Tuesday’s TPT Tip

Here is our last (but certainly not least) TPT Tip in our series. I hope you’ve enjoyed and benefited from these tips (I know I have)! Today’s post is from Whitney. She’s addressing an important concept this week: Quantity Vs. Quality. Make sure to check out her blog Let’s Talk!

• Cute, eye-catching cover pages are important! Many times when looking for a particular product, teachers use the search engine on TPT to search for a specific word. They scroll through pages of items, many of them with similar titles. It’s just a fact that buyers give more attention to products that have cute cover pages. In addition, whether you realize it or not, many people “pin” your products on Pinterest. An attractive cover page gets re-pinned and shared WAY more than just a blank white page with a title.

• Having attractive “content” pages are important, too. Using cute clipart, unique (but easily readable) fonts, straight lines, etc. are just as important here as they are on the cover page, for the same reasons, of course!

• In addition to your product being “cute,” the content should be quality work as well. Whether you are an SLP or a teacher, it is expected that your work be grammar and typo-free. Having someone to proofread your work and make suggestions on both grammar AND content is very important. Sometimes, what you are saying or asking in your product makes sense to you, but may not read as easily to someone else. Look for proofreaders that will take their time, be thorough, and not be afraid to make suggestions, even if you decide not to take their advice!

• Copyright and credit are crucial! Including a copyright clause in your product is very important. If you don’t specify how your products can be shared (or not), you might find your products copied, shared online, or worse! In addition, most graphic sellers require credit be given in your product. Taking the time to credit everyone appropriately not only helps you follow copyright laws, but also shows you are dedicated to creating quality products in the correct way.

• Product descriptions should be specific! When a buyer is looking for a product on TPT, they don’t have the luxury of trying on the item or flipping through the pages before they buy. The pictures you share or your product description has to be able to “sell” your product! It is important to take your time to describe in detail not only what is included (number of pages, number of cards on each page, who the product can be used for, etc.), but also HOW they can use the different activities. I like to include detailed product descriptions in both my actual product and in the product description page on TPT.

• Detailed directions are needed for your products. Not everyone knows how to play barrier games! Don’t assume your buyers will know how to utilize your materials. And don’t be afraid to list several different ways to use the products (matching game, flash cards, etc.) Products that are easily adaptable are a better investment to buyers than those products which can only be used in one way.

• Feedback is your friend! Feedback on TPT is pretty much your lifeline. If you are consistently receiving good feedback, you’re more than likely doing a good job with quality. However, this works in the opposite way as well. I encourage my buyers to leave detailed feedback, as it helps me know what they are thinking. Feedback about typos or grammatical errors is great and easily correctable; however, specific feedback requesting additional games, cards, or product pages is even better, because it tells you exactly what the buyer is looking for.

• Find your niche! As SLPs, we frequently work on the exact same goals. Everyone has students on their caseload working on following directions, vocabulary, and pronouns, so there are lots of these kinds of products out there. It’s wonderful to be able to find 100 different pronoun activities for 100 different themes. However, taking the time to think of or come up with unique activities is great, too. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!