108: How to Turn Your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Preview Into a Sales Tool
Wed Feb 04 2026
If your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) resources are getting views but not sales, there’s a good chance your preview file is the missing piece. What if one simple update could dramatically increase your conversion rate without creating a single new product?
In this episode, Lindsay breaks down why your preview file is one of the most important parts of any Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) listing and how to use it strategically to help buyers confidently say yes. From common mistakes sellers make to what high converting previews actually include, this episode walks you through exactly how to turn your preview into a true sales asset, not just a formality.
Key Discussion Points:
[00:00:41] Why Preview Files Matter More Than You Think
The surprising difference in conversion rates between listings with previews and those without, and why previews act as a test drive for digital resources.
[00:01:45] How Buyers Actually Move Through a TPT Listing
Understanding the full customer journey from search results to purchase, and where the preview fits into that decision making process.
[00:03:03] The Role of Covers, Thumbnails, and Previews
How keywords get buyers found, covers earn the click, and previews close the sale.
[00:04:21] Why You Should Never Upload Your Actual Resource
The risks of using watermarked resources as previews and why this outdated practice hurts sales.
[00:06:05] Selling the Value, Not Just Showing the Product
How to use your preview to explain what’s included, why it matters, and how it makes a teacher’s life easier.
[00:06:46] The Best Size and Format for Preview Files
Why 16 by 9 previews work better than standard paper sizes and how they improve the browsing experience.
[00:07:24] What to Include Inside a High Converting Preview
Key sections to add, including what’s included, why teachers will love it, topics covered, and selling points.
[00:08:53] Using Testimonials and Social Proof in Previews
When and how to add reviews to your preview files, and when they are not necessary.
[00:09:17] Linking to Bundles and Bigger Offers
How to ethically upsell bundles inside preview files and track clicks using TPT links.
[00:10:21] Should You Add Terms of Use to Your Preview?
A legal perspective on whether terms of use belong in previews and what Lindsay currently recommends.
[00:11:23] Preview Strategy for High Ticket Products
How previews change when you’re selling a full curriculum versus a low cost resource.
[00:11:41] PDF Previews vs Video Previews
Why PDF previews often outperform video previews and where video still makes sense.
[00:14:35] Creating a Reusable Preview Template in Canva
How to build one master preview template in Canva to save time and keep branding consistent.
[00:15:46] Protecting Answer Keys Inside Previews
Why you should blur answer keys and how to prevent students from misusing your previews.
[00:16:48] Final Best Practice for Every Paid Resource
The non negotiable rule every TPT seller should follow when uploading paid products.
Resources Mentioned:
TPT Preview Template: https://learn.lindsaybowden.com/preview
Connect further:
Download my TPT Income Report: https://www.lindsaybowden.com/incomeEarn 3-4 figures per month on TPT | https://lindsaybowden.com/startStart or grow your TPT email list | https://lindsaybowden.com/emailspan class="ql-ui"...
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If your Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) resources are getting views but not sales, there’s a good chance your preview file is the missing piece. What if one simple update could dramatically increase your conversion rate without creating a single new product? In this episode, Lindsay breaks down why your preview file is one of the most important parts of any Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) listing and how to use it strategically to help buyers confidently say yes. From common mistakes sellers make to what high converting previews actually include, this episode walks you through exactly how to turn your preview into a true sales asset, not just a formality. Key Discussion Points: [00:00:41] Why Preview Files Matter More Than You Think The surprising difference in conversion rates between listings with previews and those without, and why previews act as a test drive for digital resources. [00:01:45] How Buyers Actually Move Through a TPT Listing Understanding the full customer journey from search results to purchase, and where the preview fits into that decision making process. [00:03:03] The Role of Covers, Thumbnails, and Previews How keywords get buyers found, covers earn the click, and previews close the sale. [00:04:21] Why You Should Never Upload Your Actual Resource The risks of using watermarked resources as previews and why this outdated practice hurts sales. [00:06:05] Selling the Value, Not Just Showing the Product How to use your preview to explain what’s included, why it matters, and how it makes a teacher’s life easier. [00:06:46] The Best Size and Format for Preview Files Why 16 by 9 previews work better than standard paper sizes and how they improve the browsing experience. [00:07:24] What to Include Inside a High Converting Preview Key sections to add, including what’s included, why teachers will love it, topics covered, and selling points. [00:08:53] Using Testimonials and Social Proof in Previews When and how to add reviews to your preview files, and when they are not necessary. [00:09:17] Linking to Bundles and Bigger Offers How to ethically upsell bundles inside preview files and track clicks using TPT links. [00:10:21] Should You Add Terms of Use to Your Preview? A legal perspective on whether terms of use belong in previews and what Lindsay currently recommends. [00:11:23] Preview Strategy for High Ticket Products How previews change when you’re selling a full curriculum versus a low cost resource. [00:11:41] PDF Previews vs Video Previews Why PDF previews often outperform video previews and where video still makes sense. [00:14:35] Creating a Reusable Preview Template in Canva How to build one master preview template in Canva to save time and keep branding consistent. [00:15:46] Protecting Answer Keys Inside Previews Why you should blur answer keys and how to prevent students from misusing your previews. [00:16:48] Final Best Practice for Every Paid Resource The non negotiable rule every TPT seller should follow when uploading paid products. Resources Mentioned: TPT Preview Template: https://learn.lindsaybowden.com/preview Connect further: Download my TPT Income Report: https://www.lindsaybowden.com/incomeEarn 3-4 figures per month on TPT | https://lindsaybowden.com/startStart or grow your TPT email list | https://lindsaybowden.com/emailspan class="ql-ui"...