4: 3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)

Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is a great resource and obviously popular, however, it’s not the most profitable way for someone to sell their own resources. The best way to really maximize your profits and build better relationships with your customers is by selling through your own website. But why?
This episode will shift your thinking and hopefully set you on a path to create a life-giving teacher biz that is much more profitable than selling on TPT. There is a HUGE market for teacher resources! Listen now to learn how utilizing your own website gives you more control and can make you way more money!
Key Takeaways:
- (02:33) TPT is not the most profitable option
- (04:31) You’re actually losing money by selling on TPT
- (10:21) The importance of building your community
- (15:11) Building an email list
- (18:40) Staying in control of your own business
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3 Reasons to Sell Your Products on Your Own Website (not on TPT!)
In the ever-evolving landscape of online businesses, it’s essential for teachers to explore alternative avenues to monetize their expertise and resources. While platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers have played a significant role in fueling the passion of educators turned entrepreneurs, there is a more profitable approach worth considering – selling on your own website.
In this episode of the Teacher Biz Podcast, Heather enlightens us on why this shift in mindset is crucial and reveals three compelling reasons to explore this path.
Reason #1: Maximize Earnings on Your Terms
One of the fundamental advantages of selling your products on your own website is the fact that you get to keep all the money you make from your sales. Unlike Teachers Pay Teachers, where a portion of your earnings goes to the platform, this approach allows for total control over your financial success.
While there may be small payment processing fees associated with services like PayPal or Stripe, they are negligible in comparison to the percentage deducted by other platforms.
Heather provides a thought-provoking breakdown of the financial implications of using Teachers Pay Teachers.
As a premium seller paying a hefty $60 fee per year, you retain 80% of your sales while the platform pockets the remaining 20%. This means that, for every $10 product sold, you give up $2 in favor of Teachers Pay Teachers, leaving you with just $8. Over time, this adds up considerably.
Alternatively, opting for the free plan decreases your earnings even further, as you split the sale in half with the platform, keeping just 55%.
Reason #2: Maintain Unparalleled Control
By selling on your own website, you are the sole proprietor of your business, affording you unparalleled control and autonomy. You determine the branding, design, and functionality of your online store, providing a cohesive and professional experience for your customers.
This level of control extends to factors like pricing, marketing strategies, and customer service, allowing you to build a loyal customer base and tailor your offerings to their specific needs.
While Teachers Pay Teachers offers a convenient platform, it limits your ability to express your unique brand and hinders your control over critical business decisions.
By choosing to operate on your own website, you eliminate these restrictions and position yourself for long-term success.
Reason #3: Nurture Long-Term Profitability
Building a profitable online business is a goal shared by many teacher entrepreneurs.
Selling on your own website opens up opportunities for long-term profitability. As you establish your brand and build a following, repeat customers and word-of-mouth recommendations become potential sources of sustainable revenue.
With the right marketing strategies and a focus on customer satisfaction, you can cultivate a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more.
Moreover, retaining all the profits from your sales allows you to reinvest in your business, continuously improving your products, expanding your offerings, and implementing effective promotional campaigns. This reinvestment strengthens your position in the market and allows you to adapt to changing trends and customer demands.
As the education sector continues to embrace the digital age, teacher entrepreneurs must adapt their business models to stay competitive.
Heather’s insightful episode on the Teacher Biz Podcast sheds light on the undeniable advantages of selling on your own website. By maximizing your earnings, maintaining control, and nurturing long-term profitability, you can unleash your potential as a teacher entrepreneur and build a thriving online business.
So, take the leap, harness your creativity, and start reaping the rewards of your hard work and expertise. Here’s to your success in transforming your teacher biz into an unstoppable force in the online marketplace!