TeachersPayTeachers: Thoughts from a Rookie

This blog post is dedicated to my experience with Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT.) I created my "store" a few years ago when I made an art-specific reflection sheet for students because I couldn't find anything I liked when I searched the internet for a similar form.
I didn't know anything about how TpT works but figured I would reside in a little corner of the market as I had a different style of both the look of my resources and the resources themselves than anything I'd seen online. But then after figuring out all of the account bits and uploading bits, I found out my unique Self-Reflection Sheet had to be uploaded as my Free Download. Being busy teaching, that took the wind out of my sails. So I uploaded it and left my TpT account sitting for a few years. 

Cue 2020 and the move to virtual learning. Again, searching the internet for resources I needed in my classroom left me empty-handed. So I started making them. And realized it might be a good time to give TpT another try. I spent a few days watching Youtube videos from prominent TpT store owners and figured out how to upload my snazzy new Online Resources and waited for the money to come rolling in. Which didn't happen. 

I knew to expect a slow start since I didn't have many products and wasn't willing to pay for advertising. But I didn't expect it to be that slow. I sold two or three products in as many months which was discouraging. And then seeing the cut I got after TpT took their share was disheartening.
I almost quit on it again. 
But after a few more sales came in I decided to make a few more products and give it one last go.
Here are some stats and thoughts for those of you wondering if you should start up:

• I paid the $60 yearly membership to earn more of a cut. A free account will get you 45-49% of your profits back. A paid membership, gives you 80% of your profits back. Meaning a $5 product only gives you around $2.45 on the free account, and $4.00 with the membership. 
  
• My best sellers are my unit plans. I have a 12 lesson Digital Photography Unit priced at $6 that is my highest seller. After that is a 4 lesson Optical Illusion Unit at $3.50 and an Elements of Art Drawing Unit for $4.
• I have tried my best to keep the descriptions and thumbnails consistent. I have linked some of my products in other product descriptions. I tried to make a few pins on Pinterest, but don't really know my way around that platform. I made a video preview but then was told by the TpT Help Desk that video previews are not yet allowed for Online Resources. I have not yet paid for advertisement though I'd love the help to get the shop up and running (more followers and ratings help get your shop featured in searches, I believe.) 
• I've currently made $91.19, leaving me with $31.19 of profit as the first $60 just goes back to covering my membership. It does seem like a risk to pay for advertising when I'm not sure how fruitful it will be. I am unwilling to create a blog, Youtube channel, or email newsletter. I don't want TpT to become another side gig. I would just like my high-quality products to bring in a bit of pocket change each month. 
• I only put up products that I make and use in my personal teaching. I am a few lessons away from completing another 12 lesson unit that I'm excited to post, so maybe I'll advertise then. So far, I've just posted some of my free resources in the Art Teacher Facebook groups I'm in.

Some questions for those of you out there using TpT with any success:
1. Do you pay for advertising?
2. Do you make products that you don't use in your classroom?
3. How much time does an average product take for you?
4. Are there small tricks or tips that you would be willing to share?
5. Over the years, has it been worth it to pay the membership each year? Does material that is popular now tend to stay popular (or once a material starts selling, does it usually keep selling?)

Would love to hear any feedback or questions from other teachers!
The things we do to supplement our salaries :)
Blessings,
​j​