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Looking for a creative way to earn money from home? Selling social media templates could be your answer. With more businesses moving online, the demand for professional-looking social media content has never been higher. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional designer to get started.
Also See: Best Selling Canva Templates
What Are Social Media Templates?
Social media templates are pre-designed layouts that businesses can easily customize for their social media posts. Think of them as fill-in-the-blank designs where companies can add their own text, photos, and branding to create professional-looking posts quickly.
Why do businesses need them? Simple: creating fresh, engaging social media content every day is time-consuming. Templates help businesses maintain a consistent brand image without spending hours on design. They’re especially valuable for small businesses and entrepreneurs who can’t afford a full-time designer.
Canva makes creating these templates incredibly simple. Its drag-and-drop interface, extensive element library, and template-sharing features make it the perfect tool for both creators and businesses. Plus, with Canva’s growing popularity, many businesses already know how to use it.
What You Need to Start
Starting a template business is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you need:
- A Canva Pro account ($119.99/year or $12.99/month)
- Basic design interest (no professional skills required)
- 5-10 hours per week to create and sell
- A computer with internet connection
That’s it! The initial investment is low, and you can start creating templates right away.
Also See: How to Make Money on Pinterest as a Beginner
Getting Your First Templates Ready
Success in the template business starts with focus. Instead of trying to create everything for everyone, follow these steps:
- Choose ONE Platform: Pick either Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook to start. Instagram is often the easiest for beginners because of its standard post sizes and high demand.
- Pick ONE Business Type: Focus on either restaurants, real estate, or fitness businesses. These niches consistently need social media content and have clear visual styles you can follow.
- Create Your First Set: Start with 5-10 templates in your chosen niche. For example, if you choose Instagram and restaurants, create templates for:
Daily specials- Happy hour announcements
- Customer reviews
- Food photos with quotes
- Weekly menu highlights
- Test Your Templates: Before selling, customize each template yourself to ensure they’re easy to edit. If you struggle to modify something, your customers will too.
Pricing Your Templates
Keep your pricing simple when starting out:
- Single templates: $5-15 each
- Starter bundle (5 templates): $20-30
- Premium bundle (10 templates): $40-60
Pro Tip: Start with a small bundle of 5 templates priced at $25. This price point is low enough to attract first-time buyers but high enough to make your work worthwhile.
Expected Income
Let’s set realistic expectations about earnings:
First Month:
- Focus on creating your template collection
- Set up your shop
- Don’t expect significant sales
Months 2-3:
- Potential earnings: $100-300
- Usually comes from 5-15 sales per month
Months 4-6:
- Potential earnings: $300-1,000
- Comes from increased visibility and repeat customers
Where to Sell Your Templates
Start with Etsy. Here’s why:
- Built-in customer base looking for digital products
- Easy shop setup
- Straightforward payment processing
- Established trust with buyers
Once you have consistent sales (around 20+), consider creating your own website to increase profits.
Simple Marketing Plan
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on these key activities:
Pinterest Marketing
- Create pins showcasing your templates in action
- Post 3-5 times per week
- Join relevant group boards
Instagram Showcase
- Post examples of your templates being used
- Share design tips and tricks
- Show behind-the-scenes of your creation process
Network and Share
- Tell friends and family about your business
- Join Facebook groups for small business owners
- Engage with potential customers in your niche
Remember: consistency matters more than perfection. Start small, but post regularly.
Next Steps
Ready to start? Here’s your action plan for this week:
- Sign up for Canva Pro
- Choose your platform and niche
- Create your first template
- Set up an Etsy shop
- Share your first creation on social media
The key to success in the template business is starting simple and growing steadily. Focus on creating quality templates for a specific audience, price them fairly, and market them consistently. With dedication and patience, you can build a profitable template business from home.