All About TPT Previews: Why They Matter and What to Include on TPT Chats

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably asked yourself at some point:
“Do I really need to make a TPT preview for this product?”

Spoiler alert: Yes. Yes, you do.

We used to think TPT previews were optional. Time-consuming. Just one more thing on the never-ending to-do list. But over time (and a whole lot of trial and error), we realized they’re one of the most important pieces of your product listing.

Here’s the deal—a preview isn’t just a sneak peek; it’s a decision-making tool. It’s what gives your buyers confidence that your resource is what they need. When done right, previews answer questions before they’re asked, highlight the value of your resource, and increase your conversions.

What Should You Actually Put in a TPT Preview?

This was a big aha moment for us: your preview is not just page after page of your PDF. Instead, it should act more like a sales page. One that’s visual, clear, and quick to scroll.

As we said in the episode:

“You’re not just showing what’s inside. You’re showing why it matters.”

Here are a few things we always include now:

A quick visual overview of what’s inside (we love using icons or thumbnails!)
One or two sample pages (enough to showcase quality, not enough to give it all away)
A short blurb highlighting how it saves teachers time or engages students
And always, always remove anything that says “PREVIEW” across the middle—it distracts from your actual content

But What If You Have 100 Products and No Previews?

Don’t panic. We’ve both been there. Our advice? Start with your bestsellers or anything getting consistent views but low conversions. Those are the listings most likely to benefit from a preview glow-up.

Once you get in a rhythm, it becomes second nature—and honestly, kind of fun.

Our Best Tip? Think Like a Teacher

Put yourself in buyer mode. If you were teaching tired on a Sunday night and browsing TPT, what would you need to see to click “Add to Cart”? That’s what your preview should deliver.

And if you ever feel stuck, remember: