BIG Mistake About TPT Search Volume (Popularity Rank)

As a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) seller, understanding how TPT’s search algorithm works can feel like solving a puzzle. Recently, I discovered a huge mistake in how I thought about TPT search volume. This mistake changes the way I optimize products and coach other sellers. If you’ve ever wondered how TPT ranks your products, why some items climb in search results, or how to find the best keywords for your listings, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down.

Finding TPT Search Volume for Free

Did you know you can uncover keyword popularity on TPT without paying for a TPT SEO tool? The process involves using the Inspect feature in your web browser to find TPT’s search engine data. Here’s how it works:

1. Open the TPT website and right-click anywhere on the screen. Select “Inspect” to open the developer tools.
2. Navigate to the “Network” tab, then type “algolia” (TPT’s search engine) into the filter.
3. Search for a term, like “Valentine’s Day,” in the TPT search bar.
4. Click the most recent query, go to the “Preview” tab, and expand the results.
5. Look for the “hits” section under the first result, where you’ll find keywords and their popularity scores.

For example, searching “Valentine’s Day” might show a popularity score of 8,339, while “Valentine’s Day activities” scores lower with 3,285. These numbers reveal how often these keywords are searched. Having this insight helps target the right terms when optimizing your listings.

If this is a new trick for you, go ahead and try it. It’s a quick, free way to add an edge to your TPT SEO efforts.

The Popularity Score Dilemma: 7 Days vs. 30 Days

Originally, I thought TPT’s keyword popularity was based on searches from the last 30 days. After chatting with another data-obsessed TPT seller, though, I learned I was wrong. TPT doesn’t use a 30-day window—it prioritizes the last 7 days.

Why does this matter? Teaching resources are highly seasonal. If popularity were based on a 30-day window, keywords like “New Year’s resolutions” could remain relevant well after January. A 7-day window keeps searches focused on what’s trending right now, better reflecting what teachers want.

To better understand, I tracked the keyword “Valentine’s Day” for a few days leading up to and after February 14th. The popularity score spiked just after Valentine’s Day—on February 15th and 16th—before falling quickly. This pattern makes perfect sense for seasonal terms, ensuring old trends don’t clog relevant searches.

Here’s the key takeaway: TPT SEO prioritizes fresh data. Products with recent activity (like sales or clicks) are more likely to rise in search rankings.

What This Means for Search Rankings

If TPT focuses on 7-day metrics, it indicates short-term performance might play a more substantial role in rankings. Frequent conversions, engagement, or sales in a short window likely give your product a boost. Conversely, products that don’t perform well in the past week may stagnate or lose visibility.

Interestingly, however, it’s not always that simple.

• In one experiment, I ran Facebook ads to drive traffic and achieved 36 sales. This success moved my product from rank #44 to the top 10 in just a few days.
• However, other sellers with high sales have reported no change in rankings.

While it’s clear that sales help, understanding TPT’s ranking system is complicated.

How You Can Use This Insight

Here’s how to take this information and act on it:

• Track Seasonal Trends: Use the free method shared above to monitor keyword popularity for upcoming events or holidays. Stay ahead of what teachers are searching for.
• Focus on Weekly Performance: Push your products through strategies like creating bundles, running promotions, or even using tools like Facebook ads. Keep activity high during peak weeks.
• Choose High-Value Keywords: Target terms with strong, recent popularity scores but manageable competition. The right balance can drive more visibility and sales.

If you want to go even deeper, tools like the Self-Serve Data Tool can provide valuable insights. For $147 a year, this tool helps sellers analyze data trends and optimize listings with precision.

TPT SEO Tools and Tips

Tools are great, but strategy matters more. Once you understand TPT’s focus on recent activity, you can reshuffle your efforts to give your products the best shot. Use TPT SEO tools to identify trending terms, and consider running short campaigns around seasonal spikes. Equally important, keep experimenting. What works today may not work tomorrow if TPT adjusts its search algorithm.

Wrapping It Up

Mistakes are part of the process. Learning why TPT uses a 7-day keyword window instead of 30 days changed how I approach search optimization. It reminded me that nothing about TPT SEO is static—there’s always more to learn, test, and improve. Stay informed, adapt your strategy, and don’t be afraid to try new approaches.

What’s your biggest challenge with TPT SEO? Drop a comment or check out more resources to keep growing your store. Happy selling!