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Restaurant owners and food entrepreneurs face the constant challenge of creating visually appealing menus that attract customers and boost sales. While professional menu design services can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, there’s a growing opportunity for designers to create and sell customizable Canva menu templates. This business model serves both restaurant owners seeking affordable design solutions and creative individuals looking to build a profitable side income.
Small restaurant owners, food truck operators, and catering businesses need professionally designed menus but often lack the budget for custom design work. By creating and selling Canva menu templates, you can help these businesses elevate their brand while building a sustainable income stream – whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting your creative journey.
What You Need to Start
Before launching your menu template business, you’ll need:
A Canva Pro account Basic design skills and an eye for typography Understanding of restaurant menu layout principles Knowledge of current food industry design trends Computer or tablet for template creation Time to develop your initial template collection
The investment to start this business is relatively low, with Canva Pro being the main expense at around $120/year. You’ll also want to set aside time to learn the platform’s features and study successful menu designs.
Identifying Profitable Niches
Success in the template market comes from targeting specific restaurant categories. Consider specializing in:
Fine dining menus with elegant layouts Casual restaurant menus optimized for readability Cafe and coffee shop menu boards Food truck menu displays Seasonal menu designs Wine and cocktail lists Dessert menus Kids’ menus
Research shows that different restaurant types have distinct design needs. Fine dining establishments often prefer minimalist layouts with sophisticated typography, while casual eateries need bold, easy-to-read designs that highlight popular dishes.
Getting Your First Templates Ready
Creating your first collection requires attention to both design and functionality. Start with these fundamentals:
Use proper hierarchy to highlight important items Include space for prices and descriptions Design with common menu categories in mind Create variations for different meal periods Ensure easy customization for buyers Test templates with sample content Include placeholder images and icons
Your templates should balance artistic appeal with practical usability. Consider creating coordinated sets that include different sizes and formats for the same design theme.
Also See: Best Selling Canva Template Ideas
Pricing Your Templates
To determine optimal pricing, consider these factors:
Competition research Template complexity Included variations Commercial usage rights Platform fees
Individual templates typically sell between $3-15, while template bundles can command $20-50. Consider offering both options to maximize your revenue potential.
Expected Income
Starting out, aim to create 15-20 quality templates in your first month. With proper marketing and competitive pricing, new sellers typically earn $100-300 monthly in their first quarter. As your template collection grows and you build customer reviews, monthly earnings of $500-1000 are achievable within the first year.
Where to Sell Your Templates
Your templates can find homes on various platforms:
Etsy – Large marketplace with built-in audience Creative Market – Design-focused platform Your own website – Higher profit margins Template marketplaces – Additional exposure Social media platforms – Direct customer connection
Each platform has unique advantages and fee structures. Consider starting with one platform and expanding as you gain traction.
Next Steps
Starting your menu template business begins with creating a small collection of high-quality designs focused on a specific restaurant niche. Build your initial portfolio with 5-7 templates, establish your brand presence on your chosen platform, and start connecting with potential customers through social media and restaurant industry groups.
Your success will grow through consistent template creation, customer feedback integration, and staying current with restaurant industry trends. Start small, focus on quality over quantity, and gradually expand your template collection based on market demand and customer requests.