).
- Bundle & Upsell: If you have multiple similar resources, offer them in a bundle at a discounted price.
? Example: If you’ve already created math task cards, make a Google Slides version to appeal to teachers using digital classrooms. Or: If there is a popular resource about teaching students how to make sentences with who? what? and where? - why not include a when? or with whom? - there are ways to give teachers as well as moms more options!
4. Use Keyword Research to Find What Teachers Are Searching For
TpT is a search-driven platform, meaning the right keywords can make or break your product’s success.
How to Find Good Keywords for Product Ideas:
- TpT Search Bar: Type in a broad term like “phonics” and see what autocomplete suggests.
- Pinterest & Google Autosuggest: Type a term into the search bar and note what related phrases appear.
- Analyse Competitor Titles & Descriptions: Look at the words top sellers use in their product listings.
- SEO Tools Like Ubersuggest: Find low-competition, high-volume keywords related to your niche.
Example: Instead of just listing a product as “Phonics Worksheets,” you might find that “Short Vowel CVC Word Practice” is a more search-friendly and specific keyword.
That's just keyword research in a nutshell. If you need more help have a look at the Safari Lounge Designer Classes where we do this in depth based on TpT's suggestions!
Safari Lounge Designer Classes
Learn everything you need to know to build a TpT store that makes you reliable income.
Let's create beautiful learning resources together and add those to your store to make them your next best selling product because you know how to do SEO, market your products and design mind-blowing resources teachers need without being a graphic designer!
5. Ask Your Audience What They Need
If you already have a TpT following, an email list, or social media presence, use it to ask teachers directly what they need.
- Create a Poll on Instagram Stories: Ask followers to vote between two resource ideas.
- Send an Email Survey: Ask teachers what they need most and what gaps they struggle with.
- Check Your TpT Reviews: If customers love a product but request a different version, that’s a great next product idea!
Example: You poll your audience and discover they want interactive notebook versions of your existing science worksheets. That’s an easy next product!
Bonus Tip
The main reason moms and teachers buy on TpT is that it saves them TIME. If you think your product is to easy and can be made with just a few clicks think twice: If you are short on time you most likely spend a few Dollars rather than creating the resource yourself. It doesn't just save you a lot of time upfront it also helps you tremendously in the classroom because you know what you do next! And really, I'm not just speaking of classrooms - it's also perfect for homeschool moms. As a mom I might have another profession than being a teacher but I want to give my best when homeschooling and make sure that my kids learn everything they need. I can easily assure that when I have a PDF created by a teacher based on the curriculum! Is it worth the money? I bet!
How to Turn Ideas Into Profitable TpT Products
Action Steps:
- Research what teachers need using TpT, social media, and reviews.
- Follow educational trends to stay ahead.
- Use keyword research to create products that teachers are actively searching for.
- Expand existing products instead of always starting from scratch.
- Ask your audience what they want, then give it to them!
The best-selling TpT products aren’t just creative—they solve real classroom problems. Start observing, researching, and brainstorming today, and soon you'll have a list of profitable TpT product ideas that teachers can’t wait to buy!
Would you like a step-by-step product planning template to help you organize your ideas? Sign up for the newsletter and I'll send you access to the Library where you can download a printable version 🙂
