The CEO Teacher Podcast: Episode Summary Title: The First 5 Steps to Selling Your Lessons Online
Host: Kayse Morris
Release Date: November 27, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The CEO Teacher Podcast, host Kayse Morris delves into the foundational steps educators can take to successfully sell their lesson plans online. Aimed at both novices and those struggling to generate substantial income from their existing teacher resources, Kayse provides actionable strategies to transform teaching expertise into a thriving online business.

Step 1: Decide What to Sell and Who to Sell It To

Kayse emphasizes the critical importance of narrowing down your niche. She advises educators to focus on specific grade levels or subjects to avoid scattering efforts and diluting their brand.

“You can be good at anything or you can be great at one thing.” ([02:15])

Using her own experience, Kayse transitioned from a broad range of resources to specializing in K-8 lesson plans, which allowed her to become known for her expertise in that area. She draws parallels to companies like Chick-fil-A, highlighting how a strong focus on customer experience can turn a simple product into a movement.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify Your Niche: Concentrate on a specific grade level or subject area.
• Specialize to Stand Out: Becoming an expert in a niche differentiates you from the competition.
• Customer Experience Matters: Focus on delivering exceptional value to your target audience.

Step 2: Brand Your Teacher Business

Branding is more than just a name; it’s about defining who you are and what you offer. Kayse shares her journey of rebranding from "Teaching on Less" to "The CEO Teacher," illustrating the importance of a brand name that communicates purpose and value.

“When you confuse, you lose.” ([08:45])

She warns against using vague or purely catchy names that don’t convey the essence of your business. Instead, opt for a name that clearly indicates who you are and who you serve, enhancing your brand’s clarity and recognition.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose a Meaningful Name: Ensure your brand name reflects your mission and audience.
• Consistency is Key: Maintain a cohesive brand identity across all platforms.
• Clarity Resonates: A clear brand name helps potential customers understand your offerings instantly.

Step 3: Learn the Foundations of True Graphic Design

In a visually saturated online market, standing out aesthetically is crucial. Kayse encourages teachers to elevate their graphic design skills beyond basic clip art to create unique and professional visuals.

“Teachers are perfectly designed to be creative.” ([12:30])

She suggests leveraging tools like Canva and creating templates that reflect your brand’s identity. By investing time in learning design principles, educators can produce visually appealing resources that capture attention and convey quality.

Key Takeaways:

• Enhance Visual Appeal: Invest in learning graphic design to create standout resources.
• Use Professional Tools: Utilize platforms like Canva to design consistent and attractive visuals.
• Maintain Creativity: Let your unique teaching style shine through your designs.

Step 4: Design Your Resources

Creating high-quality, marketable resources is a blend of creativity and strategic planning. Kayse outlines the importance of not just designing beautiful products but also understanding the behind-the-scenes elements that drive sales, such as search engine optimization (SEO).

“Creating a product doesn't mean it's going to sell.” ([18:20])

She highlights the need for detailed research on what educators are searching for and how to optimize product listings to rank higher in search results. This dual focus on aesthetics and functionality ensures that resources are both appealing and discoverable.

Key Takeaways:

• Conduct Market Research: Identify the needs and preferences of your target audience.
• Optimize for Search Engines: Use SEO techniques to make your products easily discoverable.
• Balance Beauty and Function: Ensure your resources are both visually appealing and practically useful.

Step 5: Design Your Online Shop

The final step involves setting up an effective online storefront. Whether using established platforms like Etsy or Shopify or building your own website, Kayse stresses the importance of creating a user-friendly and professional shop that reflects your brand.

“Your platform is going to give you some street credibility and allow you to test the waters.” ([25:10])

She reassures educators that starting their own online store is manageable and encourages them to focus on their unique teaching methodologies as a selling point. Building a recognizable and trustworthy online presence is essential for long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose the Right Platform: Select an online marketplace that aligns with your business goals.
• Create a Professional Storefront: Ensure your shop is easy to navigate and visually cohesive.
• Leverage Your Unique Approach: Highlight what makes your teaching resources unique to attract customers.

Conclusion

Kayse Morris wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of these five steps in building a successful online teacher business. She invites listeners to join the waitlist for her revamped Transform Your Resources course, promising comprehensive support and resources to implement these strategies effectively.

“Are you making the money that you want to be making? If the answer is no, it just means not yet.” ([04:50])

Kayse empowers educators to take actionable steps towards turning their passion into a profitable venture, emphasizing that with the right tools and mindset, their best is yet to come.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for teachers looking to monetize their lesson plans and educational resources. By following the structured five-step approach, educators can streamline their efforts, enhance their brand, and ultimately achieve sustainable online success.

For more insights and resources, listeners are encouraged to visit kaysemorris.com and join the vibrant community of over 3,000 educational entrepreneurs within the CEO Teacher® movement.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “You can be good at anything or you can be great at one thing.” ([02:15])
• “When you confuse, you lose.” ([08:45])
• “Teachers are perfectly designed to be creative.” ([12:30])
• “Creating a product doesn't mean it's going to sell.” ([18:20])
• “Your platform is going to give you some street credibility and allow you to test the waters.” ([25:10])
• “Are you making the money that you want to be making? If the answer is no, it just means not yet.” ([04:50])

Connect with Kayse Morris:

• Website: kaysemorris.com
• Instagram: @kaysemorris

Remember, transforming your teaching expertise into a successful online business is within reach. Stay tuned to The CEO Teacher Podcast for more strategies and inspirational stories to guide your entrepreneurial journey.