Now that your students know how to design and build templates, this module will teach them how to turn their skills into revenue by creating and selling Canva templates on platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, and Canva Creators.
This lesson covers the business side of Canva — product creation, optimization, and selling strategies.
💰 Creating Templates for Sale (Etsy, Creative Market, Canva Creators)
🎯 Lesson Objective
By the end of this lesson, students will:
- Understand how to create and package Canva templates for sale
- Learn the requirements and best practices for selling on Etsy, Creative Market, and Canva Creators
- Explore how to brand, license, and price their templates professionally
- Build a passive income stream from digital design products
💡 1. Why Sell Canva Templates?
Selling templates allows designers to earn money passively while helping others create content easily.
✅ Low startup cost — only your creativity and Canva
✅ Endless demand — businesses, influencers, and educators all need templates
✅ Work once, earn many times
✅ Showcase your design skills to global audiences
🪶 Pro Tip: The most profitable sellers specialize in a niche (e.g., small business branding, social media packs, resume kits).
🧱 2. Types of Canva Templates You Can Sell
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Social Media Templates | Instagram posts, Reels covers, Pinterest pins, Facebook ads |
| Business Templates | Logos, brand kits, business cards, proposals |
| Marketing Templates | Flyers, brochures, email headers, infographics |
| Digital Product Templates | eBooks, planners, journals, worksheets |
| Event Templates | Invitations, certificates, menus, posters |
| Creator / Influencer Kits | Media kits, pricing guides, content calendars |
🪶 Pro Tip: Pick a category you enjoy designing — consistency helps you grow a recognizable brand.
🎨 3. Designing Templates for Sale in Canva
🪄 Step 1: Choose a Niche
Research what’s trending on marketplaces:
- Search Etsy for “Canva template” + category.
- Study top-selling designs for layout ideas, color palettes, and customer needs.
🪶 Pro Tip: Create for your target audience, not for yourself — what do small business owners or coaches need most?
🪄 Step 2: Design with Reusability in Mind
- Use editable text boxes and frames for easy customization.
- Keep layouts clean, flexible, and brand-neutral.
- Avoid overly stylized or cluttered templates.
- Group similar elements (e.g., icons, shapes) for structure.
🪶 Pro Tip: Templates should look beautiful and be easy for buyers to edit.
🪄 Step 3: Include a Cover and Preview Page
Buyers decide within seconds — visuals sell!
Include:
- A branded cover image with the title (“30 Instagram Templates for Coaches”)
- Preview pages showing multiple slides
- Mockups (laptop, phone, tablet) to visualize the templates in use
🪶 Pro Tip: Use Canva’s Smartmockups feature to create polished, realistic previews.
🧰 4. Saving and Packaging Templates
You don’t sell the Canva file itself — you sell access to a template link.
🪄 Step 1: Create Your Design
Build the full template pack (e.g., 20–50 designs in one Canva file).
🪄 Step 2: Share as a “Use Template” Link
- Open your design → Click Share (top-right)
- Select Template Link → Copy link
- This ensures buyers get their own editable copy — not your master file
🪄 Step 3: Deliver via PDF Download
- Create a 1-page PDF in Canva with:
- Product title and thank-you note
- The clickable template link
- Editing instructions (e.g., “Click ‘Use Template’ to open in Canva”)
🪶 Pro Tip: Never give direct “Edit” links — always share “Use Template” links for safety.
💼 5. Selling Templates on Etsy
🪄 Step 1: Set Up Your Etsy Shop
- Go to etsy.com/sell.
- Choose a shop name that reflects your niche (e.g., “StudioBloomTemplates”).
- Upload a banner and logo for branding.
🪄 Step 2: Create a Listing
Include:
- Title with keywords (e.g., “Editable Canva Template | Instagram Post Pack”)
- Description with clear instructions and features
- 5–10 mockup images
- Tags for discoverability (e.g., “Canva,” “Social Media Kit,” “Small Business”)
- Attach your PDF (with template link) as the product file
🪄 Step 3: Price Your Templates
Start with affordable pricing: $8–$25 per pack.
Offer bundle discounts for larger packs.
🪶 Pro Tip: Add a short tutorial video or instructions to reduce buyer confusion and build trust.
💻 6. Selling on Creative Market
Creative Market is great for professional designers targeting agencies and businesses.
🪄 How It Works
- Apply to become a seller on creativemarket.com.
- Upload template packs and previews.
- Price higher ($20–$100) for premium design kits.
🪶 Pro Tip: Focus on high-quality templates (presentations, brand kits, media packs) — Creative Market customers expect professional polish.
🌟 7. Joining the Canva Creators Program
Canva allows skilled designers to upload and monetize templates directly in the Canva library.
🪄 How to Join
- Apply at Canva Creators.
- Submit portfolio samples and demonstrate design skill.
- Once accepted, you can publish templates directly to Canva’s user library.
🪄 Earnings
- Earn royalties each time someone uses your template.
- Exposure to Canva’s global user base.
🪶 Pro Tip: Create templates that fill gaps — educational, business, or seasonal themes perform well.
🧾 8. Legal & Licensing Guidelines
- Only sell templates made 100% from Canva’s free content or your original uploads.
- Do not resell Canva Pro assets unless you have the right commercial license.
- Always provide clear usage rights in your product description:
- “For personal and business use only. Cannot be resold or redistributed as-is.”
🪶 Pro Tip: Review Canva’s Content License Agreement before selling.
📣 9. Promoting Your Templates
Marketing drives sales — even great templates need visibility.
🪄 Promotion Strategies
- Showcase previews on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest
- Use SEO-rich keywords in Etsy and Creative Market listings
- Offer free mini-templates to grow your email list
- Collaborate with influencers or small business coaches
- Regularly update your shop with seasonal or trendy packs
🪶 Pro Tip: Pinterest + Canva = a perfect combo for driving long-term organic sales.
🧠 10. Practical Activity for Students
Goal: Create a sellable Canva template product.
Steps:
- Choose a niche (e.g., Instagram posts for coaches).
- Design 5–10 cohesive templates in Canva.
- Create a branded cover page + mockups.
- Generate a “Use Template” link.
- Package the link into a PDF file with instructions.
- (Optional) Create an Etsy listing preview as practice.
Result: A ready-to-sell Canva template pack you can upload to Etsy, Creative Market, or Canva Creators.
🗣️ Discussion Prompts
- What types of templates do you think sell best and why?
- How can you make your listings stand out in crowded marketplaces?
- What are the benefits of selling on Canva Creators vs Etsy?
✨ Key Takeaways
- Canva templates can generate passive income and build your brand.
- Always design for your audience — functional, editable, and visually appealing.
- Use “Use Template” links for safe, shareable access.
- Platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, and Canva Creators each offer unique opportunities.
- Combine great design with clear instructions, strong branding, and marketing for success.