What is SEO for TpT Sellers?
Inside: These are my best tips understanding SEO for TeachersPayTeachers (TpT) Sellers
When I ask my clients what they're doing about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for their stores, I frequently hear excuses why they aren't focusing on it right now. They're not confident on what to do, don't see it's importance, or have no idea what it even is.
SEO has become this boogie monster for years now, and it really doesn't have to be.
Search Engine Optimization (or SEO for short) is what search engines use to sort your content so they can show the best possible results to people searching online.
TeachersPayTeachers (TpT) is a great platform for selling educational resources, but it can be tough to stand out from the crowd — but don't worry, I'll walk you through it.
Here's a quick guide to help you:

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What is SEO TpT?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) on TeachersPayTeachers (TpT) is using keywords and phrases to be sure buyers can find you on search engines.
Think of it as giving clients ample opportunity to find you. They likely won't be searching for your store specifically, they'll be searching for a product they want to use, or a certain standard they want to address.
With SEO, they'll be able to easily find what they're looking for . . . but if you want to be easily found, you'll have to understand how.
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Very basically, SEO is just giving your resources the best chance to be found on Teachers Pay Teachers (or any search engine)and potentially get new customers. You're OPTIMIZING your products and descriptions to be very clear to search engines that your product is the keyword you're going for.
SEO is a great way to get more eyes on your products, which can lead to more sales, meaning more money in your pocket.
Optimizing your products is something you shouldn't sleep on. The best time to start is yesterday, but the next best time to start is right now.
How Do Teachers Pay Teachers Do SEO?
Think about the last time you were looking for a product on TpT. You went onto their web site, you went to the search bar, and you began typing what you were looking for.
TeachersPayTeachers (and Google!) will try to guess what you're typing, and will begin to autofill what it thinks you are saying. This is based on what you have previously searched, and what is currently being searched on the Web site.
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Let's say for instance, you want to find a word search. You'll begin typing in “word search” on the search bar, and then TpT will give you different options.
I added a screenshot below of what my search showed me.
I took this screenshot in October, so if it's another time for you, you'll get different results. People won't be searching for Halloween Word Searches in May. You can go on TeachersPayTeachers right now and see what pops up on search today.

As you can see, there are a few suggestions that TpT offers, including Halloween, Fall, Autumn, and US Constitution.
If Teachers Pay Teachers is offering it as a suggestion, this means that people are currently searching it on their site.
So now, let's pretend you have already created this product. You have a Halloween Word Search that you created, and you want people to be able to find it.
You know now that there are searches on TpT for Halloween Word Search, so make sure you have that phrase in your title, the first few sentences of your product description, and very clearly throughout your description.
Use Search to Research New Product Ideas
I love the TpT search bar, I use it to brainstorm new product ideas, collect ideas for updating product lines, and seeing what's currently trending.
It's incredibly useful, I had no idea when I first began selling how much I would use it.
Don't Add Too Many Keywords
The important thing with optimizing for search is to only use what is relevant. If you have a Halloween Word Search, you wouldn't add extra keywords like “US Constitution Word Search” just because it's on the suggestions. ONLY add a keyword if it represents what you're selling.
If you add too many keywords, search engines won't know what to categorize your product as. Is it a word search for fall, Halloween, or the US Constitution?
There is no benefit to making a product titled “Autumn Word Search, Halloween Word Search, Fall Word Search”. This is called keyword stuffing, and TeachersPayTeachers doesn't like it, it doesn't support it, and you will likely suffer in the search engines if this is what your title will look like.
It's not just titles, don't stuff keywords into your description either.
There are so many different ways to add in keywords to your description, stuffing isn't necessary.
How Do You Do SEO on TpT?
To Optimize your products for SEO pick a relevant keyword or phrase, add it to your title, and then use the keyword naturally in your description while you describe exactly what buyers will receive if they purchase your product.
How do you naturally include keywords in your description?
You have to be very clear in your description. This isn't just about search engines anymore, it's about making sure your products are well represented, and you eliminate all questions your potential clients will have.
If they have a question about a product, they're less likely to buy it.
Give them all the information they need, who is it for, what is included, any topics included in your product, the benefits and features, as well as what they'll be receiving.
Be specific.
Tell them if it's a PDF, or a set of slides.
Talk about what problems it will solve, or ways to use it, this is a simple way to add keywords. You can add things like “use these for sub plans” or “this set of word searches are great for classroom parties or quiet work while you're performing assessments”.
It's best to be as specific as possible when you're writing out your description. I have a great template you can have for free inside my Facebook group:
Looking for more advice about selling on TeachersPayTeachers or creating resources?

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