How to Use Canva Templates as a Side Hustle That Earns $100 a Week
The realistic way to make small streams of cash online with Canva templates
I want to share something that has helped me and many others earn a little extra cash. It is not about making millions overnight, but about building a reliable side income with a tool most of us already know: Canva. Yes, the same Canva where you make your Instagram posts, flyers, and presentations. You can turn those simple designs into a small side hustle that, if done consistently, can earn you around $100 a week. And I promise, it is possible.
Before you roll your eyes and think it is too complicated, hear me out. You do not need a graphic design degree or years of experience. You just need an eye for simple, useful templates and the patience to put them out there.
Why Canva Templates Work
The magic of Canva templates is that they are digital, reusable, and in demand. Small business owners, content creators, coaches, and even social media enthusiasts are constantly looking for easy ways to make their content look professional. You save them time and effort, and in return, you get paid.
Templates can be anything: Instagram post templates, Pinterest graphics, planners, calendars, resumes, media kits, or even ebooks. Once created, you can sell the same template to multiple people, which is where the repeatable income comes from. One product can make money again and again without extra effort.
Getting Started
The first step is to brainstorm what people might actually need. Ask yourself: what have I seen people struggle with online? What are businesses asking for? For example, I noticed many small business owners waste hours trying to make simple Instagram posts look good. That became my first template bundle: Instagram carousel posts.
Next, pick a platform to sell. Gumroad, Etsy, Creative Market, and even your own website work. Each has its pros and cons. Etsy has built-in traffic but takes a fee; Gumroad is simple and direct but you may need to market your products yourself.
Then, design your templates. Keep them simple. Minimalist and easy-to-edit templates sell the best because buyers want something they can adapt quickly. You do not need flashy animations or complicated designs. Focus on usefulness, clarity, and style.
Pricing and Earning
Pricing is tricky but you do not need to overthink it. Start small. $5 to $15 per template is reasonable. A bundle can go for $20 to $40. If you sell 10 templates a week at $10 each, that is already $100. It is not instant, but achievable with consistency and some marketing.
Speaking of marketing, do not rely on organic traffic alone. Promote on Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok. Show your templates in action. A simple reel demonstrating how easy it is to use your template can drive buyers. Even one or two sales a day adds up to $100 a week quickly.
Risks and Reality
Now let us be honest. It is not all rainbows. The market is competitive. Many templates exist already, so you need to offer something slightly different or better. Copying trends blindly rarely works. Also, do not expect passive income immediately. It takes effort to create, upload, and market your templates.
There is also the risk of copyright issues. Never copy someone else’s design exactly. Always make original work or heavily adapt stock elements you are allowed to use.
Finally, your first few weeks may feel slow. You might not get sales immediately. That is normal. Persistence and consistency are what separate those who earn $100 a week from those who give up after a few days.
Scaling Your Side Hustle
Once you have a few templates selling regularly, consider scaling. Create bundles, add new categories, or even offer custom templates. You can also cross-promote products: a social media bundle with Instagram posts, stories, and Pinterest pins. People love convenience.
Another way to grow is to collect email addresses or followers. This allows you to notify previous buyers about new templates, which increases repeat sales. Remember, each small step compounds over time. What feels like tiny efforts in the beginning can turn into a reliable $100 a week side income and even more.
Final Advice
The key to making this work is consistency. One template may not sell, but ten templates released over a few weeks increase your chances dramatically. Keep improving your designs based on feedback. Look at what sells and adapt without copying.
Do not wait for the perfect template. Launch early, learn from the market, and iterate. Small, consistent action wins over perfection every time.
Remember, this is about building a side income that fits into your life. It is flexible, low-risk if you follow copyright rules, and scalable. If you put in a little effort regularly, earning $100 a week from Canva templates is not just possible… it is realistic.