How To Make Money With Canva in 2023: 24 Lucrative Ideas

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If you’ve ever wondered how to make money with Canva, you’re about to discover a treasure trove of opportunities.

This all-in-one design tool is more than just a platform for creating social media graphics; it’s your ticket to a scalable online business.

Here’s a hot tip: Canva Pro, Canva’s premium service, is worth the investment if you’re serious about selling digital products. With features like advanced export options and branding capabilities, it pays for itself in no time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 24 lucrative ways to monetize your Canva skills, from designing e-books to crafting personalized calendars. So grab your digital canvas; it’s time to create and cash in!

What is Canva?

1. Social Media Templates

The power of social media in business is undeniable. If you’re keen on how to make money with Canva, designing social media templates is a lucrative option.

Use Canva’s easy-to-use design features to create customized templates for Instagram posts, Facebook banners, or Twitter cards. Businesses and influencers are always in need of fresh, eye-catching designs to make their social channels stand out.

By offering a variety of Canva templates, you can meet this demand and provide a turnkey solution for those looking to improve their online presence.

Strategies for creating Social Media Templates:

• Create Niche Specific Templates: Target specific industries like real estate or wellness to offer specialized social media graphics.
• Bundle and Discount: Package various types of templates together and offer a discounted rate for the bundle.
• Utilize the Canva Affiliate Program: Promote your Canva templates through the Canva affiliate program to earn commissions on every sale.

Product Examples:

• Instagram Story templates for food bloggers
• LinkedIn banner templates for career coaches
• Facebook post templates for small retail businesses

2. Logo Creation

Your logo is the face of your brand, and businesses are willing to pay a premium for a design that captures their essence. Using Canva’s extensive library of logo templates, you can offer a wide range of custom logo creation services.

Not only can you make money with Canva this way, but you also save time for your clients who may not be design-savvy.

You don’t have to be a graphic designer; with Canva, you can easily create designs that look professional and tailored to each client’s needs.

Strategies for Logo Creation:

• Offer Packages: Include logo creation as part of a broader social media management services package.
• Target Startups: Reach out to startups and offer discounted services in return for testimonials or referrals.
• Leverage the Canva Creator Program: Use the program to sell your logo designs directly on Canva, exposing your work to a larger audience.

Product Examples:

• E-commerce business logo package
• Personal brand logo designs
• Coaching service logos

3. Printables

The demand for printables is skyrocketing. From planners to to-do lists and vision boards, you can create designs that help people organize their lives.

Just like your 90-day planner on Amazon, you can design a range of printables to sell online. You can even use Canva templates as a starting point, customizing them to suit various needs.

It’s an excellent way for digital nomads and lifestyle entrepreneurs to make money with Canva.

Strategies:

• Seasonal Themes: Create printables for specific times of the year like New Year goal-setting sheets or holiday planners.
• Target Audience: Customize planners for specific audiences such as students, homemakers, or even other digital nomads.
• Promote on Social Media Platforms: Use platforms like Pinterest and Instagram to showcase your printables and drive traffic to your online store.

Product Examples:

• Fitness and meal planning sheets
• Budget and finance trackers
• Mindfulness and gratitude journals

4. E-books

Writing an e-book has never been easier, thanks to Canva. From layout design to compelling cover art, Canva’s myriad tools make the e-book creation process smooth and efficient.

If you have expertise in a specific field, why not compile it into an educational resource? Self-publish it through platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing and make money with Canva by offering something of value that can be accessed globally.

This is an excellent opportunity for Canva users who are already content creators or experts in a particular area.

Strategies for creating eBooks:

• Offer Bundles: Pair your e-book with complementary resources like checklists or worksheets, enhancing its value.
• Utilize Canva Pro: Use Canva Pro’s additional features to create more polished, professional e-books.
• Cross-Promotion: Leverage other social media platforms to promote your e-book. Offer free chapters to entice potential buyers.

Product Examples:

• A beginner’s guide to digital nomadism
• Health and wellness e-books with meal plans
• “Unretirement” guide focusing on post-50 entrepreneurship

5. Online Courses

Online education is booming, and Canva can be your secret weapon for designing high-quality courses. Use Canva to create slides, workbooks, or even promotional material to market your course.

You can offer these educational resources on platforms like Udemy, or sell them directly from your own website.

It’s a dynamic way to make money with Canva while also positioning yourself as an expert in your field.

Strategies for Developing Online Courses:

• Canva Course: Create a Canva course aimed at teaching Canva skills to beginners or specific industries.
• Upsell: Offer an upgraded package that includes one-on-one consultation or advanced modules.
• Social Proof: Use testimonials and reviews to build credibility, encouraging more enrollments.

Product Examples:

• A course on effective social media management for beginners
• How to start an online business targeting 50plus entrepreneurs
• A course on creating graphics for social media platforms

6. Blog Post Graphics

In the content-heavy world of blogging, visuals make all the difference. Offer a service that specializes in creating blog headers, infographics, and other social media graphics.

This not only enhances the blog’s appeal but also makes it more shareable on social media platforms. If you’re already in the content creation business, this can be an excellent add-on service.

Plus, you’re making money with Canva while helping others improve their online presence.

Strategies for creating Blog Post Graphics:

• Subscription Service: Offer a monthly subscription where you provide a set number of blog graphics regularly.
• Become a Canva Contributor: Sell your unique designs on Canva’s marketplace.
• Collaborate: Partner with bloggers to create custom graphics in exchange for exposure on their platforms.

Product Examples:

• Infographic designs illustrating statistical data or research findings
• Blog post headers themed around holiday sales or special events
• Social media graphic sets that complement blog post content

7. Merchandise Design

Merchandise design is a booming avenue for making money online. With Canva, you don’t need to be a professional graphic designer to create eye-catching designs for t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags.

Use a print-on-demand service to manage the logistics, and voila, you’ve got a side hustle or even a full-fledged online business.

Whether you’re selling digital products on your own website or through other platforms, leveraging Canva’s features can fast-track your success in the creative market.

Strategies for Merchandise Design:

• Target Niches: Focus on niche audiences like pet lovers or coffee aficionados to create unique, desirable merchandise.
• Leverage Digital Marketing: Use SEO and social media advertising to drive traffic to your merchandise.
• Monthly Campaigns: Have a theme for each month, selling Canva templates or designs that align with seasonal trends or holidays.

Product Examples:

• Inspirational quote t-shirts
• Digital planners for freelancers
• Travel-themed tote bags

8. Canva Coaching

If you’ve mastered the art of Canva, why not share the knowledge? Offer Canva coaching sessions to help other Canva users elevate their graphic design services.

Conduct webinars, create tutorial videos, or even offer one-on-one coaching to help people improve their Canva skills. This way, you’re not only making money but also building a community that values your expertise.

Strategies for Canva Coaching:

• Offer Packages: Create a tiered system of coaching, ranging from beginner to advanced Canva skills.
• Use Testimonials: Showcase client success stories to build credibility and encourage new sign-ups.
• Sell Editable Social Media Templates: Alongside coaching, offer editable templates that students can practice on.

Product Examples:

• Beginner’s Canva course focusing on creating social media content
• Advanced webinar series on mastering Canva for business
• Editable Instagram story templates for practice

9. Greeting Cards

Greeting cards may seem traditional, but they’ve found new life in the digital era. Design digital or print-friendly greeting cards for various occasions like holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries.

With Canva, it’s easy to create beautiful, heartfelt cards that people would love to give. Market them on your own website or through other platforms to tap into this evergreen market.

Strategies for creating Greeting Cards:

• Holiday Bundles: Create themed card bundles for holidays and sell them at a discounted rate.
• Customization: Offer custom greeting cards where customers can input their own messages or names.
• Multi-Platform Selling: Don’t restrict yourself to just one platform; diversify your selling channels for maximum exposure.

Product Examples:

• Digital birthday cards with interactive elements
• Printable anniversary cards with matching gift tags
• Seasonal cards for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day

10. Wedding Invitations

Couples are always in search of unique and beautiful wedding invitations. Why not offer specialized wedding invitation suites that can be easily customized by the couples themselves?

Utilizing your design skills on Canva, you can create exquisite templates and sell them as digital downloads on various online marketplaces.

This offers you a fantastic opportunity to earn passive income while helping couples make their special day even more memorable.

Strategies for Wedding Invitations:

• Offer Packages: Create different suites that include Save-the-Dates, RSVP cards, and thank-you cards.
• Cross-Promotion: Use your social media accounts to showcase your wedding invitation designs and attract more customers.
• Seasonal Designs: Keep your templates updated based on seasons or popular wedding themes.

Product Examples:

• Floral-themed invitation suites
• Vintage-style invitation sets
• Minimalistic black and white invitation designs

11. YouTube Thumbnails

A compelling YouTube thumbnail can dramatically affect a video’s click-through rate. Given the platform’s competitiveness, YouTubers are always seeking ways to make their content stand out.

You can offer custom YouTube thumbnail design services using Canva. With your graphic design expertise, help YouTubers create thumbnails that get clicks, helping them make money while you do the same.

Strategies for YouTuibe Thumbnails:

• Subscription Plans: Offer a monthly subscription for a set number of thumbnails to ensure recurring income.
• Genre-Specific Designs: Specialize in thumbnails for certain genres, like travel vlogs or cooking channels.
• Quick Turnaround: Emphasize a quick delivery time to attract clients who produce content frequently.

Product Examples:

• Action-packed thumbnails for gaming channels
• Elegant thumbnails for beauty and lifestyle vloggers
• Informative thumbnails for educational channels

12. Email Headers

Email marketing is still a vital tool for businesses, and a customized email header can set the tone for an entire newsletter.

Offering this service could also be a fantastic add-on to your “Unretirement” newsletter service. Use your Canva skills to design eye-catching headers that companies can use to make their communications more engaging.

Strategies for Email Headers:

• Bundle Offers: Pair email header designs with other services like social media graphics or logo design.
• Retainer Contracts: Offer to design a series of headers for long-term email campaigns.
• Template Sales: Create and sell templates for different types of newsletters or industries.

Product Examples:

• Seasonal email headers for retail businesses
• Professional headers for corporate newsletters
• Quirky headers for creative agencies

13. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a powerful way to earn passive income, and becoming a Canva affiliate can be lucrative, especially if you have a blog or social media account where you discuss design tools.

Essentially, you can promote Canva to your audience and earn commissions on sales made through your unique link.

This aligns perfectly with your expertise in educating and empowering digital nomads and solopreneurs, helping them make more money while you do the same.

Strategies for Affiliate Marketing:

• Targeted Blog Posts: Create blog posts specifically reviewing Canva’s features and link them with your affiliate code.
• Social Media Shoutouts: Use your social media accounts to demonstrate Canva’s capabilities, encouraging followers to try it out.
• Exclusive Offers: Collaborate with Canva to provide exclusive promotions or discounts to your audience, making the deal sweeter for them.

Product Examples:

• The blog post about “Top 10 Design Tools for Solopreneurs”
• Social media posts showcasing a Canva-created design
• An email newsletter featuring an exclusive Canva discount

14. Photo Editing

While Canva isn’t a full-fledged photo editor, its built-in photo editor can handle a lot of basic tasks quite efficiently.

Offer photo retouching or editing services ideal for specific niches like real estate, product photography, or personal branding.

Not only will you enhance your design skills, but you’ll also earn money by providing a valuable service.

Strategies for Photo Editing:

• Niche Targeting: Focus on specific industries that require frequent photo editing, such as e-commerce or real estate.
• Bulk Deals: Offer a package deal for editing multiple photos, providing a one-stop shop for your clients.
• Before-and-After Showcase: Use your social media accounts to showcase your editing skills through before-and-after photos.

Product Examples:

• Real estate photo retouching
• Product photo editing for online stores
• Personal branding photo retouching for LinkedIn profiles

15. Resume Designs

Given your target audience of 50-plus individuals, resume design can be an incredibly valuable service. Many in this age group are looking to transition careers, take on consulting roles, or venture into freelancing.

A well-designed resume can make a world of difference, and with your design skills in Canva, you can craft resumes that both look professional and stand out.

Strategies for Resume Designs:

• Consultation Services: Offer a brief consultation to understand the client’s career goals, tailoring the resume accordingly.
• Industry-Specific Templates: Create templates tailored to different industries, giving you multiple digital products to sell.
• Follow-up Service: Provide service for updating the resume at a discounted rate for returning clients, ensuring repeat business.

Product Examples:

• Professional resume designs for corporate jobs
• Creative resume designs for freelancers or consultants
• Customizable resume templates for various industries

16. Business Presentations

Creating business presentations or pitch decks is a skill highly in demand. As a lifestyle entrepreneur, you can offer this as part of a larger business consulting package.

Utilize Canva’s extensive template library to create compelling slides that resonate with corporate needs.

The best part? You can sell these templates on various platforms and make money online.

Strategies for Business Presentations:

• Customization Service: Along with selling templates, offer a customization service for an additional fee.
• Corporate Partnerships: Partner with businesses that could benefit from regular, high-quality presentations.
• Webinar Training: Conduct Canva tutorials focused on creating business presentations.

Product Examples:

• A pitch deck template for startups
• A financial report presentation for corporate clients
• A training module template for HR departments

17. Stock Images

If you’re into photography, Canva’s contributor program allows you to sell your own stock images directly within their platform. This can be an excellent source of passive income.

All you need to do is contribute elements that get approved, and voila, you’re on your way to earning money online.

Strategies for Stock Images:

• Niche Focus: Concentrate on underrepresented niches within Canva’s marketplace.
• Seasonal Updates: Keep adding seasonally relevant images to attract more downloads.
• Promotion: Use your existing Canva account and Canva affiliate status to promote your stock images.

Product Examples:

• Lifestyle shots for digital nomads
• Stock images focused on sustainable living
• Holiday-themed photography

18. Virtual Backgrounds

With remote work being the new norm, the demand for creative virtual backgrounds for Zoom and other teleconferencing software is high.

As a Canva contributor, you can create templates of virtual backgrounds and sell them.

Strategies for Virtual Backgrounds:

• Tailor for Occasions: Create backgrounds for specific occasions or events like holidays or corporate meetings.
• Bundle Offers: Sell a bundle of multiple backgrounds at a discounted price to increase sales.
• Cross-Promotion: Leverage your other Canva services or digital products for cross-promotions.

Product Examples:

• Virtual backgrounds for professional meetings
• Holiday-themed virtual backgrounds
• Fun and creative backgrounds for casual hangouts

19. Personalized Calendars

In an era of digital calendars, there’s still a demand for tangible, inspirational calendars that people can hang on their walls.

Using Canva, you can design personalized calendars that feature your own artwork, inspiring quotes, or even entrepreneurial tips.

Selling these calendars through print-on-demand stores like Printful or Zazzle allows you to generate passive income without managing inventory.

Strategies for Personalized Calendars:

• Seasonal Marketing: Start promoting your calendars at least three months before the New Year.
• Business Collaborations: Partner with influencers or businesses to co-create a calendar.
• Bundling: Offer calendars as a bundle with your 90-day planner on Amazon.

Product Examples:

• An entrepreneur-focused calendar with monthly business tips
• A digital nomad calendar featuring different global locations
• An inspirational quotes calendar

20. Patreon Content

As an online entrepreneur, you have a unique opportunity to monetize your Canva skills on Patreon.

By offering exclusive Canva-designed social media banners, wallpapers, or personalized digital art, you can offer value to your Patreon supporters and enhance your business model.

Strategies for developing Patreon Content:

• Exclusive Webinars: Offer a webinar on how Canva supports your content creation process.
• Limited Editions: Offer limited-edition designs available only to Patreon supporters.
• Community Engagement: Use social media accounts to promote your Patreon exclusives.

Product Examples:

• Exclusive wallpapers with motivational quotes
• Limited edition social media content templates
• Personalized digital vision boards

21. Custom Notebooks

Given that you already sell a 90-day planner, adding custom notebook covers seems like a natural extension of your product range.

Use Canva to create eye-catching covers with motivational quotes or tips specific to your niche. These can be sold alongside your existing planner on Amazon, offering more ways to make money and serve your potential clients.

Strategies for Custom Notebooks:

• Cross-Selling: Promote the notebooks as a companion to your 90-day planner.
• Affiliate Marketing: Leverage your existing affiliate program to promote the new product.
• User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share their notebook uses, creating authentic social media content.

Product Examples:

• A notebook with productivity tips
• A journal with mindfulness prompts
• A project planner for solopreneurs

22. Wall Art

If you’re looking to make money with Canva, creating wall art is a fantastic option. Design motivational or artistic pieces that people can either print at home or purchase as a finished product.

You can easily sell these masterpieces on platforms like Etsy. To simplify the logistics, use a print-on-demand partner to handle production and shipping.

This not only enhances your portfolio but also offers a scalable way to make money.

Strategies for Wall Art:

• SEO Focus: Utilize keywords related to your art to improve visibility on social media platforms.
• Canva Affiliate Program: Promote your wall art along with Canva’s tools to earn commissions.
• Bundling: Offer wall art as a bundle with your social media management services.

Product Examples:

• Abstract art pieces for modern interiors
• Inspirational quotes for home offices
• Cityscapes or nature-themed art

23. Phone Cases

Phone cases are everyday accessories that people love to personalize. Use Canva to design custom phone cases that feature unique graphics or motivational messages.

Partnering with a print-on-demand service can handle the heavy lifting of production and shipping. Your Canva templates can serve as the backbone for these eye-catching and protective cases.

Strategies for Phone Cases:

• Trend Analysis: Monitor social media posts to identify popular design elements.
• Canva Creator Program: Utilize this to showcase your unique phone case designs.
• Cross-Promotion: Promote your phone cases along with your other digital products to maximize sales.

Product Examples:

• Phone cases with inspirational entrepreneurial quotes
• Cases with artistic abstract designs
• Seasonal or holiday-themed phone cases

24. Print-On-Demand Apparel

Given your audience of 50-plus digital nomads and entrepreneurs, designing apparel that resonates with them could be a winning strategy.

Use Canva to create appealing graphics for t-shirts, hoodies, or caps. Then, use services like Teespring for production and shipping.

This isn’t just about selling Canva templates; it’s about establishing a full-fledged apparel line.

Strategies for Print-on-Demand Apparel:

• Niche Focus: Design apparel specifically targeting digital nomads or entrepreneurs.
• Sell Templates: Offer the raw Canva templates for people who want to DIY their apparel.
• Social Media Engagement: Run contests or polls on social media platforms to choose the next apparel design.

Product Examples:

• T-shirts featuring quotes about digital freedom
• Hoodies with cool graphics related to entrepreneurship
• Caps with catchy phrases or logos for digital nomads

How To Make Money With Canva: Summary

By now, you should have a robust understanding of how to make money with Canva, a tool that transcends the boundaries of simple social media graphics to become a cornerstone in your online business.

From selling Canva templates to creating digital planners and virtual backgrounds, the possibilities are expansive.

Key takeaways include the potential for both active and passive income streams, the importance of quality over quantity, and the incredible scalability that comes with digital products.

If you’ve found value in these insights and strategies, be sure to explore more entrepreneurial and money-making ideas on our blog, such as;

• Etsy Logo Makers: 16 Free Tools To Consider
• 21 Best Free AI Art Generator Tools to Up Your Design Game
• How to Start a Graphic Design Business; 9 Simple Steps
• How to Make Money Selling Stickers on Etsy: A Comprehensive Guide for 2023

As you forge ahead in your digital entrepreneurial journey, remember that tools like Canva are not just aids; they can be the very foundation of a thriving online business.

Don’t just dream about success—design it.

How To Make Money With Canva: FAQs

Can you actually make money on Canva?

Absolutely, you can make money with Canva by utilizing its various features to create designs, social media graphics, and other digital products. Many Canva users are selling Canva templates online, and even offering social media management services. If you’re savvy with how you use Canva, it’s more than just a tool; it becomes an asset in your online business.

Can you make money selling Canva designs?

Yes, selling Canva templates is a lucrative way to earn money. You can sell templates for anything from social media posts to business presentations. Platforms like Etsy are great marketplaces to sell your unique Canva creations.

How much can you make selling on Canva?

The earning potential varies depending on factors like the quality of your work, how you market it, and the platforms you use for selling digital products. However, there are Canva users who make several thousand dollars a month selling Canva templates, creating graphics, and offering educational resources.

How do you become a paid creator on Canva?

To become a paid creator, you can apply to the Canva Creator Program. This allows you to sell templates directly within Canva’s platform. Being part of the program gives you an opportunity to be discovered by a wider audience and maximize your earning potential.

Can you use Canva Pro to increase earnings?

Absolutely. Canva Pro offers advanced features that can elevate the quality of your designs and make your templates more competitive, hence potentially increasing your earnings.

What are other ways to make money with Canva besides selling templates?

You can offer social media management services that include creating social media graphics. Another option is to become a Canva affiliate and earn commissions. You can also create educational resources like Canva courses to teach others how to effectively use the platform.

How do I market my Canva products?

Social media platforms are a great place to start. Use eye-catching social media posts to grab attention. You can also consider paid advertising and collaborations with influencers in your niche.

Is it necessary to have a background in graphic design to make money with Canva?

Not necessarily. Canva is user-friendly and offers a plethora of tutorials. However, having design skills can give you an edge, particularly for creating high-quality, unique templates.

Are there restrictions on selling Canva-created designs?

Yes, it’s essential to follow Canva’s terms of use, especially if you’re using elements that are not your own. Always read the licensing agreements before selling digital products made with Canva.

Can I collaborate with other Canva users to increase earnings?

Certainly! Collaboration can be a smart business model. You can partner with other creators to offer bundled packages or even co-create educational resources.