How To Make Money Using Canva for Beginners in 2024
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Canva is a very resourceful platform for designers and non-designers alike. I use it every day to create Pinterest pins.
But did you know you could use Canva to make extra cash? Imagine getting paid to do something you love.
From printables to print-on-demand, Canva is bubbling with resources and ideas yet to be tapped.
Whether you want to supplement your regular income or save up for a vacation, this platform is the perfect semi-passive income stream.
I’ll answer common questions about the site and share how to make money using Canva.
How To Make Money Using Canva
From printables to templates, Canva lets you create numerous digital products, from templates to social media ads and websites.
Other higher-income options like online courses and ebooks are excellent if you’re an expert in design.
You need to invest some time and effort in creating your products, but once complete, you can sell them repeatedly without needing constant re-invention.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s explore ways of turning your favorite design tool into a money-making machine.
1. Create and Sell Printables
If you’re a Pinterest user, you know how profitable the printables market can be. People love printables because they help them stay organized.
I often incorporate printables in my daily life, from meal prepping to home workouts and to-do lists, and there’s a market for these and more worldwide.
Some other profitable printables you can make using Canva include:
- Journals
- Stickers
- Calendars
- Budgeting sheets
- Recipes
- Weekly and day planners
- Coloring books
- Emergency information sheets
By now, you might be scrolling down for a simpler product because you don’t have the design skills to develop a printable someone would use.
Hear me out. You don’t need prior experience with Canva to start making and selling printables. Even the most successful people had to start from somewhere.
Gold City Ventures offers an E-Printables course to help beginners like you level up your Canva skills to experts. What’s more, they guide you in selling your items on Etsy.
Still not convinced? Check out their free workshop to determine if making and selling printables is your ideal side hustle.
Read my guide on how to sell Printables on Etsy for beginners.
2. Create Designs for Print on Demand
Picture this: you’ve closed a sale of 100 t-shirts from the comfort of your home, and shipping is the least of your concerns because someone will handle it for you.
If this scenario sounds bizarre, you might not have heard of print-on-demand before.
Print-on-demand is an e-commerce system that involves partnering with a POD manufacturer like Printify, which handles manufacturing and shipping, leaving you to concentrate on running and scaling up your business.
So, where does Canva come in? You can use this free tool to make creative designs to print on various products, like mugs, hoodies, and sweatshirts.
From funny memes to superheroes and nature, there’s no limit to the type of designs you can create.
Once your Canva designs are ready, upload them to e-commerce platforms like Etsy and market them on social media to drive sales.
3. Sell Canva Templates
Canva templates reduce design time by half, increasing efficiency in the business world.
Using Canva templates when creating posters, presentations, and social media posts makes work more manageable, and I can also quickly create many designs.
Everyone would be enticed by a design method that’s quicker and more convenient. Furthermore, there’s a broad audience, from bloggers to entrepreneurs, teachers, and students.
Here are some ideas for Canva templates that sell well:
- Social media graphics
- Blog templates
- Business card templates
- Resume templates
After creating your products, simply sign up on Etsy and put yourself out there.
4. Join Canva’s Affiliate Program
Are you a content creator looking for a way to make money online? Canva has an affiliate program, Empower Canvassadors, aimed explicitly at uplifting independent content creators around the globe.
Whether your jurisdiction is YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or TikTok, you can make extra cash by becoming an affiliate.
You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the program:
- Live the Canva values of being a good human, a force for good, and empowering others
- Have a large, active social media following
- Be an independent creator
- Follow Canva’s guidelines
- Comply with Canva’s Trademark Policy
- Create at least one Canva-related post monthly
The application process is straightforward, and the platform replies within 24-48 hours. Expect about $36 per referral who chooses the annual Canva Pro subscription.
5. Offer Freelance Graphic Design Services
Are you looking for a flexible way to monetize your Canva skills? Working as a freelance graphic designer might work for you.
You could create numerous products, like posters, business logos, and social media templates, when and where you want.
Simply sign up on sites like Upwork, Fiverr, Guru, PeoplePerHour, Dribble, and FlexJobs and scout for gigs that pique your interest.
Don’t worry if you’re just getting started with Canva. You can begin with entry-level jobs and then scale up with more expertise.
6. Join Canva’s Creator Program
The Canva Creator Program lets you earn royalties when someone uses or purchases your designs on the platform.
The program accepts the following types of creators:
- Template creators
- Element creators, like audio producers and illustrators
- Specialty creators, like creators majoring in educational content
This program is the best option to avoid marketing or finding clients. You only need to apply, and once accepted, create your products and earn a passive income.
The application process is simple. Create a portfolio and submit your application through Canva’s website.
7. Create Canva-Related Tutorials onYour Blog or YouTube
Another way to make money using Canva is by creating Canva-related content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or your blog.
Simply start your YouTube channel, social media account, or blog and produce engaging content to grow your following.
You don’t have to be an expert to earn from this. Sharing your steps as a beginner is an excellent place to start.
Once your following grows, you can monetize your influence through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and brand partnerships within the design realm.
8. Create and Sell an Online Canva Course
You can monetize your knowledge on Canva by creating and selling an online course on sites like Udemy, Coursera, and Teachable.
Begin by drafting a course outline so learners know exactly what they purchase. Incorporate assignments, video lessons, and live sessions to make the course more comprehensive and engaging.
You can set a one-time price for your course or offer different subscription tiers with various incentives.
For instance, you can offer a basic subscription with assignments and tutorials, a standard one with video sessions, and a premium account that provides exclusive access to live chats with instructors and other students.
Here are some ideas of topics you can cover in an online course:
- Navigating Canva as a beginner
- Step-by-step tutorial on logo design
- Designing presentation templates
Once you have your course ready, consider selling it on Thrivecart or Gumroad.
9. Create and Sell an eBook on Canva Tips and Hacks
Do you prefer teaching without investing too much time and resources into developing video sessions and other incentives associated with online courses?
Ebooks are shorter and less time-consuming to create. They have a lower income potential than online courses, but ebooks are more convenient if you’re on the go or have a demanding day job.
You could write a short ebook on Canva tips and hacks or write about specific projects your target audience would be interested in.
Once your ebook is complete, you can self-publish and sell it on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Google Play Books, or Apple Books.
10. Design Websites
Most people know about Canva’s resourcefulness in making digital products like posters and printables, but very few know you can use it to design websites.
That said, these new waters are worth tapping into. Plus, with its fantastic templates, you don’t need extensive graphic design experience to design a simple website.
Start by identifying your target audience, like bloggers or real estate agents. From there, create a portfolio and scout for gigs on job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed.
11. Create and Sell Travel Itineraries
Travel itineraries come in handy for individuals like me who like to plan things in detail.
Travel itineraries usually include budgeting plans, information on accommodation, transportation, destination, and a breakdown of daily activities.
If you love traveling, you can base your content on previous trips. Even if traveling isn’t your favorite, plenty of resources online guide you on what to include in your itineraries.
Travel itineraries on Etsy range from $5 for simple designs to over $300 for more detailed planners.
12. YouTube Thumbnail Templates
People are more likely to click on your YouTube video if you have eye-catching thumbnails than if you have boring ones.
YouTube creators often seek designers to create thumbnails that entice people to watch their content.
Create a portfolio with Canva and use it to apply for jobs on Upwork, Fiverr, or Guru. You can also develop your own YouTube channel and use your compelling thumbnails to attract subscribers.
Once your fanbase is solid, monetize your YouTube account through affiliate marketing, brand sponsorships, or selling merchandise.
13. Create a Paid Newsletter on Canva
Still looking for a way to make money with Canva? Creating paid newsletters on Canva is a fantastic idea.
You can provide exclusive content and extensive research about Canva, including tricks, hacks, and new features to appeal to your audience.
But you aren’t limited to Canva content. You can delve into any topic as long as you provide value to your audience.
People are willing to pay top dollar for invaluable information, from fashion tips to personal finance.
The challenge lies in growing your email list and turning them into subscribers. You can offer free incentives like sneak peeks into your newsletters to encourage people to subscribe.
This venture can be very profitable if you create a large readership. For instance, if 200 subscribers pay a $5 monthly subscription, it’ll result in $1,000 monthly!
14. Sell Pinterest Graphics
Many individuals, bloggers, brands, and businesses use Pinterest to market their products and boost sales.
You can utilize Canva to create Pinterest graphics that integrate the platform with the client’s business, blog, or social media account to facilitate seamless transitions.
Some ideas include:
- Pinterest infographics
- How-to guides
- Quote graphics
- Product showcases
15. Design Social Media Ads
Over 5.35 billion people use social media worldwide. Brands and businesses use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to drive traffic to their products and boost sales.
You can use Canva to design compelling social media ads for these businesses. You can also double up as a social media manager if you’re conversant with how these platforms work.
You can leverage your services on the following platforms:
- Indeed
- Fiverr
- FlexJobs
- Upwork
16. Create Infographics
Infographics incorporate visual elements and text to make information on a particular topic more understandable to people.
Most businesses and individuals use infographics to make their audience more knowledgeable about their products and services.
You can create and sell infographics or work as a freelancer on sites like Upwork and Fiverr.
17. Video Editing
Videos are integral to marketing, primarily through social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Because of the time-consuming aspect of video editing, people often prefer outsourcing the work to professionals. That said, video editing is in demand, and you can use Canva to deliver your services.
Start by creating a portfolio to showcase your skills, from short reels to long-form videos suitable for YouTube.
From there, sign up on freelance sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Flexjobs to find gigs that align with your experience and income expectations. You can also find gigs on LinkedIn.
Tips for Making Money With Canva
Now that you have ideas on making money with Canva, here are some helpful tips to remember as you explore this side hustle.
Canva Licensing
While Canva’s robust library of tools and templates offers a unique and efficient money-making strategy, not everything is free, especially for commercial purposes.
Most content on Canva is watermark-protected, so you must pay a fee to use it commercially. For a free account, you’ll need to pay a fee for each design.
However, with a pro account, you can incorporate a resource in multiple designs at a one-time subscription fee.
Canva’s licensing policy permits using the platform’s templates and resources to create finished goods, but you can’t sell standalone content.
For example, you can print a Canva photo on a product, say a t-shirt, and then sell the item, but you can’t sell the image itself.
Another rule is you can’t use any Canva resources on a trademark or logo apart from lines, fonts, and basic shapes.
You can use the logo templates on Canva for inspiration, but it’s wise to upload your own graphics to be safe.
Canva has a breakdown of their licensing terms on their website and YouTube account to ensure every creator makes informed decisions.
Ensure to stay updated with the terms and conditions to avoid legal implications.
Leverage Canva Pro
Canva’s free account has numerous perks, including over a million templates, 5GB of cloud storage, and over 3 million photos and graphics.
However, subscribing to a pro account at $54.99 annually grants you access to premium features and tools to help you scale your business, offer more value to your customers, and increase your income.
Some perks of paying for Canva Pro include:
- 1 TB of cloud storage
- Unlimited access to premium templates
- 100 brand kits
- Background removal feature
- Content scheduling
- Over 100 million photos, graphics, and videos
Ironically, using a free account may cost more in the long run, especially if you use Canva a lot.
Say you need to pay $1 to use a photo in one design. You’ll incur $12 for 12 different designs, and this is just one photo. A $54.99 annual fee makes sense for unlimited options.
Research Your Target Audience
Who are you targeting? Are you hoping to provide quality design services to small startups at affordable prices? Or maybe you want to empower upcoming creators to find their footing on Canva?
Whichever direction you decide to take, researching your target audience is crucial to success.
What do they like? What color combinations fit well with real estate businesses? How can bloggers use your designs to drive traffic to their websites?
Understand consumer needs and find a way to use Canva to satisfy them. Create personalized content to make your audience feel they’re getting their money’s worth.
Set Competitive Prices
One thing most designers struggle with, especially at the beginning of their careers, is pricing. Putting a price tag on a tangible product is easier than a service.
You may have encountered people advising you to start by charging low prices to attract customers, but I’d like to challenge this belief.
Charging lower prices is an excellent strategy to drive out competition, but it may lead to burnout in the long run.
Designing takes labor and time intensive, so it doesn’t make sense to sell yourself short for any reason.
In the same thought, setting prices that are too high may scare off potential clients. The solution is developing a competitive pricing model to avoid underselling or overselling yourself.
Research other creators with similar products and find out what they’re charging. Also, set your price according to your skills. Don’t be greedy.
Don’t be afraid of starting at the lower end of the meter. You can always increase your rates with more expertise and experience.
Leverage Social Media
Marketing is an integral part of any business venture. You must make an effort to attract customers and make sales.
Effective marketing strategies increase your exposure and maximize your sales potential. Social media is a powerful tool to have in your corner.
Begin by creating social media accounts related to your design skills. From there, link them to your website or Canva account so potential clients can access your profile and portfolio seamlessly.
From there, create engaging content aligning with your niche, like design hacks and tutorials, to attract and maintain a substantial following.
Keep your audience interested by responding to messages promptly and answering comments.
You can also partner with social media influencers and participate in promotional content for established brands to build credibility within the design community.
Consider joining designer community forums on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Reddit. This enables you to keep up with trends, improve your skills, and share insights with like-minded people.
Integrate Canva with E-Commerce Platforms
Imagine coming across a link to a product you’re interested in on Instagram, but when you click the link, you’re directed to three different sites before accessing the sales page.
You’ll probably be less interested in the product by the time you reach the sales page.
Convenience is important to the buyer, so linking your Canva account to an ecommerce store is a good strategy. It offers practicality to potential customers by automating the sales process.
Some excellent e-commerce platforms to consider include Shopify, Gumroad, and Etsy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sell Designs I Make on Canva?
Yes, you can sell your Canva designs to make extra cash. However, there might be licensing restrictions with particular resources on the platform.
Always review the Canva Licensing Policy to stay updated on the terms and conditions for using resources on the site.
Can I Sell Canva Designs on Etsy?
Etsy is an excellent e-commerce platform for selling Canva designs. Simply launch and customize your storefront to fit your niche and list your products.
Note that Etsy charges $0.20 per listing and 6.5% on completed sales. Overall, it offers a broad audience for graphic design sales.
How Much Do People Make from Canva Templates?
Canva templates can be very profitable with the right strategies. There’s already a huge demand, so all you need to do is tap into it.
However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how much creators make. The income potential depends on several factors, including:
- Quality of the designs
- Type of templates
- Marketing strategies
- Time and capital investment
- Expertise and experience
The pricing range on Etsy is from $1 to over $300. It all depends on your expertise and product offerings.
Final Thoughts
I hope by now you’re conversant with and eager to explore Canva’s design options. Making money with Canva is not all about the type of product you create.
Your income potential also depends on how you market your items, demand, and where you sell. With the right strategies, you can easily make over $1,000 monthly part-time income.
Overall, there are many ways to use Canva for commercial purposes. From selling templates to creating tutorials, you only need to find a suitable niche that aligns with your needs.
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