ad // Canva is without a doubt one of the most useful tools for bloggers, business owners – anyone who has a website, really. I’ve been using Canva more or less since I started blogging and it’s something I use every week without fail for my blog. I literally wouldn’t know what to do without it!
Naturally, I’ve got better with Canva over time. Looking back at some of my older blog graphics and pins makes me want to shed a tiny little tear but like with most things, you have to practice. And Canva is no different.
It’s such a friendly and easy to use platform, I’d always recommend it to anyone who blogs or has a business. So let’s take a really quick dive into what Canva is and how you can use it to uplevel your blog in 2023:
What is Canva?
Canva is a graphic design platform that is used by millions to make social media graphics, presentations, posters, business logos and MUCH more. Canva has ready to use templates and graphics for all users to help them design personal and branded imagery but also offers a paid-for service called Canva Pro for extra functionality.
Is Canva Pro worth it?
I personally LOVE Canva Pro and it’s one of the very few blogging resources that I’ve never considered parting with since I signed up for it. Obviously it depends how much you use Canva in the first place and how much you rely on it for your blog or business but if you’re a regular user, I think it’s definitely worth it.
Canva Pro costs $12.99 a month (around £10 for my UK folk) which I think is extremely reasonable consider you get access to ALL of Canva’s “pro” graphics, templates and options. Pro options on Canva tend to look more professional, which is an aspect I love and it also gives you much more choice.
Another benefit of using Canva Pro with all it’s additional extras is that you’re going to be creating something much more unique that your competitors who are on the basic plan.
How can I use Canva to level up my blog in 2023?
I absolutely cannot go through all the features and options that Canva has – I will literally be here until I die. You’ve only gotta go on the website and see how many options there are available. But here I’m going to highlight some of the main ways you can use Canva for your blog:
Pinterest templates
Pinterest templates is probably what takes up the majority of my time when it comes to using Canva. Pinterest can be such a great tool for your blog traffic but it all starts with the pins you make and share on the platform.
They need to be aesthetically pleasing, on brand and clear on what the blog post is going to say. And Canva is the ideal place to create bold, bright and coherent Pinterest graphics.
As well as an array of templates on Canva already available to use (on the free plan and the Pro plan), you can also outsource template that you can upload to the platform to use as well.
I’ve bought and used PLENTY of Pinterest templates from other bloggers / creators / businesses in the past and I find them so beneficial – especially in saving me time.
If, like me, you don’t particularly LIKE creating Pinterest pins (but do it anyway because of how much it can help your blog) then outsourcing Pinterest templates could be a great option for you.
Helen Garfield is the face behind The Creatives Desk, an amazing marketing blog and business with over 10 years of experience behind her. She’s created this incredible bundle of Pinterest templates for you, for only $17.
In this beautiful bundle, you’ll be getting 60 Pinterest templates – that’s a LOT of pins you can create! She’s also included:
- Titled designs for blog posts, promotions, etc with call-to-action examples.
- Numbered blog post title designs.
- Engagement pins and list designs.
- Quote templates.
- Multi-photo frame templates.
- Aesthetic stock imagery.
So basically everything you need to create beautiful Pinterest graphics that get you clicks and engagement. These templates will help you save time in creating your own designs and are super easy to just swap and change the information to suit.
There is also a matching set of social media square posts as part of the Natural Elegance Collection.
I can’t wait to use these Pinterest graphics so I can create more beautiful pins, quicker and easier. It’ll save me time doing something I don’t particularly enjoy doing anyway, also with the knowledge that they’re going to look great!
You can find Helen’s shop here, or follow her on Instagram or Pinterest.
Instagram graphics
Instagram graphics is another great thing you can create on Canva. Instagram graphics are great to make as extensions to you blog content, to get your main points in your blog posts across to your Instagram followers, to encourage them to check out your blog.
You can make lists, quotes and more and like I mentioned above, with Helen’s Pinterest package, you also get Instagram graphics as well!
eBooks (to sell or use in your freebie library)
You can make really attractive eBooks and workbooks etc on Canva that you can obviously either sell as a resource or use in your freebie library – like I do! I create ALL my freebie library content in Canva and it couldn’t be easier, including all the eBooks.
If you want access to my freebie library, click here to sign up to my mailing list, which will give you the password and full access to the library.
Coherent branding across the board
Canva allows you to create brand colours, fonts and images that you can use over and over again on your graphics to ensure you have coherent branding across the board on social media and your blog content.
Presentations to use for webinars
You can create full presentations on Canva, which are fantastic to use if you’re going to be hosting a virtual event or a webinar for your blog or business! You can create aesthetically pleasing slides which will help attendees follow along.
Media kits
And finally, all bloggers need a media kit if you’re hoping to work with brands and PR’s on sponsored content and advertorials and Canva is the best place to make one. Like with everything, there are some ready-made media kit templates to use which is really handy.
If you’ve not got yourself a FREE Canva account yet, then you absolutely must if you’re a blogger or business owner. The free account allows you to do so much, so even if you don’t have the funds for the Pro account, you’re still not missing out.
The Pro account just allows you to use additional graphics, fonts and templates but nothing mentioned within this post NEEDS the Pro account for use, which is fab!
I’d also highly recommend checking out The Creative’s Desk Pinterest templates if you’re looking to save time on creating Pinterest pins and don’t want to hire anyone to do them for you!