How to Sell Canva Templates: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Earning Online
In today’s digital landscape, visual content reigns supreme. From captivating social media posts to professional marketing materials, the demand for appealing designs is ever-increasing. Canva, with its intuitive interface and vast library of design elements, has emerged as a go-to platform for individuals and businesses alike to create stunning visuals with ease. For those with a knack for design, this presents a unique opportunity: selling Canva templates. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, transforming your creative skills into a reliable source of online income.
Why Sell Canva Templates?
Venturing into selling Canva templates offers a multitude of benefits for bloggers and creatives seeking to monetize their skills. The prospect of generating income with relative ease, coupled with the flexibility and scalability of this venture, makes it an attractive option for many.1
Passive Income
One of the most compelling reasons to sell Canva templates is the potential for passive income. Unlike traditional service-based work that requires constant active engagement, creating a template is a one-time effort that can yield returns repeatedly. Once a template is designed and listed for sale, it can be purchased by numerous customers, generating income even while you are focusing on other tasks or enjoying downtime.1 This model allows for financial freedom and the ability to earn money without constantly trading time for it.
Flexibility
Selling Canva templates provides remarkable flexibility. You have the freedom to choose the types of templates you want to create, catering to your interests and expertise.1 You can set your own design schedule, work from anywhere with an internet connection, and manage your online shop according to your own preferences.1 This autonomy is particularly appealing to individuals seeking a better work-life balance and control over their professional endeavors.
Scalability
The business of selling Canva templates offers significant scalability. As you become more experienced and identify in-demand niches, you can expand your product offerings by creating a wider variety of templates.1 Furthermore, you can broaden your reach by listing your templates on multiple platforms, tapping into different customer bases and increasing your potential for sales growth.1 This capacity for expansion allows your business to evolve and your income to potentially increase over time.
Minimal Costs
Starting a Canva template business typically involves minimal upfront costs. Canva offers a free plan that provides access to a wide range of design tools and elements, allowing you to begin creating templates without any initial financial investment.1 While a Canva Pro subscription offers additional features and access to a larger library of premium elements, it is not strictly necessary to get started. Moreover, many selling platforms offer free or low-cost options for listing your digital products, making this a financially accessible venture for many aspiring online entrepreneurs.
High Demand
The widespread adoption of Canva as a user-friendly design tool has created a significant demand for pre-designed templates.1 Individuals and businesses across various industries are constantly seeking visually appealing content for their social media, marketing materials, and personal projects. This consistent need for ready-to-use designs translates into a substantial market opportunity for those willing to create and sell Canva templates that cater to these demands.
What Kind of Canva Templates Can You Sell?
The versatility of Canva allows for the creation of templates across a vast spectrum of categories, catering to diverse needs and interests. Identifying popular and in-demand template types is a crucial step in establishing a successful selling venture.1
Social Media Templates
Social media platforms are the lifeblood of online presence for individuals and businesses alike, creating a constant demand for visually engaging content. Templates for platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube are consistently popular.1 This category encompasses a wide range of templates, including those for posts, stories, banners, and thumbnails. The sheer volume of social media users and the frequency with which they need fresh content ensures a steady market for well-designed and easy-to-use social media templates.
Business Templates
Businesses of all sizes require professional-looking materials for their branding and marketing efforts. Canva templates that cater to these needs are highly sought after. This includes templates for presentations, flyers, brochures, business cards, invoices, proposals, media kits, and comprehensive branding kits.1 Canva’s accessibility makes it an attractive option for businesses that may not have dedicated design teams, creating a significant opportunity for template sellers who can provide efficient and visually appealing solutions.
Planner and Journal Templates
The focus on personal organization, productivity, and well-being has fueled a strong demand for both digital and printable planner and journal templates.4 This category includes daily, weekly, and monthly planners, habit trackers, specialized journals for various purposes like gratitude or fitness, and even digital planners designed for use with apps like GoodNotes and Notability. The desire for structure and self-improvement drives the popularity of these templates.
Ebook Templates
With the rise of digital publishing and the increasing need for lead magnets and digital products, professionally designed ebook templates are in high demand.6 These templates include cover pages, chapter layouts, content formatting templates, and even workbook templates. Authors, bloggers, and businesses looking to create visually appealing and reader-friendly ebooks find these templates invaluable for streamlining their publishing process.
Wedding and Event Templates
Personalized and visually driven stationery for weddings and other events remains a popular category. Canva templates for invitations, save-the-dates, RSVP cards, thank you notes, seating charts, menus, and other event-related designs are consistently in demand.4 The desire for unique and aesthetically pleasing event materials, coupled with Canva’s ease of customization, makes these templates a preferred choice for many.
Other Niche Templates
Beyond these broad categories, there are numerous other niche template opportunities to explore. These include templates for resumes, worksheets for educators, photography portfolios, podcast cover art, and many more.1 Identifying underserved niches and catering to specific needs can be a highly effective strategy for standing out in the market.2 By focusing on a particular audience or industry, you can create highly targeted templates that resonate strongly with potential customers.
| Template Category | Examples | Potential Target Audience | Snippet IDs |
| Social Media | Instagram Post Templates, Pinterest Pin Templates, Facebook Cover Templates, YouTube Banner Templates | Social Media Managers, Influencers, Small Business Owners, Bloggers | 1 |
| Business | Presentation Templates, Flyer Templates, Brochure Templates, Business Card Templates, Invoice Templates | Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Marketing Professionals, Consultants | 1 |
| Planner & Journal | Daily Planners, Weekly Planners, Monthly Planners, Habit Trackers, Gratitude Journals, Fitness Planners | Individuals seeking organization, Students, Professionals, Health & Wellness Enthusiasts | 4 |
| Ebook | Ebook Cover Templates, Chapter Layout Templates, Workbook Templates, Lead Magnet Templates | Authors, Bloggers, Marketers, Coaches, Course Creators | 6 |
| Wedding & Event | Wedding Invitation Suites, Save-the-Date Templates, RSVP Card Templates, Thank You Note Templates | Couples planning weddings, Event Planners, Party Hosts | 4 |
| Other Niche | Resume Templates, Worksheet Templates, Photography Portfolio Templates, Podcast Cover Art Templates | Job Seekers, Teachers, Photographers, Podcasters, Niche-Specific Professionals & Enthusiasts | 1 |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sell Canva Templates
Embarking on the journey of selling Canva templates involves a series of well-defined steps, from the initial creation to the final marketing efforts. Following this guide will provide a solid foundation for success.
Step 1: Creating Your Canva Templates
The cornerstone of your selling venture is the quality and appeal of your Canva templates. This involves careful planning and design execution.
Choosing a Niche and Identifying In-Demand Templates
Before diving into design, it is essential to conduct thorough market research. Explore platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, and even Canva itself to understand what types of templates are currently trending and selling well.1 Utilize keyword research tools to identify popular search terms related to “canva templates” and specific categories.4 Analyze the offerings of your potential competitors to pinpoint gaps in the market and opportunities to create unique and valuable designs.7 Understanding the existing demand will significantly increase the likelihood of your templates resonating with customers.
Designing Effective Templates with a Focus on Simplicity and Customization
When designing your templates, prioritize simplicity and ease of customization. Aim for clean and uncluttered layouts with ample white space to enhance readability.1 Employ a cohesive color scheme, carefully selected font pairings, and consistent design elements to achieve a professional and polished aesthetic.1 Incorporate placeholders for text and images to make it intuitive for buyers to personalize the templates with their own content.12 Ensure that your templates are versatile enough to adapt to different content requirements and brand styles, appealing to a broader audience.1
Using Free and Pro Elements and Understanding Licensing
Canva offers both free and Pro elements for design. It is crucial to understand the implications of using Pro elements in templates that you intend to sell.7 Customers using the free version of Canva will not have access to Pro elements unless they purchase them individually or upgrade to a Pro account.7 To avoid potential issues, it is generally recommended to either stick to free elements in your templates or clearly state in your product description if Pro elements are used and will be required by the buyer.7 Furthermore, remember that you cannot simply resell Canva’s existing templates; your designs must be original creations.3 Familiarizing yourself with Canva’s licensing agreements is essential for avoiding legal complications and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Saving Your Design as a Canva Template Link
The standard method for delivering editable Canva templates to customers is by sharing a special template link. Once your design is finalized, navigate to the “Share” button in the top right corner of the Canva editor.3 From the dropdown menu, select “Template link” or “Share a link to use as template”.3 This will generate a unique link that, when clicked by a customer, will prompt them to create a copy of your template in their own Canva account, leaving your original design untouched.7
Step 2: Setting Up Your Selling Platform
Choosing the right platform to sell your Canva templates is a critical decision that will impact your reach, revenue, and overall business operations. Several options are available, each with its own set of features and considerations.
Exploring Different Platforms
- Etsy: Etsy is a popular online marketplace, particularly well-suited for selling digital products like Canva templates.1 It offers a built-in audience of buyers actively searching for creative goods, making it a good starting point for beginners. However, Etsy charges listing fees and transaction fees on each sale.1
- Creative Market: Creative Market is another prominent marketplace known for its focus on high-quality design assets, including Canva templates.1 It attracts a design-savvy audience and can potentially command higher prices for your templates. However, Creative Market typically has a higher commission rate compared to some other platforms.10
- Your Own Website: Selling Canva templates through your own website offers the greatest degree of control over your branding, pricing, and customer experience.1 Platforms like Shopify 3 and WordPress with WooCommerce 2 or Easy Digital Downloads 29 provide the tools to create your own online store. While this option offers the highest profit potential and control, it also requires more effort in terms of self-promotion and driving traffic to your site.21
- Other Platforms: Various other platforms cater to selling digital products, including Design Bundles, Design Cuts, SendOwl, Ko-fi, Gumroad, and even Canva’s own template library.3 Each platform has its own unique features, audience, and fee structures, so it’s worth exploring these options to find the best fit for your specific needs and business model.
| Selling Platform | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Snippet IDs |
| Etsy | Built-in audience, user-friendly for beginners | Large user base, easy to start | Fees for listing and transactions, competition | 1 |
| Creative Market | Focus on high-quality design assets | Design-focused audience, potential for higher prices | Higher commission rates | 1 |
| Shopify | Full control over branding and customer experience | Highly customizable, integrates with various apps | Requires a monthly subscription fee, responsibility for marketing | 3 |
| WordPress (WooCommerce/EDD) | Integration with a popular website platform | Full control, wide range of plugins for customization | Requires hosting and domain, responsibility for marketing | 2 |
| Sellfy | All-in-one platform for selling digital products | Easy to use, built-in marketing tools, handles payment processing and delivery | Subscription plans with varying features | 1 |
| Flodesk | Focus on beautiful landing pages and email marketing | User-friendly interface, seamless integration for sales and delivery | Primarily focused on landing pages and email marketing | 24 |
Setting Up Your Shop and Payment Methods
Once you have chosen your selling platform, the next step is to set up your shop. This typically involves creating an account, providing necessary business information, and customizing your storefront to reflect your brand.1 A crucial aspect of setting up your shop is configuring your payment methods. You will need to connect your preferred payment gateways, such as Stripe and PayPal, to your account to enable you to receive payments from your customers.1 Ensure that you understand the fees associated with each payment gateway.
Step 3: Listing Your Templates for Sale
With your shop established, the next crucial step is to create compelling and informative listings for your Canva templates. This involves optimizing your product titles and descriptions for search engines, showcasing your templates with high-quality visuals, and determining a competitive yet profitable pricing strategy.
Writing SEO-Friendly and Compelling Product Titles
Your product titles are the first point of contact with potential customers, making it essential to optimize them for search engines. Incorporate relevant keywords, such as “canva templates” along with specific template types like “social media templates” or “wedding invitation templates,” into your titles.4 Aim for titles that are clear, concise, and immediately grab the attention of your target audience.4 If space permits, consider including a key benefit or unique feature of your template in the title to further entice clicks.4 Well-optimized titles significantly improve the chances of your templates being discovered by customers searching for relevant terms.
Crafting Detailed and Persuasive Product Descriptions
The product description provides an opportunity to elaborate on the features and benefits of your Canva templates. Provide comprehensive details about what is included in the template, its specific features, and how it will benefit the customer.3 Highlight the customization options available and emphasize the ease of use, particularly for those who may not have extensive design experience.3 Utilize bullet points to break down information into easily readable and scannable sections.3 Naturally integrate relevant keywords throughout the description to further enhance search engine visibility.3 A well-crafted description not only informs potential buyers but also persuades them of the value your templates offer.
Creating High-Quality Product Images and Mockups
Visual appeal is paramount when selling digital products. Showcase your Canva templates with clear, professional, and high-quality images.3 Utilize mockups to demonstrate how the templates can be effectively used in real-world scenarios. For example, display a social media template as it would appear in a user’s feed or a planner template laid out on a desk.3 Maintain consistent branding across all your product images to create a cohesive and professional shop aesthetic.4 Compelling visuals are crucial for capturing the attention of potential customers and effectively conveying the value and usability of your templates.
Determining the Right Pricing Strategy
Setting the right price for your Canva templates is a delicate balance between profitability and competitiveness. Begin by researching the pricing of similar templates offered by your competitors to understand the current market value.3 Consider factors such as the complexity of the template design, the number of templates included in a bundle, and the overall value proposition you are offering to your customers.3 Explore different pricing models, such as selling individual templates, offering discounted bundles of related templates, or implementing tiered pricing structures with varying features at different price points.8 Don’t hesitate to experiment with different price points and monitor your sales data to identify the optimal balance that maximizes both your sales volume and your profit margin.8
Step 4: Delivering Your Templates to Customers
A smooth and efficient delivery process is essential for ensuring customer satisfaction and building a positive reputation for your business.
Generating and Sharing the Canva Template Link
As previously mentioned, the primary method for delivering editable Canva templates is through a shareable template link generated within the Canva platform.3 Ensure that you have correctly generated this link for each of your templates that you are listing for sale.
Creating a Delivery File
To provide a professional and user-friendly experience, it is recommended to create a delivery file that your customers can easily access after purchase. A common practice is to create a PDF document that includes the Canva template link, clear and concise instructions on how to use and customize the template, your shop name or brand logo, and any other relevant information.3 You may also want to include a thank you message and links to your social media profiles or other products you offer.3
Automating the Delivery Process
To save time and ensure prompt delivery to your customers, explore options for automating the delivery process. Platforms like Sellfy and some apps available for Shopify stores offer built-in features that automatically send the delivery file to customers upon successful purchase.1 For platforms that do not offer this feature directly, you can typically set up automated email responses that trigger upon purchase, delivering the PDF file containing the template link and instructions to your customers.1
Step 5: Marketing and Promoting Your Templates
Creating high-quality Canva templates is only half the battle; effective marketing and promotion are crucial for driving sales and reaching your target audience.
Leveraging Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms offer powerful avenues for visually showcasing your Canva templates and connecting with potential customers. Pinterest, as a visual search engine, is particularly well-suited for this purpose.1 Create eye-catching pins that clearly display your templates and include direct links to your shop listings.3 Pin your products consistently and utilize relevant keywords in your pin descriptions to improve search visibility.3 Instagram is another valuable platform for sharing visually appealing mockups of your templates and offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into your design process.1 Utilize Instagram Stories and Reels to showcase your templates in action.3 Employ relevant hashtags to expand your reach and connect with a wider audience interested in Canva templates.3 Don’t overlook other platforms like TikTok and Facebook, which can also be effective for reaching specific demographics.10
Building an Email List and Using Email Marketing
Building an email list is a powerful strategy for nurturing leads and directly promoting your new template releases, special offers, and discounts.3 Offer a valuable incentive, such as a free Canva template or an exclusive discount code, in exchange for email sign-ups.3 Send regular newsletters to your subscribers, announcing new template collections, upcoming sales events, and providing valuable design tips or Canva-related content.1 Email marketing allows for direct and personalized communication with your audience, fostering customer loyalty and driving repeat sales.
Considering Collaborations and Partnerships
Collaborating with other bloggers, influencers, or businesses within your niche can significantly expand your reach and introduce your Canva templates to a new audience.3 Consider reaching out to individuals or brands whose audience aligns with your ideal customer profile and propose mutually beneficial collaborations, such as cross-promotions or bundled offers. This can be an effective way to tap into established communities and gain exposure to potential customers you might not otherwise reach.
Pricing Strategies for Your Canva Templates
Developing a well-thought-out pricing strategy is crucial for maximizing your profitability while remaining competitive in the market. Several pricing models and tactics can be employed.
Competitive Pricing
One common strategy is to analyze the prices at which similar Canva templates are being sold by your competitors.8 Research the offerings of other sellers in your niche and set your prices at a comparable level. This approach helps you stay competitive and attract customers who are price-conscious.
Value-Based Pricing
Consider pricing your Canva templates based on the perceived value they offer to your customers.8 If your templates provide a significant time-saving solution, cater to a highly specific niche, or offer unique design elements, you may be able to charge a premium price that reflects this added value. Clearly communicate the benefits of your templates in your product descriptions to justify a higher price point.
Bundles
Offering bundles of related Canva templates at a discounted price compared to purchasing them individually can be an effective way to increase your average order value.8 For example, you could bundle a set of Instagram post templates with matching story templates or offer a complete branding kit at a reduced price. Bundling provides more value to customers and encourages them to make larger purchases.
Tiered Pricing
Implementing a tiered pricing structure can cater to different customer needs and budgets.8 You could offer a basic package with a smaller number of templates at a lower price point, a standard package with a more comprehensive set of templates at a mid-range price, and a premium package with additional features or a larger selection of templates at a higher price. This allows you to reach a wider range of customers with varying requirements.
Discounts and Promotions
Strategic use of discounts and promotions can be a powerful tool for attracting new customers and boosting sales.1 Consider offering limited-time discounts, seasonal sales, or exclusive coupon codes to your email subscribers or social media followers. Promotions create a sense of urgency and can incentivize potential customers to make a purchase.
Optimizing Your Listings for SEO
To ensure that your Canva templates are easily discoverable by potential customers, it is crucial to optimize your listings for search engines.
Integrating Relevant Keywords
Incorporate relevant keywords, such as “canva templates” and specific template categories, throughout your blog post and within your product listings on your chosen selling platform.4 Conduct keyword research using platform-specific tools (like Etsy’s search bar or eRank) and general SEO tools (such as Google Keyword Planner) to identify the terms that your target audience is actively searching for.11 Focus on using long-tail keywords, which are more specific phrases, to target niche audiences and potentially face less competition.54 Strategically place these keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and tags.
Using Effective Tags and Categories
Utilize the tagging and categorization features available on your selling platform to further enhance the discoverability of your Canva templates.4 Tags act as keywords that help customers find your products when they search within the platform. Use a variety of relevant tags that accurately describe the style, purpose, and features of your templates.4 Selecting the most appropriate categories for your templates ensures that they are listed in the relevant sections of the marketplace, making it easier for interested buyers to find them.
Legal and Copyright Considerations
Navigating the legal aspects of selling digital products is essential for protecting your business and ensuring compliance.
Understanding Canva’s Licensing Agreements
It is imperative to thoroughly understand Canva’s licensing agreements regarding the commercial use of their design elements and templates.7 As previously mentioned, you cannot simply resell Canva’s pre-made templates, and the use of Pro elements in templates intended for sale has specific implications for customers who do not have a Canva Pro subscription. Focus on creating original designs using both free and Pro elements (while clearly communicating the requirements for Pro elements to your customers) to avoid any potential copyright infringements.
Protecting Your Own Designs with Copyright Notices
Your original Canva template designs are automatically protected by copyright law from the moment of their creation.65 To further deter unauthorized use or reproduction of your work, it is recommended to include a copyright notice in your delivery file and within your product listings.65 This notice typically includes the copyright symbol (©), the year of publication, and your name or business name. For stronger legal protection, you may also consider registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office or the equivalent in your country.65
Including Terms and Conditions for Your Digital Products
It is advisable to have a Terms and Conditions agreement in place for your digital products. This agreement should outline the licensing rights granted to customers, your policies regarding refunds, any disclaimers or warranties you may offer, and the limitations of your legal liability.75 If you collect any personal data from your customers, such as email addresses, you will also need to have a Privacy Policy that explains how you collect, use, and protect this information.76 Having clear and comprehensive terms and conditions helps protect your business and manage customer expectations.
Tips for Designing High-Converting Canva Templates
Creating Canva templates that not only look good but also convert into sales requires a strategic approach to design.
Focus on User Needs and Simplicity
The most successful Canva templates are those that directly address the needs of a specific target audience and are incredibly easy to use.2 Prioritize simplicity in your design, ensuring that even individuals with limited design skills can easily customize the template to their own needs.8 Templates that solve a specific problem or cater to a particular niche tend to perform exceptionally well.
Maintain Brand Consistency
If you have an established brand, ensure that your Canva templates reflect your brand’s visual identity by using consistent fonts, colors, and design elements.4 This helps build brand recognition and trust with your audience. Even if you don’t have a formal brand, maintaining a consistent aesthetic across your templates will create a more professional and cohesive impression.
Provide Clear Instructions for Customization
Enhance the user experience by providing clear and concise instructions on how to customize your Canva templates.3 This can be included in your delivery file as a written guide or even through video tutorials for more complex templates.23 Easy-to-follow instructions reduce customer frustration and can lead to positive reviews and repeat business.
In Finally:
Selling Canva templates presents a remarkable opportunity for bloggers and creative individuals to generate a sustainable online income stream. By understanding the potential benefits, identifying in-demand template categories, and meticulously following the step-by-step guide outlined in this report, you can transform your design skills into a thriving online business. Remember to prioritize creating high-quality, user-friendly templates, implement effective marketing strategies, and stay informed about legal and copyright considerations. With dedication and a strategic approach, selling Canva templates can become a rewarding and flexible source of revenue.
