What It Takes to Sell Canva Templates

With the popularity of Canva as a go-to graphic editing tool for beginners, there has also been a rise in demand for editable templates.

And where there is a demand, there are also sellers.

This is a reason why you see tons of people on Etsy selling different templates for Canva.

So, if you also want to try selling this, let's discuss what you should expect.

NOTE:  I have recently started writing more detailed guides about Etsy, digital products, and graphic design on Substack. These guides are free to read. If you're interested in receiving detailed guides sent to you once a week, take a look here.

THE BASICS
Why Should You Sell Canva Templates?

Selling Canva templates is simple.

It is also a low-cost way to start an online business.

All you need is a Canva subscription (highly recommended) and your time and creative skills.

What exactly are the templates?

The templates are digital designs that other people can use to make their own materials.

Templates save people time and effort, so they don’t have to design from scratch.

We are talking about templates for…

• Social media posts

• Planners and organizers

• Invitations

• Business documents

The cool, as with other digital products, about templates is that you only need to create the template once, and then you can sell it over and over.

Every sale you make after that first effort is pure profit.

That’s why selling these digital products is so popular right now.

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STEP #1
Research Your Market

This is the most boring part, but don’t skip it, PLEASE.

Spend a little time researching.

It’s important to find out what types of templates are popular and if there’s demand for your idea.

You can look on websites like Etsy to see what types of templates are selling well.

Just type "Canva templates" into the search bar and see what comes up.

Here are some things to look for:

• What types of templates have a “Bestseller” badge?

• How are other sellers designing their templates?

• What colors, styles, and layouts are they using?

When you spot something that looks popular, think about how you could recreate it with your own style.

STEP #2
Decide What Template to Make

After the research phase, it’s time to pick your template.

Choose a template you can really improve.

If you like social media, for example, you should create templates for Instagram posts or stories. If you enjoy organizing, maybe try making planner pages.

Here are some popular ideas to get you started:

• Social Media Templates (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest)

• Planners (daily, weekly, goal-setting)

• Workbooks (for coaching, training, or self-help)

• Business Templates (invoices, resumes, presentations)

Pick one type to start with so you can stay focused.

Just focus on that one type and create multiple variants of it.

STEP #3
Choose Your Style

Now it’s time to think about how your template will look.

This is where you get creative!

Think about the style that would appeal to the people you want to buy your template.

NOTE: Even with a paid Canva plan, you cannot use the pre-made templates you found on this tool without changing them. You have to change colors, text, fonts…

Here are some questions to consider:

• Color Scheme: Will your colors be bright and bold, or soft and calm?

• Fonts: Choose one or two fonts that look good together. Canva has many free fonts, so find ones that fit your style.

• Graphics: Do you want to use patterns, shapes, or icons? Canva has free options, but make sure your customers can access them too if they have a free Canva account.

If you’re unsure, try to keep it simple.

Clean minimalist designs with a few colors and clear fonts work well for many people.

STEP #4
Create the Template in Canva

Once you have your style in mind, open Canva and start creating!

Canva has a simple drag-and-drop interface that’s easy to use, even if you’re new to design.

1. Create a New Design: Open Canva and choose the right size for your template. For example, if you’re making an Instagram post template, you can choose a square design.

2. Add Text and Images: Insert text boxes, shapes, and images. Arrange them in a way that looks good and is easy to edit.

3. Save Your Design: When you’re finished, save your work.

Always test your design by editing it yourself.

If you can change the text, colors, and images easily, your customers will be able to do it too.

STEP #5
Make a Downloadable Link

When someone buys your template, they need a way to access it.

You can create a special link in Canva that lets people download their own copy of your template.

• Click “Share” in Canva, then choose “Template link.” Canva will give you a link that you can copy and share.

• This link is what you’ll send to customers when they buy your template. It lets them open the template in their own Canva account without changing your original design.

You can also watch a video I made about this topic here.

STEP #6
Create a Deliverable File

To deliver your template to customers, create a simple PDF file.

In the PDF, include instructions on how to open and use the template.

You can create this document in Canva, just like your template.

NOTE: Luckily for you, the video I mentioned above shows you how to create such a PDF for Etsy.

In this PDF, you should include:

• Welcome message: A short thank-you note for purchasing.

• Instructions: Steps on how to open the Canva link.

• Template Link: The link you created in Step 5.

Once you’ve finished, save the PDF. This is the file you’ll upload to your sales platform (like Etsy) as a digital download.

STEP #7
Design Mockup Images

Mockup images show customers what your template looks like.

This helps your customers visualize your product using something they are familiar with.

They simply get a better idea of what they’re buying, which helps increase sales.

You can create mockups in Canva by layering your template over different backgrounds.

Some tips for creating mockup images:

• Choose Different Angles: Show pages from your template in different layouts.

• Use Canva Frames: These frames allow you to drop your template pages into a realistic setting, like a computer screen or notebook.

• Keep It Clear: Make sure each image is clear and easy to understand.

Mockups make your product look professional, so spend a little time creating nice ones.

STEP #8
Write a Clear Product Description

Your product description should tell people exactly what they’re buying.

A clear description can help them decide if your template is right for them.

Use simple language and explain any important details.

NOTE: In the description, I aim to answer the most common questions a buyer might have about the product.

You should also include these things in your description:

• What’s Included: List each part of the template.

• Who It’s For: Describe the type of person who would use it.

• Customization Options: Let people know if they can change the colors, text, and images.

• File Format: Mention that this is a Canva template and they need a Canva account to edit it.

STEP #9
Upload Everything to Your Sales Platform

Now you’re ready to list your template for sale.

Etsy is a popular choice for selling digital products, but you can also sell on other platforms like Gumroad, Creative Market, or your own website.

Here’s what you’ll need to upload:

• Mockup Images: Add all the images you created to show off your template.

• PDF File: Upload the PDF file with the link to your template.

• Description: Paste the product description you wrote.

• Price: Set a price that feels fair for the work you put in.

Once everything looks good, click publish!

STEP #10
Promote Your Templates

Once your template is live, you can start promoting it.

Social media is a great way to reach more people.

Here are some ways to get the word out:

• Instagram and Pinterest: Share images of your template to show people what they can do with it.

• Facebook Groups: Join groups where people are interested in design or business templates.

• Email List: If you have an email list, tell your subscribers about your new template.

While there are up to 10 steps to follow when selling these templates, with enough practice, it becomes routine.

A profitable routine.

In fact, it is one of the easiest online hustles you can start.

And it costs almost nothing except your time.

Have a productive day,

Miroslav from The Design Nexus

TOOLS YOU SHOULD TRY

Even if you sell products other than mugs or t-shirts, it doesn't mean it will cost you more.

There are tools that can help you with the tasks, and most of them have free versions.

• Research: Alura

• Graphic Designs: Creative Fabrica

• Design Editing: Canva, Kittl

• Vectorizing: Vectorizer AI

• POD Fulfillment: Printful, Printify

Disclaimer: Within the article, you will find affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I want to sincerely assure you that I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you.