This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting a profitable Canva template business, from creating your first design to scaling your income in 2025.
Turn Your Design Skills Into Passive Income
I’m going to share something exciting with you today. Did you know you can make money while you sleep? Yes, you read that right. Selling Canva templates is one of the best ways to create passive income in 2025.
Canva templates are ready-made designs that people can edit and customize for their own use. Think of them as shortcuts that save people hours of work. Instead of starting from scratch, they buy your template, add their details, and they’re done.
The market for digital products is growing fast. More people are starting online businesses, creating content on social media, and building personal brands. They all need good designs, but not everyone has the time or skills to create them. That’s where you come in.
The best part? You don’t need a lot of money to start. You don’t need expensive equipment or a fancy office. All you need is a Canva account, some creativity, and the willingness to learn. You can do this from anywhere in the world.
What Are Canva Templates?
Let me explain what Canva templates are in simple terms. They’re pre-designed layouts that people can open in Canva and customize with their own text, colors, and images.
Here are the most popular types of templates people buy:
- Social media graphics for Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok
- Presentation slides for business meetings or school projects
- Planners and organizers for daily tasks and goals
- Resumes and CVs for job applications
- Business cards and branding materials
- Wedding invitations and party decorations
- Ebooks and lead magnets
- YouTube thumbnails and channel art
These templates save people tons of time. Imagine a small business owner who needs to post on Instagram every day. Instead of designing from scratch, they buy a template pack and just change the text. In minutes, they have professional-looking posts ready to go.
Content creators, entrepreneurs, coaches, teachers, and even students are always looking for good templates. This demand creates a huge opportunity for you.
Why Selling Canva Templates Is a Profitable Business
I’ve researched this market, and the numbers are impressive. Let me tell you why this business model works so well.
First, your costs are very low. You don’t need to buy materials or pay for shipping. Once you create a template, you can sell it unlimited times without any extra work. That’s the beauty of digital products.
Second, the profit margins are excellent. If you sell a template for $10 and it costs you nothing to deliver, that’s almost 100% profit. Some successful sellers make between $1,000 to $3,000 per month. The top sellers can earn $20,000 or even $30,000 monthly.
Third, this is truly passive income. You create the template once, and it keeps making money for months or years. You can be earning while you’re sleeping, traveling, or working on other projects.
The scalability is another big advantage. You can start with a few templates and keep adding more. As your collection grows, so does your income potential.
Can You Legally Sell Canva Templates?
This is an important question, and I want to make sure you understand the rules.
Yes, you can legally sell Canva templates, but you need to follow certain guidelines. Canva allows users to create and sell templates, but there are some conditions.
Here’s what you need to know about Canva’s licensing:
If you use Canva Free elements in your templates, your buyers need to have their own Canva account to use them. The good news is they don’t need a paid account. Many successful sellers only use free elements to make their templates accessible to everyone.
If you use Canva Pro elements like premium photos, graphics, or fonts, your buyers will need a Canva Pro subscription to download or fully use the template. Some sellers prefer this because Pro elements often look more professional.
What you CAN sell:
- Templates you design from scratch using Canva’s tools
- Templates using free Canva elements
- Templates using Pro elements (if disclosed to buyers)
- Bundles and packages of multiple templates
What you CANNOT sell:
- Templates created by other Canva users
- Designs that copy someone else’s work
- Templates using elements you don’t have rights to
- Canva’s pre-made templates without significant changes
Always make sure you’re creating original designs. Don’t just change colors on an existing template and call it yours. Put in real creative work.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create Canva Templates to Sell
Let me walk you through the complete process of creating templates that actually sell.
Step 1: Identify Your Niche and Target Audience
This is where many beginners make mistakes. They try to create templates for everyone, which means they appeal to no one.
Instead, pick a specific niche. Here are some profitable niches:
- Social media templates for small businesses
- Wedding planners and invitations
- Fitness and nutrition planners
- Real estate marketing materials
- Teacher resources and educational printables
- Business presentations and pitch decks
- Blog graphics and Pinterest pins
Research what people are searching for. Go to Etsy and type “Canva template” in the search bar. Look at the autocomplete suggestions. These show you what real buyers are looking for.
Think about who your ideal customer is. Are they busy entrepreneurs? Social media managers? Teachers? Understanding your audience helps you design better templates.
Step 2: Design High-Quality Templates in Canva
Now it’s time to create your templates. Here’s my advice for making designs that sell:
Use Canva Pro if you can afford it. It costs about $13 per month and gives you access to premium elements, more storage, and useful features like background remover and magic resize.
Keep your designs clean and professional. Don’t overcrowd them with too many elements. White space is your friend. Simple, elegant designs often sell better than complicated ones.
Think about usability. Your buyers should be able to edit the template easily. Use clear fonts that are easy to read. Choose colors that work well together.
Create multiple variations. If you’re making Instagram templates, don’t create just one. Make a pack of 10 or 20 different designs with similar styles. Bundles sell better and have higher perceived value.
Make your templates versatile. They should work for different types of businesses or purposes. A social media template shouldn’t be too specific to one industry unless that’s your niche.
Step 3: Make Your Templates Editable and User-Friendly
This step is crucial for customer satisfaction.
Lock the elements you don’t want buyers to move or delete. In Canva, you can lock background elements, frames, and decorative graphics. This prevents buyers from accidentally messing up your design.
Leave text boxes and key elements editable. Make it obvious which parts they should customize. You can add placeholder text like “Your Business Name Here” or “Add Your Photo.”
Test your template before selling it. Open it as if you’re a buyer. Try to edit different elements. Is it easy? Can you understand what to do? If you’re confused, your buyers will be too.
Add instructions. Create a simple guide showing buyers how to customize the template. You can include this as a text file or a separate page in the template itself.
Step 4: Brand Your Templates
Building a brand makes you memorable and helps you stand out.
Add your logo or watermark to the preview images. This protects your designs and promotes your brand. But never add watermarks to the actual template that buyers will use. That’s a bad customer experience.
Create a consistent style across all your products. Use similar color palettes, fonts, and design elements. When people see your templates, they should recognize your style.
Give your template packs creative names that describe what they offer. Instead of “Social Media Templates,” try “Modern Social Media Bundle for Coaches” or “Minimal Instagram Pack for Small Business.”
Step 5: Prepare Your Templates for Sale
Before you list your templates, you need to prepare them properly.
The easiest way to deliver Canva templates is through shareable links. In Canva, click the “Share” button, then select “Template link.” This creates a special link that opens a copy of your template in the buyer’s Canva account.
Create eye-catching mockups and preview images. Show your templates on computers, phones, or in real-life settings. These images are what sell your product, so make them look amazing.
Write detailed product descriptions. Include what’s in the package, how many templates or pages, what buyers can edit, and whether they need Canva Pro. Use keywords that people search for.
Where to Sell Canva Templates Online
You have several options for selling your templates. Let me explain the best platforms.
Etsy – Best Platform for Beginners
Etsy is my top recommendation for new sellers. It’s a huge marketplace with millions of buyers looking for digital products.
Why Etsy works well:
- Built-in traffic from people searching for templates
- Easy to set up and use
- Affordable fees
- Trusted by buyers worldwide
Setting up is simple. Create an Etsy account, open a shop, and list your templates as digital downloads. Etsy charges a small listing fee and takes a percentage of each sale.
For Etsy SEO, use keywords in your title, description, and tags. Research what’s popular using tools like eRank or just by searching on Etsy and seeing what comes up. The more specific your keywords, the better.
Creative Market – For Professional Designers
Creative Market is more competitive but can be very profitable. It attracts professional buyers willing to pay more for high-quality templates.
The audience here includes designers, marketers, and businesses. They expect premium quality, so your templates need to be excellent.
You need to apply to sell on Creative Market. They review your portfolio and approve sellers based on quality. This makes it harder to start, but it also means less competition.
Your Own Website or Blog
Selling on your own website gives you the most control and keeps all the profits. No marketplace fees to pay.
You can use platforms like Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce, or simple solutions like Gumroad or Stan Store. These let you create a shop and sell digital products easily.
The challenge is driving traffic to your site. You’ll need to work harder on marketing through social media, SEO, or email lists. But once you build an audience, the payoff is bigger.
Social Media and Online Marketplaces
Don’t ignore social media for selling templates. Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are great for showing off your designs.
Share preview images, design tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Add links to your shop in your bio. Build a following, and they’ll become your customers.
Other platforms worth trying include:
- Gumroad: Simple and great for beginners
- Payhip: Easy digital product selling
- Stan Store: Popular with influencers
- Teachers Pay Teachers: If you create educational templates
How to Price Your Canva Templates
Pricing can be tricky. Price too low, and you undervalue your work. Price too high, and you might not get sales.
Here are the factors to consider:
Complexity matters. A simple one-page template should cost less than a complete bundle with 50 pages. Put in more work, charge more money.
Look at your competition. Search for similar templates on Etsy or other platforms. What are they charging? You don’t need to be the cheapest, but you should be in the same range.
Consider your niche. Business templates can often command higher prices than personal use templates. Wedding suites can be priced higher than basic social media posts.
Here are typical price ranges:
- Single templates: $3 to $10
- Small bundles (5-10 templates): $10 to $20
- Large bundles (20+ templates): $20 to $50
- Premium or complex templates: $50 to $100+
Start somewhere in the middle and adjust based on sales. If you’re selling a lot quickly, you might be too cheap. If you’re not selling at all, try lowering prices or improving your marketing.
Bundle pricing works well. Selling 10 templates for $15 is more attractive than selling one for $2. Buyers feel like they’re getting a deal.
Marketing Your Canva Templates Effectively
Creating great templates is only half the battle. You need to let people know they exist.
Optimize Listings with SEO Keywords
Keywords are how people find your products. Use the right words, and your templates will show up in searches.
Do keyword research. Look at what people are searching for on Etsy, Google, and Pinterest. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or just pay attention to autocomplete suggestions.
Put keywords in your product titles. Instead of “Pretty Instagram Templates,” try “Instagram Post Templates for Small Business | Social Media Bundle | Canva.”
Write descriptions that naturally include keywords. Don’t just stuff them in. Write helpful descriptions that also happen to use important search terms.
Use all available tags on platforms like Etsy. These help your products show up in more searches.
Leverage Social Media Marketing
Social media is free advertising if you do it right.
Instagram and Pinterest are visual platforms perfect for showing templates. Post preview images, carousel posts showing different pages, and before-and-after customization examples.
TikTok and YouTube Shorts are great for quick tutorials. Show how easy it is to customize your templates. These videos can go viral and drive tons of traffic.
Be consistent. Post regularly so people remember you. Share design tips, template previews, and customer testimonials.
Offer freebies to grow your audience. Give away one free template in exchange for email signups. Now you have a list of people interested in your products.
Create a Portfolio or Website
Even if you sell on Etsy, having your own website adds credibility.
Showcase your best templates on your site. Include customer reviews and testimonials. This builds trust with potential buyers.
Start a blog with design tips and tutorials. This helps with SEO and positions you as an expert. People who read your blog are more likely to buy your templates.
Build an email list. Email marketing has high returns. Send regular updates about new templates, tips, and special offers.
Collaborate with Influencers and Bloggers
Partnerships can expose your templates to new audiences.
Find influencers or bloggers in your niche. Reach out and offer them free templates in exchange for a review or mention.
Set up an affiliate program. Let others promote your templates and earn a commission on sales. This motivates them to sell for you.
Tips for Creating Best-Selling Canva Templates
Let me share some insider tips that successful sellers use.
Focus on trending niches. Pay attention to what’s popular right now. Are people into minimalist designs? Vintage aesthetics? Create templates that match current trends.
Keep designs simple and versatile. A template that works for many different purposes will sell better than one that’s too specific.
Offer bundles and packages. People love feeling like they’re getting a deal. Bundle similar templates together and price them attractively.
Update your shop regularly. Add new templates every week or month. This keeps your shop fresh and gives people reasons to come back.
Listen to customer feedback. If buyers ask for certain features or types of templates, consider creating them. Your customers tell you what they want to buy.
Create seasonal templates. Wedding season, back to school, holidays. These create buying urgency and can lead to big sales.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Canva Templates
Learn from others’ mistakes so you don’t have to make them yourself.
Don’t use elements you don’t have rights to. Only use Canva’s library or your own created elements. Never take graphics from Google Images or other sources.
Avoid overly complex designs. If your template is hard to edit, people won’t buy it again and might leave bad reviews.
Don’t ignore market research. Creating what you think is cool doesn’t matter if nobody wants to buy it. Research demand first.
Never skip clear instructions. Buyers should know exactly how to use your templates. Include a simple guide or tutorial.
Don’t set it and forget it. Successful sellers actively promote their templates and engage with customers. This isn’t completely passive income, especially at first.
Avoid competing on price alone. Being the cheapest doesn’t mean you’ll sell the most. Focus on quality and unique value instead.
How to Deliver Canva Templates to Customers
Delivery is an important part of the customer experience.
The easiest method is sharing template links. When someone buys, you send them the Canva template link. They click it, and the template opens in their Canva account ready to edit.
Include clear instructions with every purchase. Tell buyers how to open the link, customize the template, and download their finished design.
Many platforms like Etsy and Gumroad can automate delivery. As soon as someone buys, they automatically receive the download link. This saves you time.
Provide excellent customer support. Answer questions quickly and help if buyers have issues. Good service leads to positive reviews and repeat customers.
Scaling Your Canva Template Business
Once you’re making consistent sales, it’s time to grow.
Expand your product line. Add complementary templates. If you sell Instagram templates, add Facebook covers or Pinterest pins.
Create related digital products. If you sell social media templates, consider creating ebooks about social media strategy or online courses about using Canva.
Outsource tasks as you grow. Hire someone to handle customer service or social media. This frees you to focus on creating new templates.
Build an email list of buyers and leads. Email them about new products, exclusive deals, and helpful content. These people already know and trust you.
Consider raising prices as you gain reputation. When you have lots of positive reviews and proven quality, you can charge more.
Tools and Resources for Selling Canva Templates
These tools can make your template business easier.
Design tools:
- Canva Pro for creating templates
- Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop for advanced graphics
- Figma for design collaboration
Mockup generators:
- Placeit for showing templates in real-world settings
- Smartmockups for professional product images
- Canva itself has mockup features
SEO and keyword research:
- Google Keyword Planner for search terms
- eRank specifically for Etsy SEO
- Answer the Public for question-based keywords
Analytics tools:
- Google Analytics for website traffic
- Etsy Stats for marketplace performance
- Social media insights for content performance
Success Stories: How Much Can You Earn Selling Canva Templates?
Real people are making real money with Canva templates.
Many sellers report making between $1,000 to $3,000 per month consistently. This is enough for a solid side income or to supplement your main job.
Top sellers on platforms like Etsy earn $20,000 to $30,000 monthly. These are usually people who treat it as a full-time business, constantly creating new templates and marketing actively.
One seller shared that they made over $1,000 from just a few listings they created in an afternoon. Once created, these templates kept selling without much additional work.
The key to success is consistency and quality. Don’t expect to get rich overnight. Build your collection over time, learn what sells, and keep improving.
Start small and grow gradually. Even earning $100 in your first month is progress. With time and effort, that can grow to $500, then $1,000, and beyond.
Start Your Canva Template Business Today
You now have everything you need to start selling Canva templates.
Let me recap the key steps:
- Choose your niche and understand your target audience
- Create high-quality, user-friendly templates
- Set up shop on Etsy, Creative Market, or your own website
- Price your templates competitively
- Market through SEO, social media, and email
- Deliver templates smoothly and provide great service
- Keep creating and scaling your business
This business model offers real potential for passive income. You create once and sell many times. You work from anywhere and set your own schedule.
The best time to start is now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or until you’re an expert designer. Start simple, learn as you go, and improve over time.
Remember, every successful template seller started exactly where you are now. They took action, learned from mistakes, and kept going. You can do the same.
The market for Canva templates continues to grow as more people start online businesses and create content. There’s room for you in this market.
Take the first step today. Open Canva, create your first template, and start your journey to passive income.
FAQs About Selling Canva Templates
Q1. Can I sell Canva templates legally?
Yes, you can legally sell Canva templates that you create yourself. Make sure you only use elements you have rights to from Canva’s library or your own created graphics. Follow Canva’s licensing terms, and you’ll be fine.
Q2. Do I need Canva Pro to sell templates?
No, you don’t need Canva Pro to sell templates. You can create templates using only free elements. However, Canva Pro gives you access to premium elements and features that can make your templates look more professional and stand out from competitors.
Q3. Where is the best place to sell Canva templates?
Etsy is the best place for beginners because it has built-in traffic and is easy to use. As you grow, consider selling on your own website for higher profits, or on Creative Market for premium pricing. Many successful sellers use multiple platforms.
Q4. How much money can I make selling Canva templates?
Earnings vary widely. Beginners might make $100 to $500 per month, while consistent sellers earn $1,000 to $3,000 monthly. Top sellers can make $20,000 or more per month. Your income depends on the quality of templates, marketing efforts, and number of products available.
Q5. What types of Canva templates sell best?
Social media templates for Instagram and Pinterest are consistently popular. Other top sellers include planners, business presentations, resumes, wedding invitations, and educational resources. The best type for you depends on your niche and target audience.
Q6. How do I deliver templates to buyers?
The easiest way is through Canva template links. Create a shareable link in Canva and send it to buyers. They click the link and the template opens in their Canva account. Most selling platforms like Etsy can automate this delivery process.
Q7. How do I price my Canva templates competitively?
Research similar templates on your chosen platform to see what others charge. Single templates typically sell for $3 to $10, while bundles range from $15 to $50 or more. Price based on complexity, number of templates included, and your target market’s budget.
Read more about Canva in my other blogs:
