How to Make Money with Canva: 50 Proven Strategies for Creators

Turn Your Canva Skills Into a Thriving Business

Hey there! If you’re looking for a way to make money with Canva, you’re in the right place. When I first stumbled across Canva, I thought it was just a cute little design tool for making pretty graphics. Boy, was I wrong!

Fast forward a few years, and Canva has become the backbone of my side hustle, helping me create everything from Canva templates for Etsy to full-blown digital products that sell while I sleep. Whether you’re a blogger, teacher, influencer, or total beginner, you can use Canva to generate real income—without a graphic design degree.

In this guide, I’m sharing 50 proven strategies to make money with Canva, plus beginner-friendly tips to help you launch your creative business. From Canva print-on-demand to Canva design services, I’ll walk you through the best ways to turn your creativity into cash. Ready to dive in? Let’s make it happen!

Why Canva Is Your Ticket to a Creative Side Hustle

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by complicated design software, Canva is your new best friend. Here’s why it’s the perfect platform to make money with Canva:

• User-Friendly Interface: Canva’s drag-and-drop editor is so simple, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. No design degree required—just a spark of creativity.
• Affordable Canva Pro Benefits: For just $119.99/year, Canva Pro unlocks premium templates, branding kits, and tools like Magic Resize that save you hours.
• Huge Market Demand: Businesses, bloggers, and entrepreneurs are desperate for affordable designs like social media graphics, eBooks, and Canva digital products.

When I started, I was juggling a full-time job and barely had time to learn new skills. Canva’s simplicity let me create professional designs fast, and soon I was selling Canva templates for Etsy to pay for my coffee addiction. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you!

50 Proven Ways to Make Money with Canva

Below, I’ve broken down 50 strategies to make money with Canva into three categories: passive income, active income, and hybrid models. Whether you want to earn a quick buck or build a long-term business, there’s something here for you.

Passive Income Ideas: Work Once, Earn Again and Again

Passive income is my favorite way to make money with Canva because it keeps paying you long after the work is done. Here are my top picks:

1. Sell Canva Templates for Etsy: Create social media packs, resumes, or lead magnets and sell them on Etsy. I sold my first Instagram template bundle for $15 and made $200 in a week!
2. Design Digital Planners: Use Canva to create planners for fitness, budgeting, or academics. Sell them on platforms like Gumroad.
3. Create eBook Covers: Design stunning eBook covers or workbook templates for authors and course creators.
4. Offer Subscription-Based Bundles: Sell monthly design bundles for bloggers or small businesses.
5. Join the Canva Contributor Marketplace: Upload your designs to Canva’s Contributor Hub and earn royalties when others use them.
6. Sell Printable Wall Art: Create motivational quotes or minimalist art for home decor shops.
7. Design Lead Magnets: Make checklists, cheat sheets, or templates to grow your email list via ConvertKit.
8. Create Canva Print-on-Demand Products: Design mugs, t-shirts, or tote bags for Printful or Redbubble.
9. Sell Editable Invitations: Wedding or party invites are hot sellers on Etsy.
10. Develop Social Media Content Kits: Create Instagram Stories or Pinterest templates for niche markets like real estate or fitness.

Pro Tip: Focus on a specific niche (e.g., “Instagram templates for yoga teachers”) to stand out. Check out Pinterest Business for trending niches.

Active Income Streams: Quick Cash for Your Canva Skills

If you need money now, these active income ideas are perfect for making money with Canva through services:

11. Offer Freelance Canva Design Services: List your skills on Fiverr or Upwork. I landed my first client designing YouTube thumbnails for $50 a pop!
12. Design Custom Branding Kits: Create logos, color palettes, and fonts for small businesses.
13. Make Social Media Content: Design Instagram carousels or Reels covers for influencers.
14. Build PowerPoint Presentations: Create sleek slides for professionals or educators.
15. Design Event Materials: Make flyers, banners, or tickets for local events.
16. Create Marketing Materials: Design brochures or business cards for startups.
17. Offer Blog Graphics: Create Pinterest pins or blog post headers for bloggers.
18. Design Email Templates: Build branded email headers for MailerLite.
19. Make Wedding Stationery: Offer custom save-the-dates or thank-you cards.
20. Create Infographics: Design data-driven visuals for businesses or educators.

Pro Tip: Use Tailwind to schedule Pinterest pins showcasing your services. It’s a game-changer for visibility!

Hybrid Models: The Best of Both Worlds

These strategies combine upfront effort with long-term gains, perfect for scaling your income:

21. Launch a Canva Print-on-Demand Store: Design unique products and sell via Printful. I made $1,200 last month selling custom mugs!
22. Teach Canva Courses: Create courses on Teachable or Skillshare. Focus on niches like “Canva for bloggers.”
23. Offer 1-on-1 Canva Coaching: Provide personalized training via Zoom.
24. Sell Templates with Upgrades: Offer basic templates and charge for customizations.
25. Start a YouTube Channel: Share Canva tutorials and monetize with Canva’s affiliate program (25% commission).
26. Create a Membership Site: Offer exclusive templates or tutorials for a monthly fee.
27. Design Niche-Specific Templates: Make templates for industries like real estate or wellness.
28. Sell Canva Mockups: Create product mockups for e-commerce sellers.
29. Offer Blog Post Graphics Packages: Bundle headers, pins, and social graphics for bloggers.
30. Build a Canva Design Blog: Share tutorials and monetize with ads or affiliate links.

Pro Tip: Link to related articles on your blog, like my post on How to Create Stunning Pinterest Pins with Canva for more tips.

Best Canva Digital Products to Sell

Not sure where to start? These Canva digital products are in high demand and easy to create:

• Social Media Templates: Instagram posts, Pinterest pins, or TikTok graphics.
• Printable Planners: Fitness trackers, budget planners, or student schedules.
• eBook and Workbook Designs: Templates for self-published authors or coaches.
• Editable Business Templates: Invoices, media kits, or client proposals.
• Lesson Plans for Teachers: Worksheets or classroom decor.
• Party Invitations: Birthday, baby shower, or wedding invites.
• Resume Templates: Professional designs for job seekers.
• Branding Kits: Logos, color schemes, and fonts for startups.
• YouTube Thumbnails: Eye-catching designs for video creators.
• Pinterest Pin Templates: Optimized for Pinterest’s algorithm.

When I launched my first set of Pinterest pin templates, I used Ahrefs to research trending keywords. Sales skyrocketed after I optimized my Etsy listings!

Tools & Skills You Need to Make Money with Canva

To make money with Canva, you don’t need to be a tech genius, but a few tools and skills will set you up for success:

• Canva Pro Account: The $119.99/year plan gives you access to premium templates and Canva Pro benefits like Magic Studio and Brand Kit.
• Design Basics: Learn color theory, typography, and layout (check Canva’s Design School).
• Tech Setup: A reliable computer and fast internet are must-haves.
• E-commerce Knowledge: Understand platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Amazon KDP.
• Marketing Skills: Use SEO, email marketing (ConvertKit), and Pinterest to promote your work.

When I started, I spent hours watching free YouTube tutorials to master Canva. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert yet—start small and learn as you go!

How Much Can You Earn with Canva?

Wondering about the earning potential? Here’s what real creators are making:

• Etsy Template Shops: $500–$5,000/month selling Canva templates for Etsy.
• Freelance Designers: Up to $50,000/year offering Canva design services.
• Print-on-Demand Sellers: $1,000+/month with Canva print-on-demand stores.
• Course Creators: $10,000+ per course launch on platforms like Teachable.
• Affiliate Marketers: 25% commission via Canva’s affiliate program.

I started with a small Etsy shop selling resume templates. Within six months, I was earning $1,500/month—enough to cover my rent! Your income depends on your niche, marketing, and hustle.

Pinterest: Your Secret Weapon for Canva Success

Pinterest is a goldmine for promoting your Canva digital products and services. Here’s how to use it:

• Create Eye-Catching Pins: Use Canva to design pins that scream “click me!” Check out my guide on Designing Pinterest Pins That Convert.
• Optimize for SEO: Add keywords like make money with Canva or Canva templates for Etsy to your pin descriptions. Use Google Search Central for SEO tips.
• Schedule with Tailwind: Automate your pins with Tailwind to save time.
• Join Group Boards: Collaborate with other creators to boost your reach.

When I started pinning my Canva templates, my Etsy traffic tripled in a month. Pinterest is your best friend for driving sales!

Top Tips to Maximize Your Canva Income

Here are my go-to tips for making money with Canva:

• Solve a Problem: Create designs for specific needs, like “Instagram templates for fitness coaches.”
• Stay Trendy: Follow Pinterest Trends for hot niches like AI tools or seasonal products.
• Diversify Income Streams: Don’t rely on one platform—combine Etsy, freelancing, and courses.
• Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work on a simple website or social media.
• Start Small: You don’t need to be perfect. Launch your first product this week!

FAQs About Making Money with Canva

Your Canva Side Hustle Awaits!

Honestly, you don’t need to be a design expert to make money with Canva. All it takes is a bit of creativity, a sprinkle of strategy, and the courage to start. Whether you’re selling Canva templates for Etsy, launching a Canva print-on-demand store, or offering Canva design services, the opportunities are endless. I started with a single template and a dream, and now my Canva side hustle pays my bills!

Ready to take the leap? Pick one idea from this post—maybe a set of Instagram templates or a printable planner—and create it this week. Upload it to Etsy, pin it on Pinterest, and watch the sales roll in. Your future self will thank you!

Start your Canva journey today with a free Canva account or upgrade to Canva Pro for premium features. Want more tips?

---

Disclaimer: Your success in making money with Canva depends on your effort, consistency, and market trends. Canva and Pinterest are powerful tools, but building a profitable side hustle requires patience and a solid strategy.

---

If you found this guide helpful, consider subscribing to The Side Hustler newsletter for more beginner-friendly, actionable tips. Start building your Pinterest presence today!

What to Read Next